Bankruptcy Prediction and Performance: the Influence of Quality Certification on Portuguese SMEs

Objective: To observe the existence of a relationship between quality certification and performance and bankruptcy prediction for Portuguese SMEs. Theoretical Reference: The search for quality and its certification, via the International Standard Organization (ISO), theoretically, is related to the going concern assumption, making it possible to enhance the company's economic and financial sustainability. Method: Multisectoral Multivariate Discriminant Analysis (ADM) models, considered the most efficient, were selected for application, as well as the commonly used Univariate Analysis indicators. In Bureau Van Dijk's SABI Database, we collected Portuguese SMEs, with financial information from 2014 to 2018, certified in the scope of quality, ISO 9000 or 9001, on 12/31/2018, of these, we focused on those with main activity in NACE D - Electricity, Gas, Steam, Hot and Cold Water and Cold Air or G - Wholesale and Retail Trade, Repair of Motor Vehicles and Motorcycles as they are the most important. The Sector Average Company was also collected for the same NACE via Banco de Portugal Sector Tables. Then, having applied the models and indicators under study, we compared the results obtained between them, in order to observe the possible effect of quality certification on financial performance. Results and Discussion: No implication of quality certification in improving or optimizing the performance or economic-financial position of entities is identified. Implications of the Research: Uncover the influence of quality certification on the economic-financial position of companies, allowing for deeper investigation into bankruptcy, sustainability and value creation. Originality/Value: The specificities of the sectors and business size, crises and increasing closures make it vital to identify what will influence performance and sustainability, as no studies have been identified on this topic, focusing on Portuguese SMEs, certified via ISO 9000 or 9001.