Quality Function Deployment Analysis Research Articles

Uncertain Quality Function Deployment Using a Hybrid Group Decision Making Model

Quality function deployment (QFD) is a widely used quality system tool for translating customer requirements (CRs) into the engineering design requirements (DRs) of products or services. The conventional QFD analysis, however, has been criticized as having some limitations such as in the assessment of relationships between CRs and DRs, the determination of CR weights and the prioritization of DRs. This paper aims to develop a new hybrid group decision-making model based on hesitant 2-tuple linguistic term sets and an extended QUALIFLEX (qualitative flexible multiple criteria method) approach for handling QFD problems with incomplete weight information. First, hesitant linguistic term sets are combined with interval 2-tuple linguistic variables to express various uncertainties in the assessment information of QFD team members. Borrowing the idea of grey relational analysis (GRA), a multiple objective optimization model is constructed to determine the relative weights of CRs. Then, an extended QUALIFLEX approach with an inclusion comparison method is suggested to determine the ranking of the DRs identified in QFD. Finally, an analysis of a market segment selection problem is conducted to demonstrate and validate the proposed QFD approach.

Service quality study in the property and casualty insurance market using the Quality Function Deployment methodology

The aim of this project is to study the dimensions of service quality in non-life insurance market, applying the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) methodology. To achieve the purpose of the paper, a specific service quality scale was developed to reflect the most important service quality elements in the insurance industry. For the first time in any insurance market or insurance service quality research, the Insurance Service Quality Function Deployment (ISQFD) matrix was developed especially for the insurance sector. Furthermore, the SIQUAL scale has been developed which is specifically designed to analyse service quality in the insurance industry. We interviewed over 300 insurance customers (mainly car and home insurance policy holders) and 17 insurance experts – including company directors, researchers, public institution members, private institution members and consultancy directors from the insurance sector. By applying what we propose in this research study, insurance companies can develop their business and focus their actions on what is more efficient in the long term, increase their customers’ satisfaction and loyalty. This research represents the first QFD analysis in the European insurance market and it is the first study based on a specific service quality scale, establishing a solid basis for future research in insurance service quality.

Analisis Peningkatan Kualitas pada Rantai Pasok Buah Pepaya Calina

<p class="Default"><em>Due to the fact that post-harvest handling of local fruits especially in Calina papaya supply chain (IPB 9) has experience problems that can affect the value of its quality appearance, quality improvement is absolutely required. The purposes of this research are 1) Identifying the key attributes of Calina papaya quality improvement based on desires of consumers and to know the level of customer satisfaction using Quality Function Deployment (QFD); 2) Analyzing the causes of Calina papaya quality problems, and 3) Analyzing strategies or ways to improve the quality of Calina papaya in Indonesia. The results of this research show that there are three main attributes of customer satisfaction; namely, the sweet taste, color of fruit meat, and texture of fruit meat. Supply chain activities that have the highest interests of rate based on analysis of QFD are the maintenance (value 521) of cultivation. There are two attributes that have mismatches of quality; bruise and pests-diseases, caused by the raw materials, management, labor, environment, machine and method. </em><em>The highest priority that can be chosen as the alternative strategy is increasing production capacity, product quality, and food safety assurance by expanding the distribution network.</em><em> </em></p><em>Keywords : Calina papaya, quality function deployment, strategy, quality</em>

Engineering Approach with Quality Function Deployment for an ABET Accredited Program: A Case Study

Quality Function Deployment (QFD) is a systematic approach used by companies and organizations to meet customer requirements. The success of a QFD analysis is largely based on the quality of the voice of the customer, namely the customer requirements and their importance ratings. On the other hand, ABET, incorporated as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc., is a non-governmental organization that accredits post-secondary education programs. In this paper, QFD is applied to a major course from the mechanical engineering program where, Course Learning Outcomes are considered as the Voice of the Customers (WHAT) and Student Outcomes issued by ABET are the technical requirements (HOW). The objective of this paper is to pave a clear road to faculty members and engineering institutions to fulfil ABET requirements.

Developing usable products in the supply chain of Mazandaran spinning industry by Quality Function Deployment (QFD)

In order to develop usable products, human needs and requirements have to be taken into consideration. By employing the QFD (Quality Function Deployment) method the human needs are systematically matched with the product characteristics, which can help to improve the product quality. In this paper the use of QFD in the area of usable products is discussed and a case study is presented to improve the supply chain of mazandaran spinning industry. The QFD method was used in the case study to translate the needs of usable yarn in spinning the carpet in the moist climate into product characteristics. The QFD analysis of the usable carpet revealed that the characteristics of the yarn were receiving the highest overall quality, which means that improving the design of the best quality yarn Proportional of the moist climate for spinning the carpet would lead to higher customer satisfaction. The importance of developing products that meet the customer or human needs is a priority area in the product development process. With knowledge in Selection of raw materials according to weather conditions it is possible to reveal information of the human needs and requirements. However, in the product development process it also is important to match the climate needs with the product characteristics, which can be achieved by using the QFD method. The knowledge of Selection of raw materials according to weather conditions and the use of the QFD method are therefore useful tools in designing high quality products.

The synergy of QFD and TRIZ for solving EMC problems in electrical products – a case study for the Notebook PC

This paper studies the design analysis and debugging mechanism against electrical product electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). The aim is to employ an effective electromagnetic interference suppression solution based on the integration of quality function deployment (QFD) and TRIZ during the early development phase of electronic products to reduce both unit cost and launch time. The QFD relationship matrix displays potential contradictions in technical requirements, and the TRIZ contradiction matrix methodology helps to suggest generic solutions which then serve as solution triggers. This paper takes the example of reducing a Notebook PC’s EMC to meet customer specification demands and with QFD applications. It then proposes an innovative approach in solving EMC contradictions including: (1) QFD-based case analysis for Notebook PC computer products, (2) key EMC issues derived out of QFD analysis, (3) innovative design solutions solving EMC issues by way of TRIZ, and (4) evaluation of multiple solution effectiveness.

Identification of Design Requirements for Ergonomic Long Spinal Board Using Quality Function Deployment (QFD)

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is a basic medical acts carried to an accident victim with the purpose of sustaining life and preventing a decline in body condition before the victim finally getting further treatment from medical personnel. One evacuation tool of first aid commonly used is Long Spinal Board (LSB). This tool is set up as an emergency stretcher boards made from wood or polymer with a flat surface that is used to perform the evacuation of the injured spinal cord. The basic principle of the LSB use is to immobilize the position of the spine so that the secondary injury on the spine due to swing, clash, or shocks that occurred during the evacuation process can be minimized. However, the existing LSB has several disadvantages, both in terms of user comfort, and also the effectiveness and efficiency of the evacuation process when done. A recent study found the LSB use can cause pain, discomfort, and respiratory disorders to the patients. Furthermore, the LSB can blockage the flow of oxygen in the tissue capillaries at the placement of strap. Therefore, it is important to improve the design of the LSB with the aims to achieve mobility and better equipment compatibility when used, so that the evacuation process can be done more effectively, efficiently and safely. This study identifies the design requirements of ergonomic LSB using Quality Function Deployment (QFD). QFD is an effective design method to integrate ergonomics needs and comfort into LSB design because it explicitly addresses the translation of customer requirements into engineering characteristics. Preliminary survey was conducted through direct observation of the actual use of LSB that exists today and interviews with volunteers from the Indonesian Red Cross of West Sumatera. Data gathered was translated into questionnaire and answered by 47 participants from medics, Red Cross, Ambulance Unit Medical Officer and rescue team of Padang, West Sumatera. Then it was clarified and used in the House of Quality matrix. The QFD analysis of the LSB revealed that the selection of LSB main board materials, the application of LSB strap systems, as well as the addition of LSB features were receiving the highest overall weighting, which means that improving the design of those criteria would lead to higher customer satisfaction.

Analisa Perancangan Ulang (Redesain) Model Operasionalisasi Program Bantuan Operasional Sekolah Dalam Meningkatkan Efektivitas Penyelenggaraan Pendidikan dan Memenuhi Harapan Masyarakat

This study aims to establish a model operationalization BOS program, through the analysis of Quality Function Deployment. This study was based on the presence of a variety of complaints that come from the communities to the BOS program that they can not benefit from the one hand, and the other side the Government felt that the implementation of BOS has reached three rights are the right time, the right amount, and on target. Public dissatisfaction conditions to the program evidenced by the high dropout rates.The extent to which the BOS program helps students in education funding, in turn raises a big question mark because of government policies and rhetoric seem apparent.Because it was the children of farmers, laborers, street vendors, low class servants, janitors still do not get the ease and lightness in education.Free school which echoed the Government would make society under increasingly sad to hear that.
 The first results of this study is the expectationof the people to the BOS program, namely:most of BOS funds can be used to offset the cost of student transportation, schools have adequate science laboratories and maximum usage, quality textbooks provided by the school, BOS program can ease the burden of school, students can discuss with the teacher outside of school hours, andSchool Committee oversees use of the funds. From this analysis known gap formed between community expectations with the level of BOS concept is still very high, both western and central regions Indonesia.Researchers feel that there is no proper policy of the Government to secure the nation's ideals in improving quality through Learning Program 9 years.Therefore, we need strategies to be more comprehensive to narrow the gap between idealism with the realities on the ground, so that education becomes more obvious problems 'roots' and more 'effective and efficient' ways to overcome. Redesigns recommended are monitoring and evaluation, increase teacher motivation, integrated management system, operational guidelines for use of the funds, supervision attached, and additional facilities. To accomplish these results it is necessary to continue the research terms, that is for two eastern Indonesia: Maluku and Papua.
 Keywords: recommendation of operationalization model BOS program, quality function deployment

Quantification and integration of Kano’s model into QFD for optimising product design

With increasing concerns on customer needs in today’s competitive market, the issue of incorporating customer requirements into product design arises the interest of both researchers and practitioners. Quality Function Deployment (QFD) is a well-known methodology for customer-driven product design. However, conventionally, QFD analysis has a major challenge in understanding customer needs accurately. Kano’s model, which studies the nature of customer needs, provides a way for a better classification of customer needs. However, seldom research contributions are found in terms of integrating Kano’s model with QFD quantitatively. In this research, a novel integration approach is proposed. At first, Kano’s model is quantified by identifying relationship between customer needs and customer satisfaction (CS). Next, both qualitative and quantitative results from Kano’s model are integrated into QFD. Finally, a mixed non-linear integer programming model is formulated to maximise CS under cost and technical constraints. In this research, an illustrative example associated with the design of notebook computers is also presented to demonstrate the availability of the proposed approach.

Prioritising technical attributes in QFD under vague environment: a rough-grey relational analysis approach

This study aims at improving the effectiveness of Quality function deployment (QFD) in handling the vague, subjective and limited information. QFD has long been recognised as an efficient planning and problem-solving tool which can translate customer requirements (CRs) into the technical attributes of product or service. However, in the traditional QFD analysis, the vague and subjective information often lead to inaccurate priority. In order to solve this problem, a novel group decision approach for prioritising more rationally the technical attributes is proposed. Basically, two stages of analysis are described: the computation of CR importance and the prioritising the technical attributes with a hybrid approach based on a rough set theory (RST) and grey relational analysis (GRA). The approach integrates the strength of RST in handling vagueness with less priori information and the merit of GRA in structuring analytical framework and discovering necessary information of the data interactions. Finally, an application in industrial service design for compressor rotor is presented to demonstrate the potential of the approach.

An intelligent fuzzy logic–based system to support quality function deployment analysis

Quality function deployment is an efficient and powerful tool in design, development, and planning of products. The main function of quality function deployment is conversion of VOC to technical characteristics or voice of designer. However, it is not always easy to prioritize and assess technical characteristics during the total mass of information from the different customer attitudes. This article provides a methodology for the development of an intelligent quality function deployment based on fuzzy inference system in order to capture information through house of quality. As quality function deployment integrates different components of design and development, intelligent quality function deployment would be the best replacement for human expertise and can support decision-makers in wide range of design and development. This methodology applied on a classic sample for the design of a new undergraduate curriculum in an engineering department of a university as an illustrative example shows capability of this method. This article is composed of the background of quality function deployment, review of related research works, and representation of an intelligent system for analyzing it.

Application-driven methodology for new additive manufacturing materials development

Purpose – A structured customer-driven and integrative methodology to develop materials is described. The proposed methodology is aimed to drive analysis and prioritization of the multiple variables involved in a new application case for 3D printing, which involves the development of a new alumina-starch-based powder. Design/methodology/approach – The development of new powder mixture designed for 3D printing of refractory supports for metal casting moulds is presented. The quality function deployment (QFD) method was applied. Inputs for QFD analysis were found using total quality management tools. Using this approach, six process and material variables were considered to drive a prioritization analysis using a Plackett-Burman Design of Experiment (DOE) array. As performance parameter, compressive resistance was measured and assessed. Findings – QFD analysis delivered standardized procedures, irrelevant factors and target values for intermediate step parameters. Sintering parameters were found to be the most influencing over compressive resistance. Research limitations/implications – The methodology was based upon a materials development case for 3D printing. Practical implications – Knowing in advance the influence of every affecting factor of the process provides a closer control on variability of final part properties, which is a key issue to launch parts into industrial applications. Quality planning and documentation in advanced is the basis for all the quality system of the new additive manufacturing (AM) process to be created. Originality/value – Procedures for quality planning and control were proposed. This study, as methodological research, intends to introduce industrial engineering practices and quality management routines for AM material/process developers.

Quality Function Deployment Analysis for the Selection of four Utility-scale Solar Energy Projects in Northern Chile

A Quality Function Deployment (QFD) analysis [1] has been performed to select four solar energy applications for the medium and large size mining industry in Chile. The northern Chilean economy revolves around the mining industry, which demands large volumes of electricity, heat and water to carry out their processes. The selection was made among eleven applications of solar energy intended to cover the aforementioned demands. Production simulations financial and economic analyses were performed using solar resource data of three different locations. Then, all the combinations were evaluated using indicators grouped in the following categories: Technology, Social, Risk, Resource, Market, Economy, and Environment. QFD methodology allowed to transform technical evaluation into customer oriented results. By setting the Chilean society as the customer, the projects were consequently ranked regarding their potential attractiveness to the country.

A fuzzy QFD approach to implement reverse engineering in prosthetic socket development

This paper presents a fuzzy quality function deployment (QFD) tool to identify the critical design parameters to satisfy the users of prosthetic sockets. The tailor made socket is considered as an element of major importance in the development of prosthesis. Based on the results of the QFD analysis, the most important parameter identified as the ‘manufacturing process’ and possible improvements in it is explored. A comparative analysis between conventional and reverse engineering (RE)-based design and development of sockets used in artificial limbs is conducted using the real data from users. The paper reports the shortcomings of the conventional method of preparation of sockets in the small scale industries and proposes the replacement of it by the CAD/CAM and reverse engineering. Five manufacturers involved in the fabrication of the prosthetic sockets and their thirty five users are surveyed for developing the fuzzy QFD. The study may serve to highlight the needs of the users in order to adopt a manufacturing practice to achieve user satisfaction and manufacturing excellence.

Developing strategies for improving the service quality of casual-dining restaurants: New insights from integrating IPGA and QFD analysis

This study aimed to integrate importance-performance and gap analysis (IPGA) with the quality function deployment (QFD) model in order to determine the critical service quality attributes, and to develop their improvement programs and improvement priority for casual-dining restaurants. This study selected the customers of 18 casual-dining restaurants as the subjects, and 1002 valid questionnaires were returned. The results of IPGA analysis showed that reliability and responsiveness were located in the area of ‘Concentrate here’, which were the service quality dimensions most in demand for urgent improvement of casual-restaurants. A total of six critical service quality attributes were found. This study developed seven improvement programs based on the six critical service quality attributes and experts' focus group interviews. The QFD method was used to determine the priority of seven improvement programs. The results provided new insights into casual-dining restaurants to develop service quality improvements strategies in order to significantly improve restaurants service quality under limited resources.

Quality education service: put your feet in their shoes

This study aims to integrate importance-performance and gap analysis (IPGA), decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL), and quality function deployment (QFD) to develop a three-tiered service-quality-improvement model in order to identify critical educational-service-quality deficiencies in hospitality, tourism, and leisure undergraduate programmes and thereafter to formulate applicable service-improvement strategies. Seven hundred and eighty-six valid questionnaires were returned. The IPGA analysis showed 12 service-quality attributes were in the area of ‘Concentrate here’. Out of the 12 attributes, four main cause attributes were found with the DEMATEL analysis. Furthermore, six service-improvement strategies were developed based on experts' in-depth interviews and QFD analysis. The effects of these improvement strategies were fully discussed in the context.

Study on Supplier Product Core Competencies based on Customers�� Needs: an Application of GRA and QFD Methods

During the market development or product innovation process, many centrifugal pump products suppliers use their experiences to judge which results in a lack of objectivity and a waste of resources. In order to solve the above drawbacks, the paper focuses on specific market to make suppliers’ assessment factors as the identification of customer’s needs. We propose to use the grey relational analysis method instead of using past experiences. By using purposive sampling, the samples are listed companies producing hot-rolled, cold-rolled, galvanized steel, steel pipe, H beam, etc. There were 42 questionnaires distributed, and 33 of them were returned with the achievement rate of 79%. The results of centrifugal pump supplier assessment factors were analyzed. Then the core competencies of suppliers were analyzed through quality function deployment (QFD) decision analysis and grey relational analysis methods(GRA). The research is based on purposive sampling, and uses 33 listed companies which produce steel as research samples to understand supplier’s main decisionmaking ability. The results show that through grey relational analysis, the order of supplier’s assessment factors are: 1. delivery time; 2. after-sales service; 3. suppliers are willing to solve product defects problem immediately. These are the most important three items among the buyers. Among them, the GRA value of switching cost is 0 which presents its potential message is correspond to practical issue. As for the analysis of suppliers, “the organization and coordination skills” is the first priority in QFD and GRA analysis methods, and this can be the reference for company management.

Examining quality function deployment in safety promotion in Sweden

The first-hand needs and demands of laypersons are not always considered when safety promotion programmes are being developed. We compared focal areas for interventions identified from residents' statements of safety needs with focal areas for interventions identified by local government professionals in a Swedish urban community certified by the international Safe Community movement supported by the World Health Organization. Quantitative and qualitative data on self-expressed safety needs from 787 housing residents were transformed into an intervention design, using the quality function deployment (QFD) technique and compared with the safety intervention programme developed by professionals at the municipality administrative office. The outcome of the comparison was investigated with regard to implications for the Safe Community movement. The QFD analysis identified the initiation and maintenance of social integrative processes in housing areas as the most highly prioritized interventions among the residents, but failed to highlight the safety needs of several vulnerable groups (the elderly, infants and persons with disabilities). The intervention programme designed by the public health professionals did not address the social integrative processes, but it did highlight the vulnerable groups. This study indicates that the QFD technique is suitable for providing residential safety promotion efforts with a quality orientation from the layperson's perspective. Views of public health professionals have to be included to ascertain that the needs of socially deprived residents are adequately taken into account. QFD can augment the methodological toolbox for safety promotion programmes, including interventions in residential areas.

Improvement of Take-away Water Cup Design by using Concurrent Engineering Approach

This final year project is about improvement of take-away water cup design by using concurrent engineering approach. Take-away water cup is widely used in fast food restaurant, the customer demand to satisfy when using this product. It is because, customers is still become more and more demanding and require being the product improved in all the time. Although the take-away it is look perfect but it is still have drawback. The problem is what possible improvements of take-away water cup are and how to match voice of customer with technical description in order for improving the cup design. To proceed the project, there are several method use to get voice of customer through interviewing, analyze QFD (Quality function deployment) tool, design the product by using CAD drawing, and lastly fabricate the product by using rapid prototyping. QFD is one of the tools in concurrent engineering (CE). QFD is a system to deploy the voices of the customers in understanding their requirements into the appropriate technical requirements for each stage of product development and production. Based on the result and discussion, after analyzing the QFD, it shows that customer really need to improve the cover of the cup by adding tip on the cover in order for easy to drink and make a hole for easy to mix between sugar or creamer with the hot coffee. Finally, product prototyping of take-away water cup is demonstrated and manufactured based on market survey and QFD analysis.

The application of quality function deployment to improve the teaching techniques in higher education

Quality function deployment (QFD) is a management tool which is used in identifying customers’ need and to provide those requirements to them with quality consciousness. This paper demonstrates how an engineering department can apply QFD to translate voices of students into technical requirements of teaching. The students’ needs and requirements are identified to develop the foundation in delivering the quality services in engineering education. For QFD analysis, a survey with the students of an engineering department is structured. The developed house of quality (HOQ) illustrates the transformation process of students’ requirements into instructional developments. This step-by-step application of QFD might help the management of the department to improve the teaching techniques and to deliver the quality services.