Recognized Standard of Running Operations - Term Paper Example

 Recognized Standard of Running Operations Introduction The International Standardization for Organization (ISO) is a global federation that is concerned with certifying organizations and companies on their management systems especially ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 though the certification is not a requirement (Guasch, 2007). Apparently, organizations and companies request for certification to assist in upgrading of their operations. Numerous factors may compel organizations into seeking an ISO certificate such as the necessity to meet the preferences of their customers, assist in motivating staff members in setting clear goals for the advances of the companies and or organizations in the management systems, over and above, aiming to fall under the contest a risk management programme as argued by United Nations, Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, 2003. ISO 14001 According to Hillary 2000, various companies and organizations are constantly working on accomplishing and lying bare a sound environmental performance by simply controlling the impacts that have emerged with relation to the activities that they undertake. In essence, the organizations and companies guarantee there is consistence of their products and services with environmental policies and objectives that have been put internationally. This is done in respect to the development of policies in economy and other related measures that have been put in place to promote environmental protection, over and above, adhering to the concern that have been put forward by interest groups on environmental matters and a sustainable development (Blackburn, 2007). In light of this, numerous organization and companies all over the world take upon themselves the obligation to go through environmental reviews and audits in order to rate their environmental performance. Never the less, their own environmental review and audit may not meet the international expectations on environmental policy and as such tend to be ineffective. Thus, ISO 14001 needs to be conducted within a management system that is structured and one which is integrated within a specific organization or company (Edwards, 2004). Apparently, international standards that are mandated to cover environmental management provide organizations and or companies with elements that incorporate an efficient environment management system (EMS), which is then, integrated with related management requirements in a bid to achieve both environmental and economic goals. Of importance to note is that, International Standards do not create non-tariff trade barrier, increase or change the legal obligations of any organization (Hillary, 2000) Simply, International Standards gives specifications on the requirements of the environment management system that enables organizations and companies to come up with policies and objectives and further implement them with regard to significant environmental aspects. It aims at applying to various types of organizations in terms of size, geographic, cultural and social conditions. Needless to mention, that the success of the system heavily depends on all levels in an organization particularly the top management. Through this, organizations are able to develop environmental policies, improve their performances and demonstrate their conformity as per the requirements of the International Standards. Hence, the International Standards aims at supporting the conservation of the environment and prevention of the pollution in stability with social-economic needs, which can be addressed concurrently or revisited at anytime (MacLaran and MacGowan, 1999) Benefit of ISO 14001 ISO 14001 as one of the international standards that are used globally has continually promoted a common approach to environmental management. In essence, when correctively used it contributes to an effective utilisation of key energy types and materials, which eventually lead to reduction of waste outputs an organization produces leading to a subsequent reduction of costs. As a well established international standard, it has continually gathered respect especially from consumers who have the knowledge and awareness, which gives them assurance with regard to its standards and ethical objectives (Mc Adam and McEnroe 2004). Moreover, the standard gives an organization the right to take control over the environmental aspects and their impacts on its own with reference to the products and or services that it is involved. In fact, it is argued that organizations are in better positions to understand their products or services, over and above, the waste that are generated by the entire organization during processing. Hence, internal experts are in a better position to control the situation as compared to external experts (Mwanaongoro and Guchu, 2012). ISO 14001 plays a crucial role in reducing the cost of doing business. For instance, once initial time investment and resources used to bring data and plans that are necessarily, the organization finally finds information needed for permits and other regulatory needs. Due to this, there is less cost in paper work, time and human resources particularly when regulatory bodies make more acceptances on EMS as compared to others (Shafiq, 2012). Besides, the standard makes organizations better candidates for flexible approaches and innovative programs as it addresses important concerns that regulators may have about operations. In addition, it formalizes integration of environmental management with the general objectives of management. Through this, there is provision of a framework that contributes to continuous improvements, over and above, ensuring that benefits are well audited. Of most important is that, it is a tool that is excellent in public relations whose mandate is to show commitment towards environmental stewardship to regulatory bodies, private organizations and the general public. Most organizations rely on it in lowering risk profile and managing liabilities to prevent the rise of crisis (Lagrosen and Lagrosen, 2003). Weaknesses of ISO 14001 None the less, the rate of awareness of ISO 14001 is wider in large organizations as compared to Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) and the general public. In fact, the standard is accused for lack of transparency, where by the environmental policy statement is the only element that is made public while the rest are privatized unless ISO decides to make them public. According to Edwards, 2004, lack of transparency becomes a vast disadvantage especially when no requirement is needed to publicised any information regarding environmental impact on organizations. This further contributes to reduced legitimacy on implementation for numerous organizations globally. Furthermore, ISO 14001 is a procedural and not a performance standard. Basically, it gives a process that should be used to improve the performance and compliance with regard to environmental regulations. There is a clear difference in the definition of pollution prevention given by ISO standard and one that is given by the Pollution Prevention Act as a situation that brings about confusion in the environment domain. Hence, it is possible for consumers to do business with organizations and companies who do not abide by the environmental policy without their knowledge (Abbott and Duncan 2001). ISO 9001 ISO 9001 is a quality management system that has existed for several years internationally. Various organizations and companies need this standard to assist them in coming up with products that meet the requirements of customers and applicable regulatory. Moreover, it assists in addressing customer satisfaction by use of applications that are efficient for continuous improvement and error prevention (Husband and Mandal, 1999). In light of this, organizations through this standard recognize and convene their customers’ needs and expectations and other interest parties towards achieving competitive advantage, over and above, achieving, maintaining and improving overall performance and capabilities. Benefits of ISO 9001 Use of ISO 9001 standard is beneficial to both organization and employees. In the organization segment, the standard assist in business conformation by ensuring that activities are better planned and coordinated (Barrett and Yi-Nung, 2001). For instance, any challenges that affect product are identified and solutions put in place. In essence, it contributes to the bottom line profit through better efficiency, continuous improvement and less waste. There is notable promotion and standardization with regard to practises of good working. The fact that the standard deals with the quality of the products gives it an upper hand in appealing for a huge market and eventually improving public relations for various organizations. It acts as an effective risk manager and a medium that introduces a culture of opportunity. On the employee segments, acts in an appreciative way where the organization and the benefits they achieve once they involve themselves in effective communication within their organizations (Danarll, 2007). In light of this, ISO 9001 greatly contributes to good quality life by ensuring that there is improved health and safety, over and above, reducing environmental impact in the society. Additionally, there is a fulfilment of legal and regulatory requirements and increased security. Owners and investors gain through increased returns on investments, improved operational results, increased market share, over and above, compulsory internal audits and reviews (King and Lenox, 2005). Weaknesses of ISO 9001 None the less, there are perceived weaknesses that are associated with ISO 9001. At times it is difficult to implement most of the quality based management systems that are required by the International Standard as it is seen like a collection of business rule that are hardly implemented. This is because the implementation process is perceived to be expensive even in terms of maintenance (Sousa-Poza et al., 1999). In addition, it is crucial to ensure that there is support from the top management as the process may cause significant disruption to organizations and hence should be not be done without support from a specific organization. Simply, the standard should only be used only when the organization really needs it (Kumar and Balakrishnan, 2011). ISO 9001 and 14001 Certification Both ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 are among the ISO’s most renowned standards which are implemented by over a million organizations in 175 countries. While ISO 9001 assist organization in the implementation of quality management, ISO 14001 assist the organization in the implementation of environmental management (Blackburn, 2007). In essence, they are process standard that are used by product manufacturers and service providers, a process that affects final products and services as they go into the market. These ISO standards increase the worthiness of value to businesses and business operations through ensuring that development, manufacturing and supply of products and services efficient, safer and cleaner (Bose, 2011). Besides, trade between countries are easier and fairer, and the welfare of customers is safeguarded making their lives simpler. In business, use of the two standards entails adopting International Standards where suppliers base the development of their products and services on documents which are recognised internationally, thus giving freedom to compete in diverse markets globally. As for the consumers, purchasing products and services that have an International Standard ensures them they have worldwide compatibility, which increases choice number and healthy competition (Longenecker and Joseph 2000). Conclusion The International Standardization for Organization (ISO) is a global federation that is concerned with certifying organizations and companies on their management systems especially ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 though the certification is not a requirement. Numerous factors may compel organizations into seeking an ISO certificate such as the necessity to meet the preferences of their customers, assist in motivating staff members in setting clear goals for the advances of the companies and or organizations in the management systems, over and above, aiming to fall under the contest a risk management programme. In essence, ISO 14001 in organizations and companies ensure that their products and services are consistent with environmental policies and objectives that have been put internationally. Thus, ISO 14001 needs to be conducted within a management system that is structured and one which is integrated within a specific organization or company. On the other hand, ISO 9001 is a quality management system which recognizes and convenes the their customers on their needs and expectations, and other interest parties towards achieving competitive advantage, over and above, achieving, maintaining and improving overall performance and capabilities. In light of this, ISO 9001 greatly contributes to good quality life by ensuring that there is improved health and safety, over and above, reducing environmental impact in the society. These ISO standards increase the worthiness of value to businesses and business operations through ensuring that development, manufacturing and supply of products and services efficient, safer and cleaner. Besides, trade between countries are easier and fairer, and the welfare of customers is safeguarded making their lives simpler. Bibliography: Abbott, K. and Duncan S., 2001. International ‘standards’ and international governance. Journal of European Public Policy 8(3), 345-370. 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Integration of environmental and quality management systems for sustainable development. New York: United Nations. Read More