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M. Canavari, R.Spadoni, E. Pignatti, P. Lombardi (2008) Quality management systems in the European food networks

Paper,
92nd EAAE Seminar on Quality Management and Quality Assurance in Food Chains 2–4 March 2005, Göttingen (Germany)

Document:
Canavari_et_al.pdf

Abstract
This study is aimed at evaluating the ability of voluntary standards to satisfy the needs of large retailers towards their suppliers. Large retail companies operating in the Emilia-Romagna region were asked to participate in the survey. An analysis of the main requirements set by large retail chains to their suppliers, of the underlying needs these retailers want to satisfy, and of the role of standards and certification in the selection of suppliers process was performed. A perceptual map of different quality assurance schemes was also drawn. The results of the analysis suggest that, while the ability to apply the quality assurance methods is crucial, certification is generally not seen as a discriminant attribute for the supplier.

Keywords: QMS

Relevance to our study:
The study is relevant because it gives a better insight on the large retailer’s attitudes towards the certification schemes. This may give to the producers some suggestions on the strategies of adoption of one or more standards/norms.

The Retailers approach towards standards and certification systems to satisfy their needs more carefully, is analysed and it can be said that they are renitent to rely on certification bodies to perform the controls and to assure quality. They still prefer to set their own standards and to perform second-party controls made by their personnel or in outsourcing by controlling companies.
Then, the quality assurance certificate given by a third-party certification body on the base of an external set of standard rules seems not to represent a real competitive advantage.
On the contrary, the ability to comply with norms is a necessary and highly appreciated requisite. Definitely, it is more important for a company to be aware and actually able to apply the quality assurance methods and principles, rather than to be certified.
According too these results, it seems wiser for a producer to look for personnel with knowledge and skills to be applied in the improvement of the firm organisation, rather than looking for certificates.
The study seems to confirm that the retailers-borne standards are closer to the ideal situation, but the penetration level of these standards is still low. The information provided by this study suggest that the roadmap to the unification of controls and quality assurance strategies is still long and difficult.

Relevancy on a scale from 1 to 5 = 3

Review status: Finished
Review started on 2009–01–21
Reviewed by Samanta Rosi Belličre?

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