Benefits and Challenges of Implementation of Iso 9001:2008 Certification at Kenya Medical Training College

Abstract

The aim of this research is to identify the benefits and challenges of ISO certification at Kenya Medical Training College. The research objectives are to identify the benefits and challenge of ISO certification and to ascertain the use of ISO 9001 certification in realizing the strategic plan through a literature review and empirical study. Existing literature describes the relevant studies on benefits and challenges of ISO 9001 certification in the service sector, but very little has been written on ISO certification in the service sector, but very little has been written on ISO certification benefits and challenges in mid level colleges in Kenya. The research for this study attempts to address this deficiency. Qualititative data collection methods were used in the investigation. A questionnaire has been used as a research tool. Questionnaires were distributed to the selected constituent colleges of KMTC, filled by college management representatives and collected for analysis and interpretation in line with the aims of the study. The results of the study revealed that most respondents agreed that ISO 9001 certification weas beneficial to the college though there were few challenges in the implementation. It was recommended for future studies that a broader study be done on the same context to cover more respondents. It was also recommended that a study be done on views of students on the effects of certification. More studies also need to be done on the effects ISO 9001 certification on financial performance of higher education institutions.