Boundary setting: Inherent problems and solutions for an ISO 9001 based quality management system

On December 15, 2000 The International Organization for Standardization published the latest version of its ISO 9000 series. The new standard exhibits a higher degree of complexity than its predecessor when assessed using a typology proposed by Thompson (Scott, 1998) of element interdependence, and in consideration of the contextual nature of some of the elements. Determining the scope of the system to ensure its effectiveness is now crucial. This paper presents a set of heuristics developed during the implementation of ISO 9000 QMS in small to medium sized organizations. The heuristics are based on the people, information and throughput boundaries.