Comparative Analysis of Awareness and Knowledge of APQP Requirements in Polish and Romanian Automotive Industry

Abstract

In the present financial and economic context, the automotive industry faces new challenges posed by the current crisis. Companies have to ensure that the quality products are delivered on time and in a competitive price. One of the most recommended techniques of quality management by specific standards of the automotive industry for product development is Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP). Product Quality Planning is a structured method of defining and establishing the steps which are necessary to ensure the customer satisfaction from the product. The goal of this paper is to present the results of evaluation of awareness and knowledge the APQP techniques in Polish and Romanian automotive industry. The research method was a questionnaire with indicators to measure the awareness APQP tools. The research was conducted among design and technology professionals in Polish and Romanian automotive companies. On the basis of questionnaire it was performed a comparative analysis of results from Poland and Romania. In this way it is shown which methods and tools of APQP are better known and understood in each country. It was pointed out which tools are difficult to use or there is lack of knowledge about them. It was also shown which methods are most often used in the Polish and Romanian automotive companies. They were also summarized the similarities and differences in the knowledge and using the APQP in both countries.

Redesigning Trolley Jack to Be More Efficient, Convenient and Safe

“…These findings necessitated prompt solutions to protect workers from any undesirable incidents at their workplaces. Misztal, Belu, and Rachieru (2014) urged companies to provide proper equipment that could help workers lift and carry heavy objects more safely with ergonomic features. The findings in this research implied that the respondents' approval of the characteristics and advantages of this modified trolley jack could assist automotive shops to offer better safety to their workers while reducing their physical workload.…”

“…The three hazards with the highest risk that these workers were prone to be overstraining of motor system or organs, impact from objects and moving items, and being crushed by heavy objects. Misztal, Belu, and Rachieru (2014) recommended a preventative measure against the overstraining of the motor system or organs which is to adopt ergonomic principles and use a safer way of lifting and moving objects which may require the usage of proper equipment. Workers are strictly encouraged to limit their physical burden when handling heavy objects manually.…”

Untitled

“…The above-mentioned research results do not answer the research question regarding the possibility of assessing the homogeneity of the noise level distribution generated by aircraft. Therefore, the authors decided to validate the new application of the method of control of statistical parameters, particularly the control X chart -R, usually used in the industry for the assessment of the stability of the production processes [36].…”

Quality Assurance Matrix as the advanced generation of quality control

“…Different customers determine their specific requirements based on their special market strategy in order to satisfy customers' needs [1]. This involves technologically advanced process design, quality planning and quality control throughout the production cycle [2,3,4]. Existing tools and methods have become inadequate because they do not meet all additional requirements.…”