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Quality function deployment: more than a design tool

Nadiye Ozlem Erdil (Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of New Haven, West Haven, Connecticut, USA)
Omid M. Arani (Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of New Haven, West Haven, Connecticut, USA)

International Journal of Quality and Service Sciences

ISSN: 1756-669X

Article publication date: 2 November 2018

Issue publication date: 11 June 2019

1394

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate to what extent quality function deployment (QFD) can be used in quality improvement rather than design activities.

Design/methodology/approach

A framework was developed for implementation of QFD as a quality improvement tool. A case study approach is used to test this framework, and quality issues were analyzed using the framework in a ceramic tile manufacturing company.

Findings

The results showed considerable improvements in the critical quality characteristics identified and sales rates, demonstrating the potential of QFD to be used in assessing and prioritizing areas of improvement, and converting them into measurable process or product requirements.

Research limitations/implications

One case study was completed. More studies would be beneficial to support current findings.

Practical implications

This framework provides structured approach and guidelines for practitioners in adapting QFD for quality improvements in existing products or processes.

Originality/value

This study proposes a new framework to use QFD in quality improvement activities, expanding its application areas. Moreover, the results of the literature study performed provide a valuable collection of practical QFD implementation examples.

Keywords

Citation

Erdil, N.O. and Arani, O.M. (2019), "Quality function deployment: more than a design tool", International Journal of Quality and Service Sciences, Vol. 11 No. 2, pp. 142-166. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJQSS-02-2018-0008

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited

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