Adaptation of quality function deployment for process reinvention in SMEs

Abstract

This paper proposes an approach for Small Manufacturing Enterprises (SMEs) to reinvent their manufacturing processes. Quality Function Deployment (QFD) as a best practice has been benefiting many leading manufacturers in Japan and the USA. However, there are still many SMEs, such as those in Hong Kong, having difficulty in adopting best practice to enhance their competitiveness in the world market. It is argued that organisational innovations could be made when a team of voluntary workers is assembled to share their experiences. It is understood that people involved may not be willing to work together due to conflicting interests. This paper articulates the key roles and activities for a successful industrial and academic collaboration to support action learning through QFD adaptation. Preliminary results indicate that this innovative approach has been validated with a case study in a local SME and it should be able to be replicated in another reference setting.