摘要：Business excellence is based on a system of TQM - Total Quality Management. Th e introduction and certifi cation of the ISO 9001:2000 series of standards for the system of quality management presents a good starting point for implementation of the EFQM business excellence model and also represents the fi rst step on the road to business excellence, because it introduces a powerful process approach for management. Th e purpose of this article is to present results and conclusions of the research level of business excellence in the Republic of Croatia and to make proposals of its potential improvement viewed through the prism of presentation and explanations of fundamental principles and criteria of the EFQM business excellence model. Th e starting point of the research were 1444 manufacturing companies registered with Croatian exporters that have emerged within the HIO project (Croatian export off ensive). Th e main issue is to point out the possibility of strengthening export competitiveness of Croatian companies in order to enhance healthy competition and encourage TQM in the national framework. Th is article is based on three hypothesis. Th e fi rst hypothesis H1 is that Croatian companies are not familiar with the EFQM business excellence model, nor its potential positive eff ects and therefore they apply it selectively; H2 Companies that are certifi ed by ISO 9001:2000 standard have more knowledge of the EFQM model of business excellence, are both fully established, while the H3 as it was anticipated, proved a positive correlation between ISO 9001:2000 standard certifi cation and potential defi cit reduction of Foreign trade balance.
关键词：Business Excellence in the Republic of Croatia; ISO 9001:2000; EFQM Excellence Model®; competitiveness
