THE MODERATING ROLE OF QUALITY FUNCTION DEPLOYMENT ON ENHANCING THE EFFECT OF ADVANCED MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY ON PERFORMANCE OF MANUFACTURING COMPANIES IN KENYA
Abstract
Purpose of the study: The study investigated the moderating effect of quality function deployment (QFD) on the relationship between Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT) and Performance of manufacturing companies in Kenya.
Methodology: The study used a mixed methods research design that included exploratory factor analysis and descriptive cross-sectional survey involving 80 manufacturing companies in Kenya. Random sampling was used to identify the manufacturing companies that were members of Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), from which data was collected using a self administerd questionnaire. The study used exploratory factor analysis to identify factors that influence manufacturing companies in Kenya to adopt AMT in their production process.
Findings: The study identified nine factors that influence the adoption of AMT in Kenya, including: product customization to meet customer needs, product innovation, flexibility and agility in production, product quality and consistency, cost reduction, and production efficiency improvement. Additionally, stepwise regression models were used to test the moderation hypothesis developed by the study. The results revealed that AMT statistically predicts the performance of manufacturing companies in Kenya (R = 0.458, R² = 0.210, F = 15.929, p < 0.01), and that QFD moderates the relationship between AMT and the performance of manufacturing companies in Kenya.
Conclusion: The study concludes that QFD moderates the relationship between AMT and the performance of manufacturing companies in Kenya, with factors like product customization, innovation, and employee training being crucial for achieving benefits such as improved product quality, increased efficiency, and cost reduction.
Recommendations: The study recommends that manufacturing companies in Kenya should identify the key AMT factors relevant to their goals before adoption and integrate QFD principles to enhance customer satisfaction, improve collaboration, and drive continuous improvement in their operations. Additionally, companies should regularly evaluate and adjust their AMT strategies in line with evolving customer demands and market conditions to sustain long-term competitive advantages.
Keywords: Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Quality Function deployment and Performance.
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