Statistical comparison of final weight scores in quality function deployment (QFD) studies

2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 184-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zafar Iqbal ◽  
Nigel P. Grigg ◽  
K. Govinderaju ◽  
Nicola Campbell-Allen
Keyword(s):  
Quality Function Deployment ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Probability Model ◽  
Testing Procedure ◽  
Statistical Testing ◽  
Relationship Matrix ◽  
Quality Function ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Testing Procedures ◽  
Technical Specifications

Purpose – Quality function deployment (QFD) is a methodology to translate the “voice of the customer” into engineering/technical specifications (HOWs) to be followed in designing of products or services. For the method to be effective, QFD practitioners need to be able to accurately differentiate between the final weights (FWs) that have been assigned to HOWs in the house of quality matrix. The paper aims to introduce a statistical testing procedure to determine whether the FWs of HOWs are significantly different and investigate the robustness of different rating scales used in QFD practice in contributing to these differences. Design/methodology/approach – Using a range of published QFD examples, the paper uses a parametric bootstrap testing procedure to test the significance of the differences between the FWs by generating simulated random samples based on a theoretical probability model. The paper then determines the significance or otherwise of the differences between: the two most extreme FWs and all pairs of FWs. Finally, the paper checks the robustness of different attribute rating scales (linear vs non-linear) in the context of these testing procedures. Findings – The paper demonstrates that not all of the differences that exist between the FWs of HOW attributes are in fact significant. In the absence of such a procedure, there is no reliable analytical basis for QFD practitioners to determine whether FWs are significantly different, and they may wrongly prioritise one engineering attribute over another. Originality/value – This is the first article to test the significance of the differences between FWs of HOWs and to determine the robustness of different strength of scales used in relationship matrix.

Computing machinery and creativity: lessons learned from the Turing test

Kybernetes ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 82-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Peter Berrar ◽  
Alfons Schuster
Keyword(s):  
Testing Procedure ◽  
Turing Test ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Statistical Testing ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Computational Creativity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Testing Procedures ◽  
Computing Machinery ◽  
Alternative Testing

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relevance and the appropriateness of Turing-style tests for computational creativity. Design/methodology/approach – The Turing test is both a milestone and a stumbling block in artificial intelligence (AI). For more than half a century, the “grand goal of passing the test” has taught the authors many lessons. Here, the authors analyze the relevance of these lessons for computational creativity. Findings – Like the burgeoning AI, computational creativity concerns itself with fundamental questions such as “Can machines be creative?” It is indeed possible to frame such questions as empirical, Turing-style tests. However, such tests entail a number of intricate and possibly unsolvable problems, which might easily lead the authors into old and new blind alleys. The authors propose an outline of an alternative testing procedure that is fundamentally different from Turing-style tests. This new procedure focuses on the unfolding of creativity over time, and – unlike Turing-style tests – it is amenable to a more meaningful statistical testing. Research limitations/implications – This paper argues against Turing-style tests for computational creativity. Practical implications – This paper opens a new avenue for viable and more meaningful testing procedures. Originality/value – The novel contributions are: an analysis of seven lessons from the Turing test for computational creativity; an argumentation against Turing-style tests; and a proposal of a new testing procedure.

scholarly journals Quality function deployment: more than a design tool

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 142-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadiye Ozlem Erdil ◽  
Omid M. Arani
Keyword(s):  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Quality Function Deployment ◽  
Design Tool ◽  
Quality Improvements ◽  
Literature Study ◽  
Quality Function ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Design Activities

Purpose This paper aims to investigate to what extent quality function deployment (QFD) can be used in quality improvement rather than design activities. Design/methodology/approach A framework was developed for implementation of QFD as a quality improvement tool. A case study approach is used to test this framework, and quality issues were analyzed using the framework in a ceramic tile manufacturing company. Findings The results showed considerable improvements in the critical quality characteristics identified and sales rates, demonstrating the potential of QFD to be used in assessing and prioritizing areas of improvement, and converting them into measurable process or product requirements. Research limitations/implications One case study was completed. More studies would be beneficial to support current findings. Practical implications This framework provides structured approach and guidelines for practitioners in adapting QFD for quality improvements in existing products or processes. Originality/value This study proposes a new framework to use QFD in quality improvement activities, expanding its application areas. Moreover, the results of the literature study performed provide a valuable collection of practical QFD implementation examples.

Mapping the customer centric weather index insurance service design using quality function deployment

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pankaj Singh ◽  
Gaurav Agrawal
Keyword(s):  
Quality Function Deployment ◽  
Service Design ◽  
Index Insurance ◽  
Importance Rating ◽  
Customer Requirements ◽  
Weather Index ◽  
Quality Function ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Weather Index Insurance ◽  
Design Requirements

PurposeThe present paper aims to propose a framework on weather index insurance (WII) service design by using quality function deployment (QFD).Design/methodology/approachThis study utilizes QFD technique to propose a customer oriented framework on WII service design. In initial phase, customer and design requirements were gathered to derive the relationship between customers' and managers' voice for construct the house of quality (HOQ). Later on, prioritized customer and design requirements as QFD outcome were utilized to develop the action plan matrix in order to suggest the future action plans.FindingsThis study proposed a customer centric framework on WII service design to address the customer requirements. Findings show that adequate claim payments, hassle free prompt claim payment and transparency in losses computation are prioritized customer requirements with highest importance rating, whereas, accurate claim estimation, claim management system and advancement of technology are prioritized service design necessities with highest importance rating.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed WII service design can enhance the quality of WII service by attain the higher standards of WII service in order to completely satisfy the customers.Practical implicationsThe proposed WII service design can provide a solution to the problems faced by WII industry by improve the customer's service experience and satisfaction.Originality/valueBased on best of author's knowledge, this paper first proposed a framework on WII service design by integrating customer and design requirements by using QFD.

scholarly journals Application of multi-based quality function deployment (QFD) model to improve halal meat industry

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iwan Vanany ◽  
Ghoffar Albab Maarif ◽  
Jan Mei Soon
Keyword(s):  
Food Production ◽  
Quality Function Deployment ◽  
Food Industry ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Processing Plant ◽  
Final Phase ◽  
Quality Function ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Halal Food

PurposeHalal food market has grown significantly over the years. As consumers are becoming more aware of the significance of halal food products and certification, food industries will benefit from a model that controls and assures halal food production. Quality function deployment (QFD) is a tool to support product design and improve food quality systems. Thus, the purpose of this study is to propose a multi-phased QFD model to identify key processes and prioritise programmes to improve halal food production.Design/methodology/approachThe matrix in the first phase was designed using the halal assurance system (HAS) requirements and the set of production process. The relationships between HAS requirements and a set of halal critical factors [i.e. raw material (chicken), workers, procedures and documentation, equipment and premises] were established in the second phase. In the final phase, potential problems and improvement programmes arising under each critical halal phase were identified. The QFD model was developed and applied in a chicken processing plant in Indonesia.FindingsIn Matrix 1, slaughtering, meat processing and meat delivery were identified as the key process, whilst equipment, procedures and documentation and workers were determined as the most critical halal factors in Matrix 2. The final phase of the QFD approach assisted the chicken processing plant in reducing potential issues by identifying key improvement programmes. The prioritisation of improvement programmes also supports the company in decision-making and allocating their resources accordingly.Practical implicationsThe multi-phased QFD model can be designed and adapted to specific food industry. It can be used to assure halal food production and inform food industry which area to prioritise and to allocate resources accordingly. The improvement of halal food production will assist food companies to target and access international markets.Originality/valueThis study proposed a new multi-phased QFD model that can be used as a halal food assurance and prioritisation tool by the food industry. This model will benefit food industry intending to implement halal assurance scheme in their process, halal auditors and policymakers.

Applying fuzzy grey quality function deployment to identify solutions for improving safety of container terminal loading and unloading operations

2016 ◽  
Vol 232 (3) ◽  
pp. 276-292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ching-Yuan Chen ◽  
Ji-Feng Ding ◽  
Gin-Shuh Liang ◽  
Tsung-Yu Chou
Keyword(s):  
Professional Education ◽  
Quality Function Deployment ◽  
Safety Climate ◽  
Container Terminal ◽  
Operating Efficiency ◽  
Relationship Matrix ◽  
Quality Function ◽  
Loading And Unloading ◽  
Technical Solutions

The safety of container terminal loading and unloading operations is an important link in international port logistics, and such operations deeply affect terminal operating efficiency and service quality. Finding solutions for improving the safety and quality of loading and unloading operations has therefore become very important. In this article, a fuzzy grey quality function deployment approach was developed to identify solutions for improving the safety of container terminal loading and unloading operations in Taiwan. First, the fuzzy grey quality function deployment approach was presented. Second, this study employed a house of quality to facilitate investigation of the 18 safety needs’ attributes and 10 feasible technical solutions. Safety needs, and their importance and satisfaction, were then examined via an expert questionnaire. Subsequently, a fuzzy relationship matrix was constructed to link technical solutions and safety needs in a fuzzy decision environment. Finally, the fuzzy grey quality function deployment approach was applied to prioritize technical solutions regarding improving the safety quality of container terminal loading and unloading operations in Taiwan. This study’s results show that the top six most feasible technical solutions for improving the safety quality of loading and unloading operations are “implementing professional education and training,”“enhancing safety awareness and behavior of personnel,”“developing effective standard operating procedures,”“adequate safety equipment,”“establishing a good safety climate,” and “regular maintenance of hardware and equipment.” These top six technical solutions are also discussed in this article.

Optimal selection of third-party logistics service providers using quality function deployment and Taguchi loss function

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (7) ◽  
pp. 1281-1300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Satyendra Kumar Sharma ◽  
Vinod Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Loss Function ◽  
Quality Function Deployment ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Third Party Logistics ◽  
Taguchi Loss Function ◽  
Quality Function ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Logistics Service ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Selection Of

Purpose – Selection of logistics service provider (LSP) (also known as Third-party logistics (3PL) is a critical decision, because logistics affects top and bottom line as well. Companies consider logistics as a cost driver and at the time of LSP selection decision, many important decision criteria’s are left out. 3PL selection is multi-criteria decision-making process. The purpose of this paper is to develop an integrated approach, combining quality function deployment (QFD), and Taguchi loss function (TLF) to select optimal 3PL. Design/methodology/approach – Multiple criteria are derived from the company requirements using house of quality. The 3PL service attributes are developed using QFD and the relative importance of the attributes are assessed. TLFs are used to measure performance of each 3PL on each decision variable. Composite weighted loss scores are used to rank 3PLs. Findings – QFD is a better tool which connects attributes used in a decision problem to decision maker’s requirements. In total, 15 criteria were used and TLF provides performance on these criteria. Practical implications – The proposed model provides a methodology to make informed decision related to 3PL selection. The proposed model may be converted into decision support system. Originality/value – Proposed approach in this paper is a novel approach that connects the 3PL selection problem to practice in terms of identifying criteria’s and provides a single numerical value in terms of Taghui loss.

scholarly journals Applying quality function deployment to social housing?

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 422-437 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katerina Kassela ◽  
Marina Papalexi ◽  
David Bamford
Keyword(s):  
Social Housing ◽  
Quality Function Deployment ◽  
Service Sector ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Housing Association ◽  
Professional Services ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Quality Function ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Uk

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to focus on the application of quality function deployment (QFD) in a Housing Association (HA) located in the UK. Facing the problem of improving a company’s performance, practitioners and academics have fashioned and applied a variety of models, theories and techniques. Design/methodology/approach The research questions were developed from a review of the quality and process improvement literature and tested using evidence from field-based, action research within a UK HA company. The case study provides insight to the benefits and challenges arising from the application of QFD. Findings The results provided insight to the benefits and challenges arising from the application of a specific tool, QFD. The primary findings were: QFD can be successfully adapted, applied and utilised within the challenging environment of social housing and other sectors, such as professional services; the model can be modified to use most processes/sub-processes; it must include both external and internal requirements and, to be useful, use more detailed process parameters appropriately. Practical implications The conclusions drawn add to ongoing commentaries on aspects of quality improvement, especially the application of QFD within the service sector. The authors develop questions for future research regarding improvement projects. Originality/value The conclusion proposes that the implementation of QFD should have a positive impact upon a company; if approached in the right manner. It provides a useful mechanism for developing evidence-based strategy of operational change, control and improvement. The research proposes questions for future research into aspects of operational quality and efficiency.

A Novel Web-Based Approach to Quality Function Deployment

2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hong-jun Wang ◽  
Xin Chen ◽  
Ping Zhang ◽  
De-tao Zheng ◽  
Jian Sun
Keyword(s):  
Quality Function Deployment ◽  
Relationship Matrix ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Customer Requirements ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Quality Function ◽  
Engineering Characteristics ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Importance Ratings ◽  
The Relationship

Quality Function Deployment (QFD), as an effective tool for customer-driven product development, has been widely adopted in manufacturing companies for many years. The main difficulties in using QFD lie in capturing the actual needs of customers, and in the conflicting conclusions provided by different experts while establishing the relationship matrix between customer requirements and engineering characteristics. This paper describes a novel approach to applying QFD. Firstly, the customer requirements are captured through Web-based technology. Secondly, the relationship matrix between customer requirements and engineering characteristics is established by handling coordinately fuzzy knowledge. Thirdly, the translation of a customer’s importance ratings into engineering weightings is carried out by fuzzy mapping technology. In order to reduce the complexity of HOQ, the less important customer requirements and engineering characteristics are identified and eliminated from the model by using α-cuts. Finally, an example using a refrigerator illustrates that the proposed approach is both available and practicable.

Purchasing performance of engineering procurement and construction companies using a fuzzy quality function deployment approach

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gitesh Chavan ◽  
Ranjan Chaudhuri ◽  
Wesley J. Johnston ◽  
Benjamin Garner
Keyword(s):  
Quality Function Deployment ◽  
The Body ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Significant Finding ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Quality Function ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
Fuzzy Quality Function Deployment

Purpose This paper aims to empirically validate an integrated model, combining fuzzy analytical hierarchy processing and quality function deployment, used to construct a purchasing performance (PP) matrix for engineering procurement and construction companies (EPCs). The relationship is established by linking internal customer needs (“whats”; product-related factors), with engineering requirements (“hows”; buyer-related factors [BRFs] and organization-related factors). Three different of buying types are included: new task, straight rebuy and modified rebuy. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses qualitative and quantitative techniques to determine the factors affecting PP and the extent of their influence. Evaluation of the factors affecting the PP of EPC companies is based on 32 industry experts’ opinions, supported by the academic literature. Findings The most significant finding is that researchers should explicitly consider BRFs like buyer knowledge, which has been missing in earlier PP models. BRFs appear to be a link between different types of buying; ignoring their importance can lead to less optimized PP and erroneous findings. Originality/value This research is unique, as PP models of EPC firms have neither been published nor validated empirically, either nationally or internationally. This exploratory study adds to the body of knowledge both by identifying the emerging factors that constitute the construct of the PP of EPCs and by filling the gap between theory and practice concerning an evaluation of the PP of EPCs. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

scholarly journals Awareness and effectiveness of quality function deployment (QFD) in design and build projects in Nigeria

2014 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 72-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Romeo John ◽  
Andrew Smith ◽  
Sarich Chotipanich ◽  
Michael Pitt
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Quality Function Deployment ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Chief Executive ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Control Technique ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Quality Function ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quality Control Technique

Purpose – Quality function deployment (QFD) is a method for structured product planning and development that enables a development team to specify clearly the wants and needs of customers. This method has been successfully employed in the construction industry in developed countries. However, the benefits of QFD have not been practically realised in developing countries such as Nigeria. Hence, this research aims to investigate the awareness and effectiveness of QFD as a quality control technique that enhances the satisfaction of clients in terms of quality, cost and project delivery time in design and build projects. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative and quantitative research approach in the form of in-depth telephone interviews and questionnaires was used to obtain the views of construction professionals such as civil engineers, architects, project managers, chief executive officers and trades people involved in design and build projects in the Nigerian construction industry, as well as 50 clients to ascertain the level of satisfaction derived from these design and build projects. Findings – The results of this research are derived from statistical analysis and show that there is currently little awareness of QFD within the Nigerian construction industry or its potential effectiveness in design and build projects. Originality/value – There has been little previous research into the use of QFD in the Nigerian construction industry, hence this paper provides insight but also highlights the need for further research.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document