Process embedded design of integrated management systems

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a process‐based design of integrated management systems (IMS) implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive survey of peer‐reviewed literature was conducted. Based on the literature review, a comprehensive methodology for the design and implementation of an IMS was developed.

Findings

A critical review of the strategies employed and of difficulties encountered in IMS implementation reveals the need for a context‐ and process‐based design of IMS. At the operational level core activities are first designed from the perspective of stakeholders' requirements and then treated with operational excellence tools to strip away waste. The transformed core processes are then integrated with mainstream individual management systems to form one composite and holistic management system. The institutionalisation of IMS needs to be addressed in its design (through process embedded design) as well as at the users' level (through education and training of employees).

Practical implications

The paper provides the process‐based strategy for IMS implementation and institutionalisation.

Originality/value

The paper should be useful for practitioners searching for a recipe to integrate management systems, for government regulatory agencies seeking to facilitate the integration of management systems, and for researchers as a future area of research.

Citation

Asif, M., de Bruijn, E.J., Fisscher, O.A.M., Searcy, C. and Steenhuis, H. (2009), "Process embedded design of integrated management systems", International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, Vol. 26 No. 3, pp. 261-282. https://doi.org/10.1108/02656710910936735