The relationship between ISO 9001 and Total Quality Management: Analysis of SME-s in the Polog Region – Macedonia

Abstract

In recent years ISO 9001 standards and TQM techniques appear as the main tool in the market. This paper analyzes the relationship between ISO 9001 standards and TQM techniques in Macedonian SME-s. The research conducted in this paper shows the benefits that enterprises receive from the implementation of ISO 9001 standards and the relationship between them based on theoretical and empirical research. We, as authors emphasize the need for enterprises to focus on issues related to the application of this standard and TQM techniques to enterprises of Republic of Macedonia (specifically Polog Region). To analyze this effect, it was necessary to use the method of surveying with enterprises in the Republic of Macedonia. The research is based on a survey of 120 enterprises on Polog Region, where is analyzed the relationship between ISO 9001 standards and TQM techniques and which one of these quality techniques enterprises apply mostly. With the data processing, we can conclude that even though there are large difference s between ISO 9001 standards and Total Quality management again there is a good relationship between them.