EFQM MODEL AND BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT IN ALBANIA RELATED TO QUALITY MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Purpose of the research: Providing a general picture on quality
management issues between Albanian firms and to configure a path towards
European model on excellence on doing business using total quality management
approach.
Method and methodology:
Focusing the attention of the paper research on quality management,
European quality and excellence model, situation between Albanian firms related
to ISO standards, gathering information, data, figures, etc, about these issues,
mainly from primary resources, writing the paper, drawing conclusions and under
that base drawing recommendations.
Major findings, results and conclusions: The EFQM Excellence Model is a
non-prescriptive framework for organizational management systems, promoted
by European Foundation for Quality Management and designed for helping
organizations in their drive towards being more competitive. Regardless of sector,
size, structure or maturity, organizations need to establish appropriate
management systems in order to be successful. The EFQM Excellence Model is a
practical tool to help organizations do this by measuring where they are on the
path to excellence; helping them understand the gaps; and then stimulating
solutions. Self-assessment has wide applicability to organizations large and small, in
the public as well as the private sectors. Self-assessment using the EFQM
Excellence Model can give the management team a holistic overview of the whole
organization. Increasingly organizations are using outputs from self-assessment as
part of their business planning process and use the EFQM model as a basis for
operational and project review. In Albania there are a lot of problems related to
quality management, especially those of firms’ purpose of certification usage. Most
of local firms want the certificate for public procurement procedures participation
and not for their internal use, strengthening of organization in all aspects. Country’s
integration in the region, Europe and wider requires not just certifying local firms
with ISO standards and other standards, but a long term maintaining of these
standards for gaining competitive advantage in local and international markets.