A standard should not merely exist as a regulatory framework but must prove itself as a valuable instrument, yielding tangible benefits. Fonseca et al.’s (2017) bibliometric study scrutinized 259 articles by 699 authors across 132 scientific journals from 1998 to April 2017, reinforcing the notion that Quality Management System (QMS) certification, particularly in ISO 9001, brings about discernible advantages for certified organizations. This assertion aligns with earlier findings from researchers like Karunaratne (2019) and Hernawan et al. (2018). Consistent with these, this paper critically examines the efficacy of ISO 9001:2015, delving into its impacts, strengths, and weaknesses concerning quality management within the dynamic construction industry landscape. This review aims to substantiate the previously made claims about the substantial advantages of ISO 9001 certification.

ISO 9001 stands as a globally recognized standard for Quality Management Systems (QMS), delineating requirements for organizations to foster continual improvement and achieve customer satisfaction (Sari et al., 2017). Its evolution, starting from ISO 9001:1987, primarily focused on quality assurance, featuring three classifications: ISO 9001:1987 for organizations with new product creation, ISO 9002:1987 for those without new product creation, and ISO 9003:1987 for final inspection and testing.

Subsequent versions like ISO 9001:1994 emphasized preventive action, ISO 9001:2000 prioritized business process enhancement, and the latest version, ISO 9001:2015, introduced significant changes and a new conceptual and procedural approach as informed by Cochran (2015) and Sari et al. (2017). Scrimshire (2015) notes that ISO 9001:2015, with its process-oriented approach, extends the application of the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle to all identified processes. This approach ensures that organizations allocate adequate resources, manage processes effectively, and promptly address opportunities for improvement….