An Integrated Management System (IMS) is based on the combination of separate Management Systems (MSs) with the aim of planning, realising, controlling, auditing, and systematically improving arrange of company performances to enhance efficiency and competitiveness. Although an IMS is a highly relevant management approach - capable of generating significant benefits, including less bureaucracy and paperwork, combined audits, fewer costs and more efficient management, and use of resources - to date there is no international formalised standard for the integration process. Within the EMAF project a priority was to design a methodology for IMS implementation - the backbone of POEMS - encompassing the Quality Management System (QMS) and Environmental Management System (EMS), addressed to the agri-food sector. A preliminary step in this context was a literature review of theoretical and empirical studies, focused on different perspectives, strategies, methodologies, and degree of integration. A model of IMS, specific to the agri-food sector, was defined: compatibility, similar terminology, procedures and documentation, but above all, the common structure of MSs based on the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, represented the methodological pillars of the proposed integrated approach. Finally, the application of the model was tested in a pilot company, operating in the tornato processing industry.

The implementation of Integrated Management System in agri-food SMEs

PROTO, Maria;MALANDRINO, Ornella;SUPINO, Stefania
2013-01-01

Abstract

An Integrated Management System (IMS) is based on the combination of separate Management Systems (MSs) with the aim of planning, realising, controlling, auditing, and systematically improving arrange of company performances to enhance efficiency and competitiveness. Although an IMS is a highly relevant management approach - capable of generating significant benefits, including less bureaucracy and paperwork, combined audits, fewer costs and more efficient management, and use of resources - to date there is no international formalised standard for the integration process. Within the EMAF project a priority was to design a methodology for IMS implementation - the backbone of POEMS - encompassing the Quality Management System (QMS) and Environmental Management System (EMS), addressed to the agri-food sector. A preliminary step in this context was a literature review of theoretical and empirical studies, focused on different perspectives, strategies, methodologies, and degree of integration. A model of IMS, specific to the agri-food sector, was defined: compatibility, similar terminology, procedures and documentation, but above all, the common structure of MSs based on the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, represented the methodological pillars of the proposed integrated approach. Finally, the application of the model was tested in a pilot company, operating in the tornato processing industry.
2013
9789400761155
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11386/3992254
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