Title: Studying the conformity level of customer needs and organisation perception using a customer satisfaction index

Authors: Nematollah Mohseni; Ahmadreza Shekarchizadeh; Arash Shahin

Addresses: Department of Industrial Engineering, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad Branch, Najafabad, Iran ' Department of Management, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad Branch, Najafabad, Iran ' Department of Management, University of Isfahan, Hezarjarib St., 81746-73441, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract: The aim of this study is to identify the conformity level of decision makers' perception of customer needs and indicators of satisfying customers. For this purpose, the marketing and sales department of Esfahan Steel Company (ESCO) was selected for case study. The statistical population included clients and decision makers of the company. Technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) was used for data analysis. Main findings revealed that decision makers do not properly understand clients' demands and expectations; and the actions have been taken based on imaginations rather than realities arising from customers' expectations. Furthermore, there is no suitable process through which the customer priorities influence organisation's strategies. Customers' expectations were ranked and the results were taken for proposing priorities in developing suitable strategies and plans for continuous improvement.

Keywords: multi criteria decision-making; MCDM; customer satisfaction index; CSI; customer satisfaction result analysis; TOPSIS; strategy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPQM.2021.113614

International Journal of Productivity and Quality Management, 2021 Vol.32 No.2, pp.246 - 264

Received: 27 Jul 2019
Accepted: 16 Aug 2019

Published online: 15 Mar 2021 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article