Only suitable methods can help to move forward in the process of product development. Therefore it is important to choose a method that fits the product, current stage of development process and the team.
The project is currently in the evaluation phase in accordance to the value methodology. One of the major purposes of this stage is to come up with a short list of projects with the highest potential. Hence, a selection process needs to be executed to produce a focused concept. The focus concept will then be used in the next stages to be developed further.
The weighted matrix is a method that is used at an early stage in product development process to select a concept that looks the most promising. This method helps to increase customer value and at the same time make a selection that is objective.
Therefore the weighted matrix was chosen in this project to help make a selection among the choice of concepts.
Often it is difficult to come to a consensus among group members as everyone is biased by their profession. Everyone has a subjective way of ranking the concepts according to their experiences and knowledge. Such a ranking can lead to dissatisfaction and conflicts in the team as well as choosing a concept that has not the most potential from a customer perspective. The weighted matrix makes the decision process on the one hand a group experience where everyone is involved and gets the acknowledgement of their knowledge and on the other hand more objective.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Engineering Methods
- 2.1. The value methodology
- 2.2. Theoretical framework of the weighted matrix – Pugh decision matrix
- 2.3. Application and evaluation of the weighted matrix – Pugh decision matrix
- 3. The methodology process and phases
- 3.1. Project schedule
- 3.2. The methodology process
- 4. Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
The objective of this work is to document the selection process of a coffin concept using the weighted matrix method within the value methodology framework. This process aims to objectively choose the most promising concept for further development, considering various criteria important to customer value. The document details the methodology applied, including the selection of criteria, application of the Pugh matrix, and an analysis of the results.
- Application of the Value Methodology in Product Development
- The Pugh Decision Matrix as an Objective Decision-Making Tool
- Criteria Selection and Evaluation in Product Development
- Comparative Analysis of Different Coffin Concepts
- Balancing Customer Value and Practical Considerations
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the project, emphasizing the importance of selecting appropriate methods in product development. It highlights the project's current stage within the value methodology—the evaluation phase—and its goal of shortlisting the most promising concepts. The chapter introduces the weighted matrix (specifically, the Pugh Decision Matrix) as the chosen method for concept selection, justifying its use as a means to enhance objectivity and customer value in the decision-making process within the team. It alludes to the detailed company information provided in the appendix.
2. Engineering Methods: This chapter establishes the value methodology as the project's foundational framework. It details this methodology, focusing on its emphasis on enhancing product value through improved functionality or reduced costs. The chapter then specifically introduces the Pugh Decision Matrix as a suitable tool within the value methodology framework for objective concept selection, highlighting its strengths in handling early-stage, “fuzzy” concepts and its ability to facilitate consensus within a team. The chapter provides a theoretical underpinning for the method, referencing relevant literature.
3. The methodology process and phases: This chapter describes the project's engineering process, beginning with an overview of the project schedule. It then details the application of the weighted matrix method for concept selection. The process involves defining a baseline (a traditional wooden coffin), selecting relevant criteria (environmental impact, easy carriage, cost, innovation, material strength, sustainability, quantity of materials consumed, and affordability), and then evaluating three competing coffin concepts against these criteria using the Pugh matrix. A detailed explanation of the evaluation and its results is given, along with supporting data and visuals demonstrating the comparative advantages of the different concepts.
Keywords
Value Methodology, Pugh Decision Matrix, Weighted Matrix, Product Development, Concept Selection, Coffin Design, Sustainability, Environmental Impact, Cost Analysis, Customer Value, Objective Decision Making.
Frequently Asked Questions: Coffin Concept Selection Using the Weighted Matrix Method
What is the main objective of this document?
The main objective is to document the selection process of a coffin concept using the weighted matrix method (specifically, the Pugh Decision Matrix) within the value methodology framework. The goal is to objectively choose the most promising concept for further development based on criteria important to customer value.
What methodology is used in this project?
The project uses the Value Methodology as its foundational framework. Within this framework, the Pugh Decision Matrix (a weighted matrix method) is employed as the primary tool for objective concept selection.
What are the key themes explored in this document?
Key themes include the application of the Value Methodology in product development, the use of the Pugh Decision Matrix as an objective decision-making tool, criteria selection and evaluation in product development, comparative analysis of different coffin concepts, and balancing customer value with practical considerations.
How is the Pugh Decision Matrix used in this project?
The Pugh Decision Matrix is used to compare three competing coffin concepts against a baseline (a traditional wooden coffin). Relevant criteria, such as environmental impact, ease of carriage, cost, innovation, material strength, sustainability, quantity of materials consumed, and affordability, are defined and used to evaluate each concept. The matrix facilitates a comparative analysis to identify the most promising option.
What are the chapters covered in this document?
The document includes an introduction, a chapter detailing the engineering methods (Value Methodology and Pugh Decision Matrix), a chapter describing the methodology process and phases (including the project schedule and application of the weighted matrix), and a conclusion. An appendix (not shown in this preview) contains detailed company information.
What are the key criteria used for evaluating the coffin concepts?
The criteria used for evaluating the coffin concepts include environmental impact, ease of carriage, cost, innovation, material strength, sustainability, quantity of materials consumed, and affordability.
What is the purpose of the introduction chapter?
The introduction sets the context of the project, highlighting the importance of method selection in product development and introducing the weighted matrix method as the chosen approach for concept selection to enhance objectivity and customer value.
What is explained in the chapter on engineering methods?
This chapter explains the Value Methodology framework and the rationale for selecting the Pugh Decision Matrix as a suitable tool within this framework for objective concept selection. It provides a theoretical understanding of the method.
What is covered in the chapter on the methodology process and phases?
This chapter details the project's engineering process, including the project schedule and a step-by-step explanation of the application of the weighted matrix method for concept selection, including the definition of criteria and the evaluation of the coffin concepts.
What keywords are associated with this document?
Keywords include Value Methodology, Pugh Decision Matrix, Weighted Matrix, Product Development, Concept Selection, Coffin Design, Sustainability, Environmental Impact, Cost Analysis, Customer Value, and Objective Decision Making.
- Quote paper
- Anna Lena Bischoff (Author), 2016, Methods at Work in Engineering. The weighted matrix, Pugh Matrix and QFD method for decision making in product development, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/315240
