Evaluating the effectiveness of the robust index tool

One way to improve the quality of a product/process is through Robust Design Methodology (RDM). This study has analysed the Robust Index Matrix (RIM) tool at Volvo Car Corporation and the focus has been to understand how this tool could contribute in the area of robust engineering. The literature used in this study spans from quality management theories to performance indicators with organisational learning finalising the literature study. The findings in the empirical study were divided into three categories, the perception of the tool, how the tool is practiced and the tool itself. By evaluating the results from interviews and internal documents, it was possible to understand how effectively the Robust Index tool reflects the robustness of the evaluated products/processes. The most important conclusions from this study have been: • Measuring robustness with the Robust Index tool would need requirements and criteria to be predefined. • In order to improve the Robust Index tool, the measuring of robustness must be done in a continuous cycle in all phases of engineering. • The Robust Index tool helps when determining which systems have the highest robustness. This is done by visualising the differences between the systems. In addition, managerial implications have been found of the Robust Index tool. One way of improving the Robust Index tool in Volvo Cars is to make it more user-friendly and less time-consuming. In this study a new template has been constructed that could make the tool more user-friendly to use and less time-consuming.