Service quality attributes determine improvement priority

Abstract

Purpose

Although there are many quality measurement theories and models, all are imperfect; that is, each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Particularly, some models cannot indicate accurate improvement priorities. The purpose of this study is to develop an integrated performance model that improves service quality and acquires accurate improvement priorities that promote customer satisfaction and eliminate resource wastage.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applied a performance matrix and quality loss function (QLF) theory to determine priority items needing improvement. A questionnaire was designed to determine the priority of improvement objectives derived from certain questionnaire items that do not fall into the appropriate performance zone (APZ) of the performance matrix. Finally, the QLF was adopted to rank the improvement objectives in terms of priority. A large QLF area indicates customer satisfaction needs improvement.

Findings

This study utilized an employee satisfaction survey to demonstrate this matrix, and found that it reflects the improvement priorities of different items and avoids the shortcomings of other models. In this case study, 11 items must be improved; furthermore, five items with the greatest QLF areas became the priority items for improvement.

Originality/value

This performance matrix also considers the items of surplus resource investment, which can be included in improvements, thereby avoiding resource wastage.

Citation

Chen, S., Yang, C., Lin, W. and Yeh, T. (2007), "Service quality attributes determine improvement priority", The TQM Magazine, Vol. 19 No. 2, pp. 162-175. https://doi.org/10.1108/09544780710730005