Question 1

Quality function deployment (QFD) has been called "matrix hell" as a result of its massive data requirements, its complexity, and its tendency to raise conflicts that are difficult, if not impossible, to solve.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true as QFD involves a large amount of data, requires complexity in its implementation and interpretation, and can potentially raise conflicts that are difficult to resolve.

Question 2

A _____ system is one in which all of the players begin working, doing as much as they can at any time as the project rolls along.

Accepted Answer

In a concurrent system, all players work simultaneously, without waiting for predecessors to complete their tasks. This approach is also known as parallel or overlapping development and is often used in agile methodologies. It allows for faster delivery and feedback, as well as easier adaptation to changes in requirements.

Question 3

What a customer actually buys consists of one or more core benefits, a formal product presentation, and an augmentation of things from presale technical service to a money-back guarantee.

Accepted Answer

When a customer makes a purchase, they are looking for the core benefits the product provides, as well as any additional services or assurances that come with the purchase, such as technical support or a guarantee. This combination of core benefits, product presentation, and augmentation makes up the overall value proposition of the product.

Question 4

Which of the following is true of the Oobeya Room technique?

Accepted Answer

The Oobeya Room technique is used to get cooperation across functional areas and to focus the team. It is a method used to bring different areas of a company together to communicate and collaborate effectively, allowing them to quickly identify and resolve issues or problems. It is not isolating functional areas or compelling them to function autonomously, and it is not conceptually different from the idea of the product protocol.

Question 5

_____ is a technique used by Toyota to get cooperation across functional areas, to speed up integration, and to focus the team.

Accepted Answer

The Oobeya Room is a technique used by Toyota to create a physical space where project teams can collaborate and work together to speed up integration and focus on a common goal. This technique involves cross-functional teams working together to solve problems and make decisions in real-time. It is often used to identify and eliminate waste in manufacturing processes.

Question 6

A company's success is assured if a product is developed in response to consumer's demands for specific features.

Accepted Answer

While developing a product in response to consumer demands can increase its chances of success, it does not assure success due to factors like market competition, pricing, marketing effectiveness, and changing consumer preferences.

Question 7

If done right, a product protocol gives requirements in words that can usually be measured and thus permits a development process to be managed.

Accepted Answer

A product protocol provides clear requirements that are measurable, allowing for a more structured and manageable development process.

Question 8

Features are the most desirable form of product attributes for a protocol to use.

Accepted Answer

Features refer to the capabilities or functions of a product, while attributes can include features but also encompass other qualities such as design, brand reputation, and user experience. What is most desirable depends on the specific needs and preferences of the target audience or the specific context of use, not on a general hierarchy of desirability between features and attributes.

Question 9

New product projects that use well-known and well-established technologies for product improvements are said to be "wildcatting."

Accepted Answer

"Wildcatting" refers to the development of new technologies or products using untested or risky methods, not the use of established technologies for product improvements.

Question 10

Since product protocols are marketing tools, they should not include production or regulatory requirements.

Accepted Answer

Product protocols should include production and regulatory requirements as they are necessary for ensuring the product is produced safely and in compliance with regulations. Without these requirements, the product may not meet legal standards and could pose a risk to consumers.

Question 11

Quality function deployment (QFD) was invented in the Japanese automobile industry years ago as a tool of project control.

Accepted Answer

QFD was indeed invented in the Japanese automobile industry in the 1960s as a method of project management and quality control.

Question 12

The leading product innovators follow the relay race model.

Accepted Answer

Leading product innovators often follow an integrated or iterative approach to innovation rather than the sequential steps implied by the relay race model. This allows for continuous feedback and adaptation throughout the development process.

Question 13

Which of the following is true of a product protocol?

Accepted Answer

A product protocol involves negotiating parties such as marketing, technical, operations, and others. The protocol is a formal agreement that outlines guidelines and specifications for a product, and it is usually created by a multifunctional team that includes representatives from various departments such as sales, engineering, manufacturing, and design. Therefore, option A is correct. Option B is incorrect because a product protocol is a formal agreement rather than an informal one. Option C is incorrect because writing a product protocol is typically a team effort, with all members contributing to the final document. Option D is incorrect because a product protocol primarily focuses on product specifications and delivery, rather than tax payments and formalities.

Question 14

Which of the following statements is true of leading product innovators?

Accepted Answer

Leading product innovators use a system in which all of the players begin working, doing as much as they can at any time as the project rolls along. This system is known as concurrent engineering, where various departments work collaboratively and simultaneously, rather than sequentially. This allows for faster product development and a shorter time to market. Option A, B, and D are not true of leading product innovators.

Question 15

In practice, the first step of quality function deployment (QFD) is the house of quality (HOQ).

Accepted Answer

The house of quality (HOQ) is the first step of QFD. It involves identifying customer requirements, translating them into engineering characteristics, and prioritizing them for product design and development.

Question 16

A good product protocol can help cut development time and accelerate the time to market by providing better product definition.

Accepted Answer

A well-written product protocol can clearly define the product specifications, requirements, timelines, and other parameters. This helps in minimizing errors, reducing design iterations and accelerating the time to market.

Question 17

The product protocol communicates essentials to all of the players, helps lead them into integrated actions, helps direct outcomes that are consistent with the full screen and financials, and gives all players their targets to shoot for.

Accepted Answer

The product protocol is designed to establish clear communication, align goals and actions, and achieve consistent outcomes that align with the overall vision and financial objectives. It provides a roadmap for all players in the product development process and sets measurable targets to drive success.

Question 18

The protocol process is an aid to management, not a substitute for thinking.

Accepted Answer

The protocol process is designed as a guide for management to follow, but it is not meant to replace critical thinking or decision-making. It is important for managers to think critically and analyze each situation individually, rather than blindly following a protocol.

Question 19

In the house of quality (HOQ) approach, customer's needs are converted to the price of a product.

Accepted Answer

In the house of quality (HOQ) approach, customer's needs are converted into technical requirements, which are then used to design the product. Price is just one of the factors considered in the HOQ, along with other factors such as quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction.

Question 20

The purpose of a protocol remains constant irrespective of the market segment and time.

Accepted Answer

Protocols may evolve or be adapted to meet changing market demands, technological advancements, or regulatory requirements, affecting their purpose across different segments and over time.

Quiz 10: Product Protocol