Of course having solid control processes is essential for any successful organization. Some organizations like to seek formal recognition for their control functions through independent certifications such as ISO 9000. In order to receive ISO certification, you need to extensively follow and document a long list of published standards and then have an outside evaluator certify that you are meeting these standards.
ISO certification has both proponents and critics. Proponents argue that meeting ISO standards through certification will improve organizational control functions and also help signal to the outside world that you are running a solid operation with high standards. However, critics point to the huge amount of time and money spent on documentation that may be excessive. Critics also say that ISO focuses on documentation of processes rather than the actual quality/efficiency of the process.
For this assignment, first read up on ISO certification and examine the arguments both for and against it. Then read up on a new start-up company called Clinkle and consider whether or not ISO 9000 would be appropriate for this new company to seek. Clinkle is new online payment company that has received a lot of media attention recently but has also had its ups and downs. It has raised a lot of money from investors but is still at an early stage with no revenue yet.
Here are some articles on ISO certification to get you started:
Seddon, J. (1997). Ten arguments against ISO 9000, Managing Service Quality 7(4), pp. 162-168.
Wahid, R., & Corner, J. (2009). Critical success factors and problems in ISO 9000 maintenance.
The International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management 26 (9), pp. 881-893.
Here are some articles on Clinkle to get you started:
Smart money follows mobile payment app Clinkle (July 4, 2013). Irish Times, Dublin
Clinkle raises $25 million in seed financing as it prepares to change the way people transact. (June 27, 2013). Business Wire, New York
Case Assignment
After doing research and carefully considering whether or not ISO certification is the right option for Clinkle, write a 4- to 5-page paper answering the following questions:
What aspects of the control function of management do you think should be the most important to Clinkle?
What would be the main benefits to Clinkle of obtaining ISO certification?
What would be the main disadvantages to Clinkle of obtaining ISO certification?
Overall, should Clinkle invest time and money in ISO certification, or are the resources better spent on other ways to maintain control systems?