TAGUCHI METHODS USED IN MANAGING FOR QUALITY
This research examines the methods developed by Genichi Taguchi for the management of manufacturing production to achieve higher levels of product quality. Taguchi methods are intended to reduce variations stemming from both the characteristics of both production processes and product design (Taguchi and Clausing, 1990, pp. 65-75). Taguchi methods are said to focus on the customer, or end user of a product, because the end outcome of Taguchi methods is to reduce the level of societal loss attributable to product quality level (Kackar, 1986, pp. 21-29).
The theoretical framework of the Taguchi (1987, pp. 4-6) methods include seven concepts. These seven concepts are as follows:
1. The total loss to society caused by a product is an essential measure of product quality.
2. Continuous improvement in product quality is necessary to the continued viability of a profit-oriented organization.
3. Continuous reductions in the variation of product performance is the central feature of a continuous quality improvement program.
4. The loss to an end user resulting from product performance is proportional to the square of the deviations of performance characteristics from target performance for a product.
5. Product quality is primarily a function of product design and production process.
6. Performance variation s may be reduced by addressing the effects of both product design and production process on product performance characteristics.
7. Statistically-based experiments may be used effectively to identify product design and production process changes that will lead to a reduction in the variations between performance characteristics and the target characteristics of a product.
In the application of Taguchi methods, societal loss attributable to the level of product quality, loss is stated ...