Concurrent Engineering Case Studies Applying QFD Models

Abstract

This paper extends the previous work in which two QFD models, a "2-storied quality chart" and a "Parallel flow quality chart," were proposed as tools for concurrent engineering product development driven by a matrix organization. This paper compares these two models with two real cases from a major international project of a Japanese automobile company in the 1980s. The first case relates to the product planning and development processes which were focused on the European market requirements. The second case relates to the introduction processes of this product into the Japanese market. The paper follows these two cases and compares development activities, development processes etc. with the abstract elements and procedures in the two theoretical models. By this comparison the abstract ele ments and concepts of these models are concretely explained. In this way understanding of these models, including the concepts behind them, is facilitated. Moreover, it is shown that the case studies on the basis of these QFD models facilitate insight into the complicated real development cases which would otherwise be understood only by experts. In this way this paper proves validity of the two QFD models as good management tools.