Is is not what you achieve it is the way you achieve it

The paper is based on the findings of a wider research programme into the e ffectiveness of quality, assurance implementation conducted at the Universi ty of Glamorgan. The study investigated the different approaches used towar ds the implementation of quality management systems in order to achieve reg istration to ISO 9000. The tactics and techniques of implementation adopted by companies in their efforts to achieve registration are, the authors bel ieve, an important indicator of a system's potential. A previous study by t he authors identified two distinct approaches to implementation, the compre hensive approach and the analytical approach. The research indicates that t he stringent adoption of either the comprehensive or the analytical approac hes may not be the ideal solution and that some adaptation of elements from each may be necessary to formulate the optimum implementation and developm ent model. This model recognizes the connection and compatibility between t he analytical approach to implementation and other motivational quality ini tiatives such as total quality management. The difference in approaches als o fostered different corporate cultures within the host organizations, with a particular problem being the demotivation of users. The characteristics of the approaches identified reflected the findings of several authors who have conducted major research into the management of change. This managemen t of the change process is of vital importance to companies implementing a quality management system.