Businesses and Management Systems

Some businesses however choose to trade locally, and only dream of venturing into getting their products onto the global market. In Ghana, the survival of a business and of course the strengthening of the economy would much depend on an equation where export of goods and services must necessarily outweigh imports. For those who have not put their houses in order, they can no longer have the luxury of shirking competition even on the local market. As we operate a liberal market system, where everything from toothpick to second-hand clothing is imported, the competition has meandered its way onto our markets with full force.

The need for Management Systems

Where organizations start without proper documentation of their aims and objectives, it is obvious they’ll not be able to come up with any meaningful policy. Standards and procedures emanate from policy statements in that order. There are several other processes that follow but the starting point is considering management systems as a must have, if your business would survive the extremely competitive market we now have.

For instance, a quality management system enables organizations to improve their overall quality performance through a process of continuous improvement. It normally follows the Deming Cycle; Plan, Do, Check, Act but a deeper understanding of this cycle reveals details that would include accountability (an assignment of personal responsibility) and a schedule for activities to be completed. Making the system full proof would involve auditing tools to implement corrective actions in addition to scheduled activities. This then creates a powerful spring of continuous improvement.

Management System Types

There are several models for management systems but the most widely known and used is the ISO management system standards. These provide a model to follow when setting up and operating a management system. It is widely used because they result from international, expert consensus and therefore offer the benefit of global management experience and good practice.

These standards can be applied to any organization, large or small, whatever the product or service and regardless of the sector of activity.

The end goal of every management system comes down to satisfying customer requirements. The benefits of an effective management system include: more efficient use of resources, improved risk management, and increased customer satisfaction as services and products consistently deliver what they promise.

Where to Start?

If businesses are to thrive and compete favorably on the global market, there would be the need to invest in management systems, especially when customers and consumers as well, are increasingly becoming aware of the benefits these systems bring to them in terms of the quality and safety of the products they purchase.

Johnson Opoku-Boateng is the Executive Director & Lead Consultant, QA CONSULT (Consultants and Trainers in Quality/Safety Management, Manufacturing Excellence and Food Safety) and can be reached on +233209996002, email: johnson@qaconsultgh.com.