CPIM Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of the house of quality (HOQ)?

1. To analyze production costs

2. To relate customer-defined attributes to product features

3. To evaluate employee performance

4. To identify market trends

The correct answer is: To relate customer-defined attributes to product features

The primary purpose of the house of quality (HOQ) is to relate customer-defined attributes to product features. This tool is a key component of the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) methodology, designed to ensure that the voice of the customer is effectively captured and translated into specific technical requirements during the product development process. By creating a visual representation, the HOQ allows teams to cross-reference customer needs with the technical characteristics of a product, ensuring that the final offering aligns with customer expectations. This structured approach helps prioritize product features based on customer importance, facilitating better decision-making and ultimately leading to more successful product outcomes. In contrast, analyzing production costs, evaluating employee performance, and identifying market trends do not directly connect customer needs with product design and features, which is the core focus of the HOQ methodology. Thus, the correct answer emphasizes the essential role of the HOQ in aligning product development with customer satisfaction and requirements.