Quality function deployment: a tool to improve software quality

Abstract

In this paper the use of Quality Function Deployment (QFD) as a tool to improve software quality is examined. For the concept of quality the authors have decided to use the definition suggested by the International Standardization Organization (ISO). QFD is a management technique aimed at facilitating companywide quality control which has proven valuable in the fields of manufacturing and service production. Because we recognize several issues in common with these fields and information systems (IS) development, it is thought to be a worthwhile effort to apply QFD to IS development as well. We try to make our approach somewhat more realistic by applying it in a hypothetical manner to an actual case; and the benefits and drawbacks of the technique learned during the process are reported. Our impression is that QFD has features which help the participants to understand each other's requirements; a prerequisite of producing ISs which takes into consideration the different quality requirements of the parties involved.