PurposeThis research paper aims to explore the relationship between ISO 9000 certification and organisational performance by developing an ISO 9000 relationship model.Design/methodology/approachA survey instrument was used for quantitative data collection based on a global survey in collaboration with the Anderson School of Business, UCLA. All items were measured on a five point modified Likert scale. The data were analysed statistically by means of Statistical Package for Social Scientists. Factor analysis was performed. Multiple regressions was used to test the hypotheses. Both validity and reliability of the measures were checked in order to reduce measurement error.FindingsThe results show a positive and significant relationship between certification practices (implementation, organisational commitment and planning) with operational performance. However, the relationship between these practices with business performance was found to be positive but not significant of the variables we studied, organisational commitment to certification was found to be most strongly related to operational and business performance.Practical implicationsThe success of implementing ISO 9000 certification would be increased (operational and business performance) if it is well planned and implemented when the philosophical quality aspects of the organisation are coupled with employee training, periodic audits, corrective action and commitment at all levels of the organisation.Originality/valueThis paper's unique contribution to the literature is the rigorous research and analysis which statistically identify the best predictors for successful ISO 9000 implementation. The results demystify the confusion and contradictions which exist in the literature on the efficacy of ISO 9000 certification.

Robust quantum state transfer (QST) is an indispensable ingredient in scalable quantum information processing. Here we present an experimentally feasible mechanism for realizing robust QST via topologically protected edge states in superconducting qubit chains. Using superconducting Xmon qubits with tunable couplings, we construct generalized Su-Schrieffer-Heeger models and analytically derive the wave functions of topological edge states. We find that such edge states can be employed as a quantum channel to realize robust QST between remote qubits. With a numerical simulation, we show that both single-qubit states and two-qubit entangled states can be robustly transferred in the presence of sizable imperfections in the qubit couplings. The transfer fidelity demonstrates a wide plateau at the value of unity in the imperfection magnitude. This approach is general and can be implemented in a variety of quantum computing platforms.

We propose an experimental scheme to simulate and detect the properties of time-reversal invariant topological insulators, using cold atoms trapped in one-dimensional bichromatic optical lattices. This system is described by a one-dimensional Aubry-Andre model with an additional SU(2) gauge structure, which captures the essential properties of a two-dimensional Z 2 topological insulator. We demonstrate that topologically protected edge states, with opposite spin orientations, can be pumped across the lattice by sweeping a laser phase adiabatically. This process constitutes an elegant way to transfer topologically protected quantum states in a highly controllable environment. We discuss how density measurements could provide clear signatures of the topological phases emanating from our one-dimensional system.