Comparison and Analysis of Provisions in International Standards ISO 9004:2009 and ISO 9004:2000

The paper makes a comparison between the provisions stipulated by international standards for quality management systems ISO 9004:2000 and ISO 9004:2009. The content of each standard is divided into paragraphs and sub-items and respective contents are compared. Conclusions are made on changes effected in the new edition from 2009, explanations are offered on the reasons for these changes and their characteristics. The paper also elaborates on the items from previous editions that have been omitted or integrated into other paragraphs in the new edition. A short explanation of the common items in both editions is given. Special emphasis is given to two major novelties in the ISO 9004:2009 standard: sustained success of an organisation and different approach to self-assessment of an organisation to achieve and maintain sustained success.