Preliminary study to implement ISO 9001 quality management system for a small enterprise

Abstract

Focusing on the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) methodology, the goal of this study is to offer useful guidance and understanding to small businesses starting ISO 9001 implementation projects. This thesis has two main sections: a utilised case study and the research. In the research section, the tasks include examining implementation issues for a small non-manufacturing organisation, understanding the ISO standard, and analysing literature related to quality management systems. The practical case study is to help the company to prepare for internal and external auditing. It includes questionnaires, interviews, and the preparation of customized documentation including quality policy, quality manual and other necessary documents and records in accordance with organisational and standard requirements.

As this whole thesis is based on the PDCA cycle, the plan and do phase was the actual time-consuming part at the beginning. The check phase mostly involves internal and external auditing where it will be figured out what needs to be done or improved in the act phase after which the certification will be granted. According to the plan, it is anticipated that the auditing will take place in July 2024. Overall, as a result of the thesis, challenges were encountered by a small company trying to be prepared for auditing to implement QMS and the quality manual created was promised to be used for continuous improvement by the company.