Effects of quality management system (ISO 9001) on export performance for manufacturing companies in Tanzania: The case of Said Salim Bakhresa &Co Ltd

Quality of management system (ISO 9001) has become one of the competitive strategies for improving the business performance in a global market. It has been developed due to intense global competition and it is the first step towards successful export business. Despite the voluminous empirical evidence on effects of quality management system proved its effectiveness and positive impacts on the overall performance of the organizations covering both developed and developing countries still there is the benefit to unveil especially in Tanzania. The main purpose of this study was to understand the effects of ISO 9001 (Quality management system) on export performance for the case of Said Salim Bakhresa & Co Ltd on wheat flour business. The study specifically aimed at understanding the increase on export sales volume, export sales revenue, export market share due to QMS. Also the study identified challenges and opportunities as well as factors hindering smooth implementation of ISO 9001 in the company. Furthermore the study assessed the performance in terms of profitability as a result of ISO 900 certification as well as the evaluation of how ISO is monitored in the company and provided recommendations for successful implementation. The literature review was conducted through different theories and practices done by others on ISO 9001 implementation and it showed that investing in ISO 9001 brings success in overall firm’s performance in which we find export performance in export oriented firms. The approach used is a case study; where qualitative approach was used because it helped to get an-depth insight of the problem and come out with strategic solutions and recommendations. Interviews, documentation and observation review were used to explore how ISO 9001 has been applied to enhance wheat flour export performance at Said Salim Bakhresa &Co Ltd. The sample included QMS knowledgeable employees at the company at all levels and sixteen years documented data. The findings were analyzed through content analysis and results showed that ISO 9001:2008 implemented by SSB has increased export performance. The implementation of ISO 9001:2008 contributed to the improvement of the process developed by the organization and enhanced wheat flour performance in foreign markets. Therefore the study recommends that the firms should invest in QMS since it shows better results to the overall export performance and hence competitiveness.