A.J. Peters, E.M. Rooney, J.H. Rogerson, R.E. McQuater, M. Spring and B.G. Dale
This paper describes a generic model of the new product design and development (NPDD) process. The model has been derived from best practice observed in fieldwork carried out in a…
Abstract
This paper describes a generic model of the new product design and development (NPDD) process. The model has been derived from best practice observed in fieldwork carried out in a range of situations. The model helps to identify and put the company’s NPDD activities into the context of the overall NPDD process. It has been found to be a useful means of organising data on firms’ NPDD activities without imposing an overly‐prescriptive “how to” model of NPDD. The framework which underpins the model will help to promote a discussion of the approaches undertaken within a company’s NPDD process, thereby promoting understanding and improvement of the process.
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R.P. Dickenson, J.H. Rogerson and V.N. Azarov
Describes work done to research Russian needs in quality management education and to begin the process of creating an infrastructure to meet them. Needs were determined through a…
Abstract
Describes work done to research Russian needs in quality management education and to begin the process of creating an infrastructure to meet them. Needs were determined through a questionnaire, interviews and feedback from key actors at specially organised seminars. Knowledge of quality management ideas and the provision of education and training in the quality field were found to be low. Syllabuses and course structures for quality management were devised consistent with EU norms but harmonised as far as possible with existing practice and traditions. A Centre of Excellence to deliver quality management education was founded called the European Quality Centre. It received its first students in September 1998 and it will be the first node in a regional network of such institutions. The creation of an educational infrastructure will facilitate the building of a cadre of trained quality professionals, ultimately enabling Russian quality management practice to rise to world levels.
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A number of techniques have been investigated (labelling and grouping, categorisation and importance level) to establish usable metrics for the quality management of the design…
Abstract
A number of techniques have been investigated (labelling and grouping, categorisation and importance level) to establish usable metrics for the quality management of the design process. The use of importance levels seemed to be the most effective method used with an adaptation of the value engineering technique but with the emphasis on worth rather than value (value being worth over cost). A partial validation of this technique has shown it to be useful in identifying the critical issues so that non‐value‐added processes can be eliminated.
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A. Williamson, J.H. Rogerson and A.D. Vella
Presents the results of a survey of the auditors of a number of large certification bodies carried out to investigate the opinions, methods and problems of auditors responsible…
Abstract
Presents the results of a survey of the auditors of a number of large certification bodies carried out to investigate the opinions, methods and problems of auditors responsible for registering companies to ISO 9000. Finds that auditors consider certain quality system activities, such as internal audits and corrective and preventive actions, are strong indicators of a compliant quality system. Other activities, such as monitoring purchaser supplied product, appear to provide less insight to auditors. Auditor opinion varies about the main function and “customer” of the registration process, which may reflect a wider discussion in the quality community. In general, auditors have had considerable previous relevant experience before joining a certification body and believe they have few major problems with the current auditing process.
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Questionnaires, follow‐up visits and case studies, together with a review of the literature, have been used to construct a series of models to give a framework for the management…
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Questionnaires, follow‐up visits and case studies, together with a review of the literature, have been used to construct a series of models to give a framework for the management of quality as a strategy. These are used to suggest seven pure quality strategies, the appropriateness of which depends on the marketplace.
C. Charoenngam, S.T. Coquinco and B.H.W. Hadikusumo
A change order is an order from an employer authorizing a variation. Success in managing change orders results in uninterrupted construction operations and an agreed final project…
Abstract
A change order is an order from an employer authorizing a variation. Success in managing change orders results in uninterrupted construction operations and an agreed final project cost as well as duration. One of the methods to manage change orders is to establish good communication and cooperation among project team members. Success of this method can be enhanced by developing and utilizing a web‐based change order management system that supports documentation practice, communication and integration between different team members in the change order workflow. This paper discusses our web‐based project management system, change order management system (COMS), to manage change orders using the Internet. In order to show COMS’ potential benefits, a test case was conducted for comparing the COMS with the conventional practice of change order management.
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Fábio Luís Ramos da Silva, Katia Lucchesi Cavalca and Franco Giuseppe Dedini
The aim of both value analysis (VA) and quality function deployment (QFD) is to reduce waste by avoiding redesign and providing optimal location of costs in general. To satisfy…
Abstract
The aim of both value analysis (VA) and quality function deployment (QFD) is to reduce waste by avoiding redesign and providing optimal location of costs in general. To satisfy the consumer's most important needs, the VA prioritizes the increase in the cost of the product and not the subsequent price rise. QFD aims at generating clear engineering needs from consumer requirements thus, minimizing the reprojecting cost (“cost” should read “waste”) and changes in the products. The existing common concepts between two design tools, QFD (the project tool) and VA (the product optimization tool) motivated this study. QFD establishes a link among parameters such as the consumer needs, engineering requirements and a comparative analysis of the consumer perception against that of rival companies. The VA prioritizes a rise in the aggregate value (perceived by the consumer) by optimization development and production costs. The proposed methodology is capable of integrating these two tools, integrating costs with product development (“for the consumer”) for a joint analysis. This way it is possible to establish optimum cost values for each engineering requirement. It is also possible to evaluate the cost of each product function. Furthermore, the methodology provides a tool that supports decision making in product development and projects. This work evaluates the integrated use of the QFD and VA tools. Employing a survey that was carried out which intended to reveal the young male consumers’ requirements concerning a sports bicycle.
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G.R.T. White, P. Samson, R. Rowland‐Jones and A.J. Thomas
The purpose of this paper is to examine the rationale for establishing a quality management system (QMS) by obtaining ISO 9001:2000 certification in a not for profit small to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the rationale for establishing a quality management system (QMS) by obtaining ISO 9001:2000 certification in a not for profit small to medium enterprise (SME) in the UK. The rationale for choosing this approach over others to achieve operational stability and ongoing improvement is explored and an evaluation of its effectiveness undertaken.
Design/methodology/approach
A case study approach is adopted with the paper outlining the process of ISO 9001:2000 implementation in a single not‐for‐profit SME. The paper identifies the process by which the organisation prepares for certification and appraises both the changes required by the organisation and the scope of opportunistic improvements that resulted.
Findings
Through the correct development of the QMS the company was able to generate bottom‐line savings and business performance enhancement. The paper shows that when the QMS is developed as part of a coherent initiative, lasting performance improvements are achieved.
Research limitations/implications
The pursuit of ISO 9001:2000 in a not‐for‐profit company provides an effective framework for similar companies to follow suit. Further analysis of ISO 900:2000 implementation through its application in a range of similar companies is proposed.
Practical implications
The paper concludes that the act of preparation for ISO 9001:2000 in this type and size of organisation constitutes a radical change and proposes that a transitive version of ISO 9001:2000 related standard, scalable for SMEs, would benefit the continued growth of this economic sector.
Originality/value
This study highlights the potential benefits of creating and implementing a QMS in a not‐for‐profit SME through the pursuit of ISO 9001:2000 certification. It shows that the tangible benefits of such an approach alone do not ensure that ISO 9001:2000 remains the preferred quality standard.
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Paul Bowen, Ian Jay, Keith Cattell and Peter Edwards
The purpose of this paper is to investigate value management (VM) practice by professional architects in South Africa. A primary aim is to test the assertion of Kelly et al. that…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate value management (VM) practice by professional architects in South Africa. A primary aim is to test the assertion of Kelly et al. that VM has “evolved to become an established service with commonly understood tools, techniques and styles.”
Design/methodology/approach
A web‐based, online questionnaire survey was employed to establish VM practice by South African registered architects. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the survey response data.
Findings
The results suggest that awareness of VM is not widespread among South African architects, and that its actual practice is minimal. Where VM was used on projects, it was invariably cost‐minimization driven in terms of both the project and the VM process itself. These findings are in direct conflict with the assertion of Kelly et al. There is also a mismatch between clients' value system key performance variables and objectives defined for VM studies. Use of VM for project brief facilitation is not widespread, and the integration of VM with risk and quality management systems is not pervasive. Where VM was undertaken, no attempt is made to benchmark VM activities against international standards.
Practical implications
Professional architectural associations in South Africa should adopt a proactive role in promoting the use of VM by architects; facilitated by continuing professional development programmes.
Originality/value
The originality of the research lies in determining the nature of, and extent to which, architects in South Africa practice VM.
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M. Spring, R. McQuater, K. Swift, B. Dale and J. Booker
Based on fieldwork carried out on two Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council‐funded projects in the area of design, the paper presents the details of an assessment…
Abstract
Based on fieldwork carried out on two Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council‐funded projects in the area of design, the paper presents the details of an assessment approach which has been developed to assess the use and application of quality tools and techniques in the new product design and development process. Its use will help management recognise the symptoms, root causes, issues and problems that are adversely affecting NPDD, with respect to application (or lack of it) of quality tools and techniques.