Challenges facing implementation of iso 900 standards ,among state corporations; in kenya a case of higher education loans board
Loading...
Date
2013-02-19
Authors
Korir, Geoffrey Kipngetich
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
ISO 9000 Quality Management Systems Standards have been found to generate significant
benefits, among them, increased productivity, quality and competitiveness, to organizations
that implement it. Accordingly, ISO 9000 adoption has increased rapidly lately. However, the
pace in the public sector has been relatively slow. This raises attention considering that
public sector organizations are not only accountable to customers but also the citizens,
elected representatives and government. Much research has been conducted on the
experiences of organizations in other sectors in regard to the implementation, leaving out the
public sector. This study sought to till the existing gap by establishing the challenges facing
implementation of the ISO 9000 standards requirements among state corporations in Kenya
with particular reference to the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) and its predecessors
continue to face difficulties in recovery of loans advanced to students. The government
allocates over 30% of its budget annually towards funding the education sector, a part of
which is allocated to HELB. HELB attained its ISO Certification status in March, 2008, a
period that was considered appropriate for the study. Specifically, the research focused on
determining whether financial resources, training of personnel on ISO standards, level of
staff support to the implementation process and commitment by top management present
themselves as challenges at HELB. The results of the study are of use to public sector
managers and ISO Certification bodies in terms of formulating the appropriate policies and
actions that will facilitate easier adoption of the standards. The study adopted a descriptive
survey design. The target population was all the employees, including management, of
HELB. Stratified random and purposive sampling techniques were used to select the subjects
of the study. A sample size of 30% of the target population of 109 total employee size which
translates to 32 subjects was taken for the study. Members of the ISO committee were
deliberately singled out for the study before randomly picking out representative samples
proportionately from each of the departments of the organization. Questionnaire was used as
the data collection instrument. A response rate of 81% was attained which was credible for
the investigation. The data obtained was analysed using SPSS and the results presented in
form of graphs, tables and charts. The major findings of the study include the following: The
organization doesn't consider financial resources as a major challenge since it got adequate
financial allocation for implementation; there isn't a clear, regular and adequate training
policy for the staff; Some of the staff were not prepared and involved in the introduction of
the ISO 9000 standards; the senior management has demonstrated commitment to most of the
responsibilities assigned by ISO's QMS and that a significant section of staff believe their
superiors are not giving them adequate support. as they implement the standards. Based on
the findings, this study recommends continued and sustainable funding of the QMS
implementation; institute change management strategies; institute a feedback mechanism on
the training policy in terms of content, form and frequency; Organize extra and specific
training and benchmark visits for management to improve on the deficient areas identified
and conduct an assessment on areas that staff need support from their superiors.
Description
Department of Business Administration, 50p. The TS 156.6.K4 .K6 2011
Keywords
ISO 9000 standard --Kenya, Quality management --Kenya