INTRODUCTION

International Organization for Standardization (ISO 9001:2015) is a

standard that specifies the requirements for a quality management system. It

helps businesses and organizations to be more efficient and improve customer

satisfaction. It also provides a process-oriented approach to documenting and

reviewing the structure, responsibilities, and procedures required to achieve

effective quality management in an organization.

This study aimed to identify the level of preparedness of Notre Dame

Universitys Accountancy Department on the possibility of acquiring standards

set by the ISO, specifically ISO 9001: 2015. It also aimed to reconcile the two

previous related studies entitled Notre Dame University Preparedness for ISO

9001:2015 Certification through Key Informant Interview. The researchers

conducted a face-to-face interview with the selected variety of key informants

who have the first-hand knowledge about the underlying issues or problems of

the institution in order to get more candid or in-depth answers with regards to this

study.
 METHODOLOGY

Research Design

For this study, the research utilized qualitative research designs. This

method permitted a flexible and iterative approach of the research subject. A

questionnaire was developed and an interview was conducted with the key

personnel of the University, afterwards to the head of the Accountancy

department in order to validate results gathered from the questionnaire.

Locale of the Study

The study was conducted at Notre Dame University, located at Notre

Dame Avenue, Cotabato City during the first semester of school year 2017-2018.

Unit of Analysis/ Participants/ Respondents

The respondents of the study were the key persons of Notre Dame

University. The respondents were chosen using sampling. The head of the

department was also interviewed for the validation of results.

Research Instrument

The research instrument used in the study is a questionnaire which

covered the different requirements for the certification. Questionnaires were sent

to some of the administration officials including a validity test to ensure that the

questions are clear and understandable. Afterwards, a scheduled interview sheet

was prepared for validation purposes.

Data Gathering Process

The adviser signed the questionnaire, and a letter was addressed to the

concerned administrators regarding the conduct of the survey. The respondents

answered on how ready the department is in terms of the stated requirements.

The letter was given to the respondents and attached to it was the survey

questionnaire. The questionnaire was personally delivered and retrieved by the

researchers. After the tabulation of the questionnaire data, an interview was

scheduled with the head of the Accountancy department.

Measurement/Treatment of Data

All data from the research instrument were decoded into quantifiable

measures to address the research problem. The results were tabulated using

Microsoft Excel; practice and documentation were then calculated. These

indicated whether NDUs Accountancy Department is prepared relative to the

different requirements needed for ISO Certification.

The data gathered from the interview was used as a comparative tool in

order to check if the interpretations were indeed correct as to the current status

of the documents and quality management planning.

 RESULTS

In relation from the past result, with respect to the quality manual, most of

the key informants agreed that the organization has their existing document. This

current result supports the previous study regarding the capacity of the

organization to produce documents such as the quality manual which is

interpreted as fairly prepared.

According to the previous study, the result interpreted that the top

managements ability to come up with a quality policy is slightly prepared. In

comparison to the current result in which most of the key personnel agreed that

the organization have an existing quality policy, hence, the previous and current

study justifies that there is an existing quality policy. Although these still need

improvements, so in terms of preparedness, Notre Dame University is not fully

prepared.

In addition, the current study concerning the availability of resources

required supports the previous question which is the provision of the resources

needed by to implement and maintain quality management system and

continually improve its effectiveness is interpreted as fairly prepared. But this

availability does not imply that its enough to cater the needs for ISO

standardization.

Further, in relation to the past result regarding the question under

operation, that the organization determines & implement effective arrangements

for communicating with customer in terms of service information, inquiries, etc.

which is interpreted as fairly prepared.

While the current study which also relates as to how the University cater the

needs of those interested parties is also explained by the respondents as

effectively done by the management.

Finally, regarding the organizations review of the quality management

system at planned intervals to ensure its continuing stability, adequacy, &

effectiveness is fairly prepared in relation to the administrators. While in

accordance to the current studys result which in a way of assessing its

employees. The respondents believed that the assessment of employees

performance is done in the University regularly through different modes.

 DISCUSSION

The respondents explained that the Universitys quality policy is

incorporated in the existing manuals and these policies assumed as a guide in

the operations. Further, they replied that the availability of resources in the

academic sector, all three categories are responded and these are available

according to the nature of purpose. But according to the key informant, it is

lacking of physical plant facilities. While other respondents answered theres no

quality manual, quality policy and theres no available resources.

According to the other key informant, Notre Dame University also allots

funds for the accreditation. That the current president is really working for

accreditations, ISO certification and other assessment to ensure the quality of

services offered. Other respondent doubt if the top management can provide this

resource since the university is in the K to 12 transition period. In terms of

catering to interested parties need, in all efforts done, administrators, faculty,

staff and students are always consulted. As to how well they are responded,

there are measures that will serve as indicators like board results, etc.

In terms of existing office that will assist ISO requirements and strategic

plan for ISO certification. Notre Dame University has the Institutional Affairs

Office that takes charge of quality assurance and accreditation concerns. The

University has integrated ISO accreditation in its priority plans but some key

informant responded that they cant find item for ISO preparations including the

timeline. Some respondents have not answered the other questions for they are

not the proper authorities to answer.