Responses of architects and engineers to Quality Function Deployment (QFD) in the Singapore construction industry

Abstract

In the manufacturing sector, companies have successfully applied Quality Function Deployment (QFD) to determine customers' needs. The experience from other countries suggests that there is potential for applying QFD in the design stage. It is, however, unclear whether architects and engineers in Singapore are aware of QFD and would be receptive towards its implementation. The findings from in depth interviews with 20 architects and engineers in Singapore seem to suggest that while there may be merit in adopting QFD in the design stage, this must be implemented selectively in order not to undermine the perceived independence, leadership role and creativity of the designers. From interpreting the findings of the field study, a framework for implementing QFD is proposed.