ISO 9000 moderation role over supply chain alignment in manufacturing context

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which International Standardization Organization (ISO) 9000 implementation is associated with better alignment of supply chain activities. Design/methodology/approach – This research hypothesized the moderation effect of ISO 9000 over the alignment between customer priorities from one side and supplier selection criteria priorities from the other side. Collected survey data were analyzed using cluster analysis. Then, moderated regression analysis using ordinary least squares was employed to test the study hypotheses. Findings – Advanced ISO 9000 implementation moderates the relation between customer priorities and the prioritization of supplier selection criteria with respect to priorities of cost management, total cost of ownership and product flexibility. While, there was no sufficient evidence to the same effect with respect to priorities of logistical flexibility and delivery. Research limitations/implications – This research presents a new perspective for researchers to study the extended benefits of ISO 9000 implementation and its moderating effect over supply chain relations. However, the small sample size might limit the ability to generalize the research findings. Further research is required to confirm the research findings using wider sample. Practical implications – This research provides practitioners with a path to acknowledge the role of ISO 9000 as a business practice that helps organizations to align their supply chain activities. Originality/value – This paper contributes to knowledge by proposing the moderation effect of ISO 9000 implementation on the alignment between customer priorities from one side and the emphasis that organization place on the same priorities while selecting suppliers from the other side.