An empirical study of quality function deployment on company performance

Quality Function Deployment (QFD) has had considerable success in terms of its implementation in companies. It has also been the subject of many studies in recent years. It seems, however, that there are some shortcomings in the research on this subject and in particular the lack of an adequate conceptual framework suitable for empirical research. This study proposes and elaborates a model which examines QFD in relation to three dimensions of performance: improvement of product quality, reduction in costs for R&D, shorter R&D time. It is the first comprehensive approach relating specific antecedents (QFD activities) to benefits and economic performance. The model is empirically tested on data gathered on a stratified random sample of manufacturing plants through the application of valid and reliable measures. The model is tested using structural equation modeling. The results show three distinct paths of direct influence which lead, respectively, to superior economic performance. Based on these findings management can focus on those QFD activities which drive economic performance most. Further research should be directed towards longitudinal studies in order to measure the effcts of those activities on performance in the long run. There are definitely non linear relations which need to be investigated.

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