International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2015 Quality Management System: Its Implementation, Effectiveness, and Challenges

Abstract

This study examined the implementation, effectiveness, and challenges of the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) among State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in Western Visayas, Philippines during Fiscal Year 2025. Specifically, the study aimed to determine the extent of ISO 9001:2015 implementation, assess its level of effectiveness, identify the challenges encountered, and determine the significant differences and relationships among the study variables. The study employed a descriptive-correlational research design involving 160 respondents composed of Quality Management Coordinators, Lead Internal Quality Auditors, and Internal Quality Auditors from seven SUCs in the region. Data were gathered using a validated researcher-made questionnaire and analyzed using frequency count, percentage, mean, Mann-Whitney U-Test, Kruskal-Wallis H-Test, and Spearman Rank-Order Correlation. Findings revealed that the implementation of ISO 9001:2015 QMS was assessed “To a Very Great Extent” with an overall mean of 4.59, while the level of effectiveness was rated “Very High” with an overall mean of 4.40. Meanwhile, the challenges encountered in sustaining the QMS were assessed as “Moderately Challenging” with an overall mean of 3.00. Significant differences were found in implementation and effectiveness when respondents were grouped according to the number of ISO-related trainings attended. Furthermore, implementation and effectiveness demonstrated a strong positive significant relationship, while weak negative significant relationships were found between implementation and challenges, and between effectiveness and challenges. The findings imply that sustained leadership commitment, continuous capability-building, employee engagement, and systematic quality assurance practices are essential in strengthening the effectiveness and sustainability of ISO 9001:2015 implementation among SUCs. The study contributes to the limited body of Philippine literature on ISO 9001:2015 implementation in regional SUCs and provides evidence-based insights for sustaining quality management systems in higher education institutions.