Application of Quality Management Systems in the Logistics Sector in Bulgaria

Abstract

The interest in the quality management systems in the Bulgarian enterprises has been increasing in recent years. The main reason for this is related to the recognized need for organisations to improve their management processes, including logistics, and therefore allow the formation of competitive advantages. (Chankova, 2005) As a result, it is interesting to study the logistics companies in Bulgaria in terms of the introduction and certification of quality management, as well as the practical application of quality records and those responsible for the quality of the product/ service. The aim of the study is, first, to outline the principles and requirements of the international standards for quality management, and to present the results of the system application by the documented procedures in the logistics companies in Bulgaria. The object of research interest is the organisations in the logistics industry in Bulgaria that encompass: transport companies, forwarding organisations, transport-forwarding, courier, consulting, logistics to warehouse services, customs services, information services. A methodology for measuring the degree of implementation of the quality management systems in the logistics industry has been developed. It is based on the use of four indicators, among which the following: the availability of certificate and quality documents, the persons responsible for the quality and availability of trained personnel aware of the issues related to quality. Through these indicators it is aimed to assess the implementation degree of the quality management systems in the organisations of Bulgaria‘s logistics industry. An evaluation of the status of quality management systems in the logistics industry was made through a comparative analysis of the degree of application of the quality management systems by the commercial and industrial enterprises in Bulgaria and the research findings are presented to improve the implementation of quality management systems in the logistics industry in Bulgaria.