The integration of certified Management Systems. Case study - organizations located at the district of Braga, Portugal

The aim of this investigation, whose strategy and methods took into account the case study, was to obtain relevant information that in several perspectives would enable the characterization of the integration of certified Management Systems of Organizations located in the district of Braga, Portugal. For this purpose, a survey by questionnaire was carried out to 170 organizations of different activities. 21 valid questionnaires were received, which represent the sample of the research work. Among the main findings related to the purpose of this research highlights: the characterization of Organizations located at the district of Braga with more than one certified Management System and their level of integration; the approach and used models to support the integration; and the Critical Success Factors identified preventively by Organizations to better ensure the successful implementation of the Integrated Management Systems. Globally the Organizations do not use any model for Integrated Management Systems and in terms of Critical Success Factors the most relevant ones identified were: organizational culture, and commitment and leadership. The least relevant were: the management policies, and human and materials resources.