Ouagadougou: The Director General of the National Support Fund for Deflated and Retired Workers (FONA-DR), Sibiri Omar Compaor©, successfully defended his doctoral thesis in Management Sciences at Thomas Sankara University (UTS). The thesis, focused on the motivations of Burkinabe companies to adopt ISO 9001 certification, was presented before a jury led by Professor Seydou San© from Gaston Berger University of Saint Louis in Senegal.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Compaor©'s research, entitled "ISO 9001 Certificate in Burkina Faso: between constraints, mimicry and opportunities", examined why Burkinabe companies are increasingly attracted to ISO 9001 certification. This international standard outlines the necessary requirements for implementing a Quality Management System (QMS) within an organization, aiding companies in better organizing operations, satisfying customers, and continually improving products or services.

Under the supervision of Professor Florent Song-Naba and co-supervision of Professor Serge Bayala, Compaor©'s research highlighted the paradox of Burkinabe companies' growing enthusiasm for certification, despite a trend of decertification among international companies. His findings revealed that national companies are motivated by constraints, mimicry phenomena, and opportunities, all driving unique objectives and strategies.

Compaor© emphasized the importance of thorough preparation before pursuing certification, due to the significant financial and human resources required. He advised business leaders to clarify their strategies and objectives to avoid obtaining certification without substantial content or fundamental changes.

Professor Florent Song-naba praised Compaor© for his quality work, tenacity, and self-sacrifice throughout the research process, which began in 2017-2018. The jury acknowledged the thesis as a valuable contribution to understanding certification in Africa, with Professor Mamadou To© highlighting its relevance to Burkinabe businesses and its utility for researchers and policymakers.

Encouraged by the jury, Compaor© expressed his intention to deepen his research and promote his findings. His thesis supervisor urged him to continue in the field of business certification, publish articles, and share results to advance his academic career. Compaor© noted these recommendations, aiming to explore further aspects of ISO 9001 certification as suggested by the jury.