Title: Examining the barriers to integrated models for quality management systems in civil engineering consulting organisations in South Africa

Authors: Phetola Elias Maleaopo; Surajit Bag; Jan-Harm C. Pretorius

Addresses: Postgraduate School of Engineering Management, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa ' Department of Transport and Supply Chain Management, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa ' Postgraduate School of Engineering Management, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to investigate the barriers that affect the implementation and practice of integrated quality management system (QMS) models in the context of civil engineering consulting organisations in South Africa (SA) by applying the interpretive structural modelling (ISM) method and the MICMAC analysis. Ten barriers identified from the literature and verified by experts as the most applicable to civil engineering consulting firms in SA are analysed. The results suggest that the application of the ISM method and the MICMAC analysis confirms that the implementation and practice of an integrated QMS model in civil engineering consulting firms in SA is significantly influenced by a series of interlinked barriers. The top barriers to the use of integrated QMS models are the absence of top management support and lack of continuous improvement as indicated by the ISM model and verified by the MICMAC analysis.

Keywords: operations management; civil engineering firm; integrated QMS model; South Africa.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSOM.2026.155903

International Journal of Services and Operations Management, 2026 Vol.54 No.4, pp.463 - 490

Received: 27 Oct 2023
Accepted: 27 Nov 2023
Published online: 26 Aug 2026 *

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