Evolution of management system certification after “Big Revision”

Abstract

Purpose – the article provides part of the broader research in the area of management systems standards and management systems certification. In the paper we analyze the evolution of management system standards after implementation of High-Level Structure (Annex SL) on the example of the most popular management standard ISO 9001:2015 with the comparison to ISO 14001:2015. To understand the evolution and predict the future of certification we examine more deeply the behavior of individual standard worldwide and on the particular markets. Research methodology – this study presents a quantitative overview of the quality management system standard certification during and after the last revision transition period. It presents analyses based on ISO survey data, data of the certification structure in Slovakia and particular data of broader research on adoption of an environmental management system in Slovak companies. The data were presented in graphs and tables to outline the change of dynamics of standards usage. We compare certification markets and analyze the observable impact by the type of standard, sectors penetration and possible certification impacts. Findings – the evolution charts of the volume of certificates over time express a saturation effect and stable reduction in the dynamics of ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards. The analysis of certificates numbers by industrial sectors highlights a decrease in the majority of sectors, only a few of them show up a positive trend in the last two years. Practical implications − the results of this study should be considered indicative rather than definitive. Taking into account the assembled data, multiple questions appear about the future. The future studies could proceed in qualitative research on causes of certification reduction and the possible incentives for management system standards application in organizations to sustain a system of credibility in international trade. Originality/Value – the paper analyses the evolution of management system standards ISO 9001 with a focus on “Big Revision” impact.