Design and development of EQMS - An easy-to-use entry-level Quality Management System

Abstract: Background: In today’s business climate, companies need to make sure they have efficient resource management and that the quality of product and services fulfills the customers constant changing expectations, potential regulations, and global environmental policies. Possible approaches for companies to address this is through more strategic purchasing and earlier involvement of purchasers in processes and development projects. Another approach is implementing a quality management system to better gain control of their processes and assure that the quality aligns with customers’ expectations. There are already methodologies for this but for companies without previous experience these can often be to complex and demanding to implement and use. Purpose: The purpose of the master thesis is to develop a framework for a quality management system that should be easy to implement and use. It should also support the earlier and more strategic involvement of purchasers in development projects. Method: This master thesis has applied an abductive and qualitative approach. Data has been collected through a literature review and a following empirical study. The empirical study consisted of five semi-structured interviews of interviewees with different professions and experience at a single company. Result: The master thesis resulted in the development of a framework consisting of three fundamental principles and five key activities. These are built upon common generic principles and activities, identified in already existing quality programs and methodologies. The principles and key activities also support easier and earlier involvement of purchasers. With lower complexity, implementation will be simpler and the continuous development of the framework afterwards easier.