An empirical analysis of integrated management systems

Résumé

The main objective of the present dissertation is to empirically study the integration of management systems (MSs). Specifically, we aim to investigate how organizations carry out the integration process, which benefits and challenges they encounter during this process and whether and how they integrate their audits. Data for this study were obtained through a survey and a case study analysis of companies in Catalonia. The survey was carried out in organizations, registered to ISO 14001and ISO 9001 standards for quality and environmental management. Additionally, some detailed case studies are illustrated, revealing the process of integration as well as the benefits and challenges encountered by the organizations. Results are analysed and show responses on the levels of integration and the use of different integration strategies and methodologies regarding the integration of MSs. Some results regarding the benefits and difficulties of integration and about how companies integrated their audits are also presented.