The Utilization of Product Development Methods: A Survey of UK Industry

Abstract

This paper describes a survey of industry in the UK that was carried out to determine the level of utilization of methods during the product development process. The survey methods were a questionnaire (answered by 27 companies) and in-depth interviews at 13 companies. The survey sample included representation from the aeronautical, automotive and general electrical/mechanical sectors. In addition to determining the level of utilization, the survey sought to determine: strategic approaches, information-gathering methods, perceptions of the influence of methods on product quality, and the effect of variables like annual turnover and employee count on methods use. The paper concludes that many companies are unaware of the benefits that can be gained from the utilization of quality-related methods. Companies with broad-based quality strategies such as total quality management are more likely lo perceive benefit from methods than other companies.