Process embedded design of integrated management systems

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to provide a process-based design of integrated management systems (IMS) implementation. Design/methodology/approach - An extensive survey of peer-reviewed literature was conducted. Based on the literature review, a comprehensive methodology for the design and implementation of an IMS was developed. Findings - A critical review of the strategies employed and of difficulties encountered in IMS implementation reveals the need for a context-and process-based design of IMS. At the operational level core activities are first designed from the perspective of stakeholders' requirements and then treated with operational excellence tools to strip away waste. The transformed core processes are then integrated with mainstream individual management systems to form one composite and holistic management system. The institutionalisation of IMS needs to be addressed in its design (through process embedded design) as well as at the users' level (through education and training of employees). Practical implications - The paper provides the process-based strategy for IMS implementation and institutionalisation. Originality/value - The paper should be useful for practitioners searching for a recipe to integrate management systems, for government regulatory agencies seeking to facilitate the integration of management systems, and for researchers as a future area of research.