IMC Hub Papers

• Integrated Management: The Definition

This paper was first published in 2002 and extended in 2022 by the addition a pictogram, 25 universal management definitions, a list of benefits and an executive summary. It provides a formal definition of integrated management and its elaboration demonstrating how it links to practical application. 

See also ‘What is integrated management?’​

 

• Integrated Management System: Definition and Structuring Guide

This was first published in 2003 and provided a formal definition of an integrated management system (IMS). It also includes typical characteristics and desirable features of an IMS.

See also ‘What is an integrated management system?’

 

• Integrated Management: Concise Argument

This short paper was first published in 2005 and provides a concise nine point ‘elevator pitch’ to quickly communicate the importance and value of adopting an integrated approach to management.

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• Interorganisational Networks: Improvement

This paper was published in 2022. This paper provides guidance on the effective and efficient creation of interorganisational networks including supply and delivery chains which are generally commonplace throughout the globe, varying in size and complexity.

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• Integrated Management: Education and Training Guidance

This paper was first published in 2007. It provides guidance on structuring and procuring integrated management education and training. The guidance is broad and detailed and may be interpreted appropriately for structuring and reviewing courses relating to integrated management from initial awareness through to detailed application of principles and established good practice.

 

• Universal Assessment and Review Questions

This checklist was published in 2012 prior to the publication of MSS 1000 and may be used to review or assess existing management arrangements to determine deficiencies in existing integrated and non-integrated arrangements. General guidance is provided on using the question set as well as more specific guidance at the start of each of the twelve main question sets.

 

• Selecting and Managing a Certification Body

The purpose of this paper is to assist organisations decide if certification is appropriate and to optimise the value gained from the certification process. This paper looks at:

• What certifying a management system means?

• How an organisation can gain benefits from certifying its management system.

• How to select a management system certification body and the benefits of using an accredited certificated body over a non-accredited certificated body.

• The issues surrounding the certification of an integrated management system. 

 

It should be noted that organisations tend to grow and evolve and the management system and certification, if appropriate, needs to be optimally supportive and add the maximum value. A checklist has been included to help organisations improve their management of the certification of their management system.

 

• Using MSS 1000 to Boost Performance

Whether to adopt the universal management system standard MSS 1000 is a key strategic decision confronting all organisations. It has the potential to greatly improve effectiveness, efficiency and competitiveness and satisfaction of stakeholder needs, expectations and aspirations.
 

Management systems are used to direct and guide the processes of an organisation in order to achieve its objectives. However, the scope and effectiveness of management systems vary enormously affecting the organisation’s performance and is a critical factor in determining the satisfaction of customers and other stakeholders and the competitiveness of the organisation. Over the last couple of decades or so the facets of performance that potentially satisfy stakeholders’ needs, expectations and aspirations have significantly widened adding to the complexity of managing an organisation in a systematic and equitable way.

 

In 2014 a universal management system standard, MSS 1000:2014, was published by the CQI Integrated Management Special Interest Group (IMSIG) to demonstrate that a single management system totally focused on the organisation’s structures and processes could be created and make multiple fragmented management system standards unnecessary. Currently, the certification bodies are not able to deliver a single MSS 1000 certification but until that time comes organisations can still reap major benefits from structuring their integrated management systems according to MSS 1000 while still continuing with their existing multiple certification processes.

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If your organisation has gained benefit from a management system or a partially integrated management system, imagine the benefit of extending it to cover its totality! Organisations now have the potential to readily create an IMS for directing the whole of the organisation in a fully integrated, coherent and holistic way.