Systems of Excellence in Public Transport: A Strategic Choice for Societatea de Transport București STB S.A. among International Models of Competitiveness

Organizational excellence frameworks, such as the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and the European Foundation for Quality Management models, are globally recognized for improving performance and competitiveness across various sectors. This paper explores the application of these models to public transport organizations, with a focus on identifying the most suitable diagnostic tool for assessing the performance of Bucharest Transport Company (STB S.A.). The literature review reveals that while several international frameworks, including the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Index and the IMD Competitiveness Model, focus on macroeconomic factors, the Malcolm Baldrige and EFQM models are more effective for organizational-level assessments. The research methodology involves a qualitative approach, comparing six diagnostic systems based on criteria such as clarity of objectives, scope, flexibility, and impact on strategic decisions. The main results indicate that the Malcolm Baldrige model is the most appropriate for STB S.A., as it provides a comprehensive framework for improving leadership, innovation, and performance management. Its application is expected to help align organizational objectives with market needs, optimize resource utilization, and enhance customer satisfaction. This paper contributes to the field by providing a detailed analysis of how international excellence frameworks can be adapted to the specific needs of public transport organizations, offering insights into their benefits and limitations. The findings suggest that the adoption of the Malcolm Baldrige model can significantly improve Bucharest Transport Company STB S.A.’s operational efficiency and strategic decision-making processes.