Enhancing Quality Management Systems with Knowledge Management in a University Context

In recent years, the gap between perceptions and knowledge transfer widens significantly. This trend is especially pronounced as Generation Z representatives are becoming more influential at the organizational level. The undisputedly most popular management systems standards are based on the ISO 9000 series for quality management systems. The turn of the century has witnessed the integration of these systems with environmental, occupational health and safety, information security, and other management systems depending on the context and focus of the organization. Even more impactful changes are due to be published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in 2024 as amendments to international standards for management systems. Expectedly, they are mainly related to climate action changes. At present, the integration of management systems at the University of Ruse, Bulgaria, involves such aspects as innovation management, business continuity, and knowledge management systems. The paper extends previously published research dealing with curriculum design and an new pedagogical approach to teaching and learning for the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), coupled with integrated management systems. This paper highlights best practices, methodologies, and tools for knowledge management that can enhance the effect that management systems can exert on the performance of educational organizations in general, and more specifically - at the University of Ruse, Bulgaria.