FUNDAMENTAL PROBLEMS IN ISO 9001:2015 QUALİTY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM CERTİFİCATİON PROCESSES: A STUDY IN İZMİR PROVİNCE

Quality Management System certification process through a holistic approach based on the perceptions of individuals directly involved in this process. The significance of the study lies in its focus on the practical challenges experienced during the certification process itself, in contrast to the dominant body of ISO 9001 literature, which primarily emphasizes system outputs and performance outcomes. The main contribution of this study to the literature is its problem-oriented examination of the ISO 9001:2015 certification process, addressing certification-related difficulties rather than post-certification results or performance indicators. The research was conducted using a quantitative methodology, and data were collected through a three-part questionnaire administered to 134 participants. The first section of the questionnaire gathered demographic and professional information about the respondents; the second section focused on problems encountered during the certification process and possible solution approaches; and the third section collected evaluations related to twelve statements concerning the certification process. The data were analyzed using the SPSS statistical software package. The findings indicate that the primary problems encountered during the ISO 9001:2015 certification process are concentrated around deficiencies in top management approach and leadership, inadequate organizational and strategic preparedness, insufficient employee motivation and training, documentation and process management challenges, and financial and resource constraints. The results of the factor analysis demonstrate that these problems converge into a single, holistic dimension. Moreover, participants generally expressed a positive perception regarding the possibility of resolving these problems in a rapid and effective manner.