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Enhancing quality requirements management in retailing industry: The role of Quality Function Deployment

Diego A. de J. Pacheco (Department of Business and Technology, Aarhus Business School, Aarhus University, Herning, Denmark)
Rodrigo Veleda Caetano (Department of Production Engineering, Integrated Colleges of Taquara, Taquara, Brazil)
Samuel Vinícius Bonato (Department of Management, Federal University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Brazil)
Bruno Miranda dos Santos (Department of Production Engineering, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil) (Department of Production Engineering, Integrated Colleges of Taquara, Taquara, Brazil)
Wagner Pietrobelli Bueno (Department of Production Engineering, UniRitter University College, Porto Alegre, Brazil)

Benchmarking: An International Journal

ISSN: 1463-5771

Article publication date: 22 August 2023

Issue publication date: 30 August 2024

424

Abstract

Purpose

Small retail stores in the luxury market face significant challenges due to fluctuations in market demand. This task turns challenging as it requires effectively coordinating and translating customer needs into specific requirements that align with retail goals and available resources. However, limited empirical research exists investigating how managers can address service value and quality attributes in small retail stores. This article aims to bridge this gap by investigating the role of quality function deployment (QFD) in improving market and quality requirements management in small retail stores.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the case study, a customer survey was initially conducted to gather information on critical characteristics valued in the luxury retail segment. QFD was used to assist the company in identifying and prioritizing key quality attributes to meet customer requirements effectively.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that implementing QFD in small luxury retail stores empowers managers to identify previously neglected product and service quality aspects. The article shows that QFD informs organizational adaptations that align with the demands of the retail market, leading to an improved ability to meet customer expectations and enhance customer value through the development of enhanced products and services. The study showcases the efficacy of the tested methodology in effectively capturing and prioritizing both tangible and intangible customer needs in retail.

Practical implications

Findings offer valuable insights to retail managers of small luxury stores, providing actionable market-oriented strategies. By implementing the recommended practices, managers can improve the store’s competitiveness and better cater to the customer base.

Originality/value

This study contributes to bridging persistent knowledge gaps by addressing the unique context of small luxury retail stores and introducing the application of QFD in this setting. The insights gained from this research are relevant to both retailing and quality management literature. Considering the growing prevalence of transformations in the retail industry, the study provides practical implications for retail managers in effectively navigating these changes.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

Since acceptance of this article, the following author(s) have updated their affiliation: Bruno Miranda dos Santos is at the Integrated Colleges of Taquara, Taquara, Brazil.

Citation

Pacheco, D.A.d.J., Caetano, R.V., Bonato, S.V., dos Santos, B.M. and Bueno, W.P. (2024), "Enhancing quality requirements management in retailing industry: The role of Quality Function Deployment", Benchmarking: An International Journal, Vol. 31 No. 8, pp. 2652-2692. https://doi.org/10.1108/BIJ-12-2022-0749

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited

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