Quality management and beyond: the current situation and future perspectives

The spread of the movement quality has been an unprecedented success in terms of the number of management standards. To complement these systems, quality management, we have introduced other related business practices, including specific management systems in the areas of environment, occupational hazards, health and safety and social responsibility. \ nThe recent trends probably continue in the near future in implementing management systems sector and the introduction of integrated management systems as a means to encourage innovation, and thus gain competitive advantage. The long-term future paradigms quality remains uncertain, but the impact it has had on business organizations and their contribution in improving their competitiveness are indisputable for both the academic and business professionals. \ n