Multi‐attribute analysis of ISO 9000 registration using AHP

Quality improvement continues to be an important international business strategy as we enter the twenty‐first century. Legal requirements, customer demand, market pressure, competition, and the need for in‐house quality improvement has driven more companies to become ISO 9000 registered. Implementing ISO 9000 is expensive, time‐consuming, and requires significant dedication and effort. Investment in such a project calls for detailed analysis and justification. This research paper proposes a multi‐attribute analysis and justification model based on the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) for implementing the ISO 9000 quality system standard. The model is developed based on case studies at companies which underwent the process of registration and by the synthesis of relevant literature both on ISO 9000 and techniques of analysing similar projects. The model has been applied and validated in companies that are both ISO 9000 registered and are pursuing ISO 9000.