Doctoral Dissertations

Keywords and Phrases

Mahalanobis-Taguchi System

Abstract

"Value is the relationship of functionality or benefit to the cost of a product or service. Consumers appear to seek value, but not all consumers are alike in their needs and wants. Common characteristics that consumers desire in automobiles include a high level of value relative to the product's cost. Consumers measure vehicle performance in terms of twenty-three attributes such as roominess, ride, reliability, handling, brake pedal feel, visibility, interior noise, acceleration, etc. Problems arise when automakers try to translate these characteristics into vehicle performance specifications and capabilities.

Quality is an essential element for both the consumer and producer since it can be used as a lever to drive down cost for the producer and consumer, improve productivity, and facilitate product development cycles and short delivery times. Hence, the goal of the producer is to provide a product or service that creates consumer enthusiasm and is reliable, durable, and has long-term resale value.

Companies must strive to maximize product function relative to cost by determining the performance characteristic levels at the system, subsystem, sub-subsystem, and piece part levels. This generates a disconnect between the lower level characteristics where cost is typically realized and tracked, and the higher-level characteristics and vehicle performance. The current methodology employed to translate lower level characteristics and consumer satisfaction employs conjoint analysis and neural networks. The primary objective of this research is to develop a methodology that demonstrates the relationship between the actions of the producer and suppliers and consumer satisfaction"--Abstract, page iii.

Advisor(s)

Ragsdell, K. M.

Committee Member(s)

Allada, Venkat
Saygin, Can
Grasman, Scott E. (Scott Erwin)
Drain, David
Paryani, Kioumars

Department(s)

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering

Degree Name

Ph. D. in Engineering Management and Systems Engineering

Sponsor(s)

General Motors Corporation
University of Missouri--Rolla. Department of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering

Publisher

University of Missouri--Rolla

Publication Date

2006

Pagination

xx, 259 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 245-258).

Rights

© 2006 Elizabeth Anne Fargher Cudney, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Dissertation - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Consumer satisfaction -- Evaluation
Consumer satisfaction -- Statistical methods
Quality of products -- Evaluation

Thesis Number

T 10265

Print OCLC #

863227430

Electronic OCLC #

905619608

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