Maling Ebrahimpour

A conceptual QFD planning model

Quality function deployment (QFD) is a structured approach to seek out customers, understand their needs, and ensure that their needs are met. QFD is probably the most important management tool developed to assure quality in new or improved products and services. As with any other tool, the quantum of benefits obtained from the use of QFD is proportional to the effectiveness of its use. To enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of QFD as a means to transfer the “voice of the customer” into design and production, a new comprehensive hierarchical framework for QFD planning process and a zero‐one goal programming model for the selection of design requirements are proposed. The hierarchical framework contributes to the strategic guidance and provides clear direction for QFD teams during the construction of the house of quality. The decision model assists in determining a set of design requirements that most effectively meet customer needs subject to limited resources and other organizational restrictions. An illustrative example is also provided to demonstrate the practical usage of the design selection model.

An exploration of the impact of TQM and JIT on ISO 9000 registered companies

Abstract This paper addresses the implications of JIT and TQM implementation on the ISO 9000 registration process. Responses from over 500 ISO 9000 registered firms in the US were analyzed to determine whether differences in ISO 9000 registration experiences exist for firms with JIT, TQM, both JIT and TQM, or neither system. Survey results revealed that TQM and JIT firms have a better understanding of the importance of top management commitment, quality training, and communication to ISO 9000 implementation.

Experiences of US- andforeign-owned firms: A new perspective on ISO 9000 implementation

Responses from over 500 companies relating to their experiences with ISO 9000 implementation are presented. Companies were categorized according to ownership: US-owned (Type U) and foreign-owned (Type F) manufacturing firms. The results reveal the importance and the dual role of documentation as a critical factor necessary to obtain ISO 9000 registration: (1) as the critical element requiring the highest level of effort in the registration process;and (2)as one of the key potential barriers to successful implementation. Increasing market share is the highest rated reason for achieving ISO 9000 registration. ISO 9000 registered companies expect a high degree of improvement in product design , process design , product quality , communication , and supplier relations. The findings also reveal that there is no significant difference between the two firm ownership types for all variables tested, indicating that the ISO 9000 standards appear universal in applicability.

An examination of ISO 9000 registration practices of American, German and Japanese firms operating in the USA

Examines three important issues related to the ISO 9000 registration experiences of American, German and Japanese firms operating in the United States. The three issues are reasons for seeking registration, cost and effort to register and operational requirements for achieving registration. The case study method was used for this project. Indicates competitive pressures as the most common reason for seeking registration. Shows significant variation in costs and levels of effort needed to achieve registration, though none of the firms invested more than 1 per cent of their total available work hours. Suggests no commonality in operational strategy when pursuing registration.

A comparison of manufacturing management in JIT and non-JIT firms

Abstract It has been argued that a manufacturing philosophy entitled dynamic evolution holds the future for competitiveness. Previous research suggests that a major shift toward the dynamic evolution philosophy has occurred and is widespread among US firms. Our study investigates this contention. The results of our survey of US manufacturing firms indicates that the major philosophical shift toward the dynamic evolution philosophy is not widespread but is related to the implementation of Just-In-Time techniques. However, for a single component of the dynamic evolution philosophy, a widespread shift is evident.

Vendor Evaluation Criteria and Perceived Organisational Performance : A Comparison of American and Japanese Firms

Important evaluation criteria as they are perceived by quality managers in American and US‐based Japanese firms are examined. For this study, three different groups of companies contained within four industries were considered. They included American firms using a traditional approach to manufacturing management, Japanese firms operating in the United States, and American firms attempting a Japanese approach to manufacturing management. This study identified price, on‐time delivery, and the supplier′s product quality as the three major criteria for evaluating vendors. The attitudes of quality managers concerning the importance of these variables were counter to the impressions portrayed in the academic and managerial press. Also differing from the literature was how much the managers in these different types of firms linked the evaluation criteria and overall organisational performance.

Demand forecasting for a jewelry packaging company: pattern identification and assessment

Abstract Approximately seventy-five percent of all consumer purchases come in a package. However, virtually no data exists regarding wrapped metal boxes for the jewelry industry as a whole. This paper, using data from a company level instead of the whole jewelry packaging industry, is to examine the existence of any pattern in demand and develop a forecasting model for wrapped metal boxes. Seasonal factors, trend component, and other considerations are explored within the confines of univariate time series models. The identified pattern in demand is strategically important for both sales forecasting and manufacturing materials management. While the particular process developed in this study is based on the data from one packaging company, it could be readily adopted for other box manufacturers.