The Challenge

This initiative is intended to offer the world’s academic institutions a challenge of the highest order. Prizes are awarded for the best papers and case studies (Submissions) on the subject:

"Consideration of the economic, business and social impact of the development and use of International Standards for end-users at any level of business activity."

Successful societies have flourished by their ability to trade effectively. Trade has always been supported by perceptions of value based on standards of function, quality and performance. These "standards" can either be:

• Explicit or implicit
• Formal or informal

Whatever the business context, whenever a transaction takes place there is always a question of "what are the standards of function, quality and performance being offered?"

During the past 100 years there have been more inventions than in all of the previous history of mankind. This unprecedented technological advancement coupled with worldwide trade liberalisation demands close examination of the connection between standards and business development.

The impact of standards and standardisation in the political, economic, sociological, technological and natural environments at national, regional and international levels will play a significant role in how business and markets develop.