Quality management system as a factor in improving competitiveness in the foreign economic activity of an enterprise

Abstract

The purpose of this research is a comprehensive analysis and theoretical substantiation of the role of quality management systems (QMS) as a key tool in shaping and strengthening the competitive advantages of domestic enterprises in the international arena. The work is aimed at systematizing the mechanisms through which an implemented and certified QMS influences the core components of product and company competitiveness, considering the increasing demands of global markets and the need for Ukrainian business to integrate into the global economic space. The methodological basis of the work consists of the principles of a systematic approach and the dialectical method of cognition. To achieve the set goal, a set of general scientific methods was used: theoretical generalization and comparison—to study the evolution of approaches to quality management; analysis and synthesis—to decompose the concept of «competitiveness» into its components and establish links between them and QMS principles. The analysis of normative documents, particularly the ISO 9000 series standards, made it possible to reveal the essence and requirements of modern quality systems. The method of logical generalization was applied to systematize the benefits that exporting enterprises receive from implementing a QMS. The study found that the quality management system has transformed from a narrow function of product control into a strategic management tool that has a comprehensive impact on a company’s activities. It has been proven that the influence of a QMS on competitiveness in foreign economic activity is realized in several ways. Firstly, certification according to international standards (in particular, ISO 9001) is a necessary condition for access to many foreign markets, allowing companies to overcome non-tariff and technical barriers to trade and serving as a signal of reliability for foreign partners. Secondly, a QMS directly affects non-price factors of competitiveness by ensuring consistently high quality of products and services, which increases consumer loyalty and strengthens brand reputation. Thirdly, the implementation of QMS principles promotes the optimization of business processes, the rational use of resources, and the minimization of losses from defects, which leads to a reduction in costs and, consequently, an increase in price competitiveness. It is substantiated that the implementation and certification of a quality management system is an effective and multifaceted factor in increasing an enterprise’s competitiveness in foreign economic activity. It is concluded that a QMS is ceasing to be merely a formal requirement and is becoming a strategic investment in sustainable development, operational efficiency, and a long-term presence in global markets. For Ukrainian companies, the consistent implementation of international quality standards is a critically important condition for successful integration into European and global value chains. Keywords: ISO 9001, quality management, export, international markets, certification, competitive advantages, standardization.