Jesús Cruz Álvarez

Lean design for Six Sigma

– The purpose of this paper is to discuss new product development (NPD) based on a traditional stage-gate process and to examine how NPD tools, such as Lean design for Six Sigma, can accelerate the achievement of the main goals of NPD: reliable product quality, cost-effective implementation, and desired time-to-market. These new tools must be incorporated into a new approach to NPD based on the Advanced Product and Quality Planning methodology. , – This research paper is based on the theoretical background presented in peer-reviewed scientific research papers during the period 1990-2012. In the second section of this study, the author provides examples of the proposed tools and of advanced techniques to show evidence that validates the hypothesis. , – This study presented the theoretical background on the NPD process and related functions in today’s organizations as it relates to competition. NPD was identified as one of the top priorities of every firm, which is why the NPD process must be optimized and oriented toward customers to ensure the quality and reliability of products while minimizing manufacturing costs. The effect on timing and cost is greatly appreciated by top management, and it is well known throughout the firm when a strong, reliable product is launched that it is flawless. , – To fully deploy all NPD tools requires basic steps such as the following: marketing and planning, design, process, product process validation and the integration of operations from a concurrent engineering standpoint. , – This research paper provides step by step guidance in order to apply Lean Sigma tool in NPD process in order to achieve Six Sigma quality level in manufacturing. , – Promoting the practice of Lean design for Six Sigma and its tool enables firms to increase their competitiveness since they will make more reliable products delivered to its consumers. , – The approach of this research paper combines proven statistical tools to be applied in an original sequence in order to design robust product to match manufacturing capabilities.

Aproximación Teórica para el Diseño de un Modelo Integral de Satisfacción de Cliente

The aim of this article is to analyze the customer satisfaction theory, models and strategies in order to identify key factors that lead to design an integrated theoretical customer satisfaction model, that can be used as a competitive advantage tool to translate the voice of the customer into parameters for manufacturing and delivery that meets customer needs. This model is a theoretical approximation that contributes to improve organization’s performance thru customer satisfaction and loyalty. This article identifies the main drivers of customer satisfaction and offers an interrelation matrix-model that links key items to business performance. This is one of the first conceptual analysis that extracts the main theoretical models and correlates them into single model focus on customer satisfaction.