Assessing Quality Tools Use in the Wind Power Sector

Purpose – This study focuses on the state of quality control management tools and techniques used in the Wind Power (WP) sector.
Design/methodology/approach – Research was carried out in 120 Wind Power sector supply chain companies (component suppliers, wind turbine assemblers, and wind farm operation and maintenance) using the questionnaire method. The companies selected for the study have been implementing a quality management system in accordance with ISO 9001:2008.
Findings – The survey’s findings reveal a high level of quality control techniques and tools being used in WP companies. The results show that the tools and techniques most commonly used are internal audits, flowchart diagrams and cost of poor quality. The survey also highlighted some areas for further improvement, such as implementing advanced and complex quality techniques. Furthermore, some managerial implications from this study are also reported at the end.
Research limitations/implications – The study was based on the quality managers’, quality engineers’, and company mangers’ perceptions (subjective data) and neither examined the reasons for not implementing, or the difficulties encountered while implementing, quality tools and techniques.
Practical implications – The specific findings of this research are not only useful for managers who wish to implement a quality management system, but also provide recommendations for improving that implementation as well.
Originality/value – This study provides more detailed knowledge of the usage of the different quality tools and techniques in the WP, especially in ISO 9001 certified companies.

Ver artigo

Quality tools and techniques, ISO 9001, Wind Power sector