EMS Importance in Business and Environmental Planning

EMS Importance in Business and Environmental Planning

International Environmental Management System (EMS) standards are rapidly becoming a key ingredient in strategic business planning. Today’s most successful multinationals have integrated the EMS structure within their business management system. The implementation of an EMS into business operations increases internal efficiency, opens communication with external parties, and reduces management risk. Global corporate responsibility begins with environmental and social accountability, which is continuing to have more of an impact on business decisions. Senior managers in global organizations have reduced management risk through integrating an EMS into the organization’s business system.

The EMS is a key aspect of competing in today’s global market. Ford, GM, Toyota, Xerox, Philips Electronics, BMW, Owens Corning, and many other global companies have registered to ISO 14001, and are urging, and in some cases requiring their suppliers to implement an EMS. Employees from senior management to shop floor personnel have been trained to understand their job’s impact has on business operations, in relation to environmental responsibility of the organization.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) began development of international management system standards in 1987 with the ISO 9000 quality management system standard series. In 1996, the ISO 14001 EMS standard was published. As international management standards continue to be developed, organizations will stress management systems integration, to increase business efficiency.

As one of the two ISO published international management system standards the ISO 14001 EMS has become the foundation of management systems integration, because it affects all aspects of business decision-making. Unlike the ISO 9000 quality management standard, which applies to manufacturers and product quality, the ISO 14001 standard addresses not only product quality, but also environmental and social impact. ISO 14001 assist managers in analyzing the management risk involved within the total business system through review of all the organization’s activities, products and services.

As future managers in a global economy, students from universities in developed and developing countries will be prepared to meet the challenges of designing competitive strategies for economic development efforts. Faculty will work to increase their understanding of environmental planning in business decisions and how integration of international management system standards, including ISO 14001 EMS, ISO 9001 QMS, and Health and Safety are implemented to enhance continual improvement in strategies focused on economic development, and environmental protection, which will enhance society’s quality of life.