化学企業における材料の研究開発の現状分析

－企業の技術者はなぜ品質工学を使わないのか―

抄録

In researching and developing materials, chemical companies make little use of robust quality engineering. Management, which wants to improve the efficiency of research and development, is dissatisfied that robust quality engineering is not being used as much as hoped. The present study on the dissemination of robust quality engineering was carried out to dispel this dissatisfaction and broaden the use of robust quality engineering methodologies among engineers. To find out why chemical engineers and research personnel do not use robust quality engineering, the situation at a particular company was analyzed. The analysis indicated limited involvement in screening at the early stages of research and development, but showed that the minority who do use robust quality engineering methodologies repeatedly have a high success rate, and that goal setting is a key factor. Engineers' behavior patterns were characterized by a lack of concern with speed, achievement, and underlying mechanisms. From a management viewpoint, increased involvement in goal setting, organization for early participation, and implantation of a self-motivated spirit of achievement are proposed as effective ways to encourage engineers and researchers to use robust quality engineering.