Supplier selection using QFD: a consumer products case study

Abstract

PurposeDuring the past decade the role of purchasing in global competitiveness has been steadily increasing in importance. Similarly, the role of packaging continues to increase in importance because of its dual function in advertising and shipping. The purpose of this paper is to employ the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) methodology to analyze the common purchasing problem of supplier selection for toothpaste packaging. Thus, a technique well known in quality management is adapted for use in the entirely new context of supplier selection in purchasing.Design/methodology/approachThe paper begins by stipulating the properties necessary for suitable packaging. It then examines the type(s) of packaging necessary to satisfy these properties. Finally, it moves to the selection of a supplier having the necessary properties to provide packaging. The analysis is performed with a QFD construct.FindingsThe QFD process led to a rapid identification of those suppliers most capable of providing the product characteristics that met the corporate total value goal at the time of study.Practical implicationsThe paper presents a structured management approach to deal with the common problem of supplier selection. In doing so, it provides an approach that may be generalized to solve many types of decision problems confronting operations and supply chain managers.Originality/valueThis paper presents a management approach to the very important area of supplier selection. In doing so, it employs a technique well known in the product design area, but not used in the area of supplier selection, that of Quality Function Deployment (QFD). It extends beyond the dyad in that it brings to bear a powerful technique from the Quality Management discipline to a problem in another discipline, Purchasing.

A hybrid QFD-based approach in addressing supplier selection problem in product improvement process

“…They vary from a company to another company or by time passing. Most researchers are following technical parameters issues in supplier selection process (Tidwell & Sutterfield, 2012;Chandra & Grabis, 2003;Pearson & Ellram, 1995). Researchers have been using different techniques from mixed integer programming and multi-objective programming (Stadtler, 2007;Weber & Ellram, 1993) to application of the AHP/ANP and Fuzzy theory for supplier selection (Kahraman et al, 2003;Asamoah et al, 2012).…”

“…QFD has been previously employed to trace the customer needs (CNs) in the supplier selection process (see Tidwell & Sutterfield, 2012;Ramadan & Schmits 2006), but the possibility of changing the CNs in a QFD that is observant to the internal relationship between the elements has not been investigated. How to keep the customers happier is a challenging job, but it becomes more complicated when their needs change within preparing the final product.…”

“…Over the last few decades, there have been tremendous efforts on improving the competitiveness of the companies by applying various supplier selection strategies (Tidwell & Sutterfield, 2012;Ramadan & Schmits, 2006). Supplier selection problem is one of the most challenging decisions to make.…”

A supplier selection using a hybrid grey based hierarchical clustering and artificial bee colony

“…Li et al (2012) used the Axiomatic Fuzzy Set clustering (AFS) method and FAHP model as well as Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) for supplier evaluation and selection. Tidwell and Sutterfield (2012) examined quality function deployment (QFD) for supplier selection in consumer products Sector based on six criteria, namely; quality, sustainability, innovation, responsiveness and green initiatives. Rezaei and Ortt (2012) developed a new approach to supplier segmentation, which considers the various variables used in existing literature to segment suppliers.…”

Exploring Supply Chain Risk Factors for Supplier Selection in Electrical and Electronic Industry in Thailand: A Case Study Approach

“…and Charbel [15] presented supplier selection criteria related to the green concept and a case study consistently considered in the environment competencies and design. [11] studied that was the steel bars manufacturer in the steel and iron industry and the criteria for delivery, quality, cost, financial, , improvement capability, Kang and Lee [12] applied to evaluate and select the most appropriate integrated circuit any for outsourcing to consideration of defect rate, price, response to , process capability, capacity included technology and well and Sutter field [13] presented a structured management approach to deal with the common m of supplier selection, that was Quality Function known in the area of product design, development, and improvement. Gencer and in a case study of an business structure, manufacturing capability, quality system and alternatives.…”