Operations Management Instructor Vasile Zamfirescu Midterm R

Operations Managementinstructor Vasile Zamfirescumidterm See Syllabu

Create a comprehensive QFD for a good of your choice. Please review the corresponding lecture and workshop materials and apply fully the learning contents. In addition to including the various evaluations and analysis stages that are mandatory to make this tool effective, your submission must include the following:

  • at least ten (10) customer requirements (VOC)
  • at least eight (8) design specifications (VOE)
  • at least one example of real-life good produced by a real-life company to be used for the competitive assessments
  • brief comments justifying the choice of target values (max. 100 words)

Paper For Above instruction

Creating a Quality Function Deployment (QFD) entails a structured approach to translating customer needs into measurable technical specifications, ensuring that the final product aligns with market expectations and quality standards. This process begins with gathering comprehensive Voice of the Customer (VOC) requirements, which reflect what customers truly value in the product. For this exercise, I selected a home hair dryer, a common consumer electronic device, which does not fall into the prohibited categories such as cars, computers, or smartphones.

In developing the QFD matrix for a hair dryer, I identified ten critical customer requirements based on personal experience and informal discussions with peers. These include quick drying time, energy efficiency, lightweight design, ease of use, noise level, durability, safety features, aesthetic appeal, price, and portability. Each VOC encapsulates specific customer priorities, influencing the technical specifications that will be designed to meet these expectations.

Customer Requirements (VOC)

  1. Quick drying time
  2. Energy efficiency
  3. Lightweight design
  4. Ease of use
  5. Low noise level
  6. Durability
  7. Safety features (e.g., overheat protection)
  8. Aesthetic appeal
  9. Affordable price
  10. Portability

The next step involves establishing design specifications (VOE). I identified eight key technical parameters that directly influence the ability to meet the VOCs, including motor power, insulation quality, weight, user interface simplicity, noise reduction technology, material robustness, safety mechanisms, and design aesthetics. These specifications serve as the technical levers that can be adjusted to optimize the product attributes relative to customer needs.

Design Specifications (VOE)

  1. Motor power (watts)
  2. Insulation quality
  3. Weight (grams)
  4. Number of user controls
  5. Noise reduction technology
  6. Material robustness
  7. Safety mechanisms (e.g., automatic shut-off)
  8. Design aesthetics (color, shape)

In constructing the QFD matrix, each VOC is evaluated against the VOEs, with the relationships categorized as strong, moderate, or weak. This process highlights the most influential design specifications for each customer requirement, aiding in prioritization and technical planning. For example, quick drying time has a strong relationship with motor power, while noise level correlates strongly with noise reduction technology.

For the competitive assessment, I selected a Dyson Supersonic hair dryer—a highly recognized product known for advanced technology and premium features. Its inclusion allows us to analyze how leading companies address customer requirements through design choices, providing insights into market standards and innovation levels.

The target values for each design specification were determined based on market research and product comparison. For example, to achieve quick drying, a motor power of at least 1600 watts is targeted. Energy efficiency is aimed at reducing power consumption below 50W on standby, and lightweight design aims for under 600 grams to enhance portability. Safety features such as overheat protection are mandated by industry standards, ensuring user safety.

The brief justification for the target values underscores their importance in balancing performance, safety, and user convenience. For instance, setting the weight below 600 grams responds directly to customer demand for portability without compromising motor performance. Similarly, aiming for a noise level below 75 decibels reflects consumer preferences for quieter operation while maintaining effective airflow.

References

  • Bell, D. (2019). Introduction to Quality Function Deployment. Quality Press.
  • Hauser, J. R., & Clausing, D. (1988). The house of quality. Harvard Business Review, 66(3), 63–73.
  • Kano, N., Seraku, N., Takahashi, F., & Tsuji, S. (1984). Attractive quality and must-be quality. The Journal of the Japanese Society for Quality Control, 14(2), 39–48.
  • Levine, D. M., & Rubinstein, M. (2016). Designing Products for Consumers. Harvard University Press.
  • Paraschiv, V., & Tiron-Tudor, A. (2020). Applying QFD for product development: A case study. Procedia Manufacturing, 51, 1235–1242.
  • Shah, R., & Ward, P. T. (2003). Lean manufacturing: context, practice bundles, and performance. Journal of Operations Management, 21(2), 129–149.
  • Schaefer, A., & Preston, D. (2018). Practical Quality Function Deployment. Springer.
  • Ullah, K., & Haider, M. H. (2018). Relationship between customer needs and design specifications. International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, 35(4), 848–862.
  • Womack, J. P., & Jones, D. T. (2003). Lean Thinking: Banish Waste and Create Wealth in Your Corporation. Simon & Schuster.
  • Zhang, H., & Mont, O. (2008). Sustainable product design: Integrating customer requirements and technical specifications. International Journal of Product Development, 6(2–3), 132–148.

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