Computer aided design

Even though Regal Marine is the thirds world boat manufacturer reduce design also concerns the company.

Moreover, product design has become increasingly important in today's fast-paced and globally competitive environment because it allows an organization to increase its market share. Additionally, when firms develop distinctive products, they have opportunities to command premium pricing. Various techniques exist for product design that is important to the design of Regal Mariner's product (Higher et. Al, 2009:123). 1.

1 Techniques for product design Five of these techniques have been elaborated below: 1. 1. Computer-Aided Design - CAD CAD is the use of computer systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimization in designing a product (Helipad, 2014:1). Three-dimensional CAD technology may assist the designers' of Regal Marine to increase their productivity and efficiency. For instance using this technique, Regal Marine can draw many advantages such as: Improvement in product quality of pleasure boats; Shorter design time; Reduced production cost; Database availability; Reduced error rate; Increase the ergonomics aspects of the product; Reduction in labor cost and other operating overheads.However, some designers may argue that with CAD they do not have the feeling that they are making the product themselves, hence creating frustration.

On the other hand, the management of Regal Marine can find CAD too expensive Baobab, 2014:1). It has been proved that Computer-aided design improves the design process and allows the construction of high quality boats. Through this, Regal Marine can attain a competitive edge over its competitors, building its image, increasing sales and increasing profit. 1. 1. Robust Design Robust design concept is the idea of designing the ideal product by improving it as hon.

in fugue 1 below: Figure 1: Robust design reaches the highest reliability Source: wry. Nubians. Com Robust design develops a product that has minimal variance in its characteristics so that it meets the exact critical customer requirement and the predicted model. This concept also encourages the performing of a series of experiments.

Moreover, robust design assists in ensuring that international standards are respected through an integrated computerized system.For example, robust design may look mainly at the size and shape of the boat as a whole (Prediction Probe, 2010:1). If the team of Regal Marine finds that there are defects as shown above, remedial actions may be taken, to meet the customer's requirement and improve the quality of the boats. Robust design has been considered to be costly, time consuming and unproductive. It is vital to note that robust design is mostly recognized for its quality control as like quality function deployment (Prediction Probe, 2010:1).

Thus, it helps Regal Marine to reduce cost and produce higher quality boats, thus, maximizing customers' satisfaction, increasing demand and increasing its market share. 1. 1. 3 Modular Designs This concept refers to the design of the different components of a product separately, and tests each component in separate conditions.

Regal Marine can use modular design as an approach by subdividing its product into smaller modules that can be independently handled (Afterburner, 2011:1). Modular designs offer flexibility.For example, Regal Marine can treat different issues separately such as engines design, hulls and decks design among others. This approach satisfies customer's requirements and improves quality standards, including a systematic inspection of the product when it is completed. Thus, it generates new knowledge, skills and impenitence which in turn may prove beneficial for both the employee and Regal Marine as a whole as it not only preserves the acquired position in the market but also boosts up competitive advantage and provides value for customers.Although employing modular design provides a number of advantages across the organization, companies must also consider that it requires high investment.

1. 1. 4 Virtual Reality technology Virtual reality technology is a virtual-simulated environment, images substituted for the real which are usually displayed in a computer screen or through special displays (David R, 2010:1). With this capability, it will be possible for Regal Marine to test the products virtually and make changes to them without having to actually build and scrap them.

For instance, Regal Marine can create virtual boats using ceiling- mounted video projectors to project ID layouts. It allows the designer to see the finished design before a physical model is built. A range of simulations can be performed such as test drive and test stability against cyclonic conditions. It allows the user to respond interactively.

Due to silicon chips, virtually reality technology is now less costly than the use of physical models or prototypes. This will reduce the cost of research and development of Regal Marine and also shorten the design time and allowing the product to enter into the market rapidly.Thus increasing net profit and yielding an improved return on investment for the shareholders of Regal Marine. Though its implementation is costly and timely, Regal Marine should consider going for it because of its numerous advantages.

1. 1. 5 Ethics and environmentally friendly design Ethics refers to the moral values what humans or an organization ought to practice. Usually these are known as the code of ethics and are standardized.

Ethics includes to cheating a customer, otherwise they may sue an organization which may rise legal cost and destroy the company image.Environmental friendly design is the client's guarantee that environmental issues are taken into consideration before embarking in the production of any product (CASE, 2014). The entire product life cycle from the design stage to production of the product provides a real opportunity to preserve resources and produce safe and more environmentally sound products. For example Regal Marine can use recyclable raw materials such as carbon fiber, epoxy composites and titanium graphite laminate to reduce weight.However, everywhere we cannot use recycled parts, for instance, brake oil and vital parts of the engine. Regal Marine may also: 1) Use less harmful ingredients; 2) Use less energy; 3) Use less material; 4) Reduce waste from raw materials.

Regal Marine can also adopt using solar energy to gear certain parts of the pleasure boats as shown in figure 2 below: Figure 2: Pleasure boat Source: www. Coffined. Com Adopting this approach requires additional research work which is often costly and time consuming. Despite these, it will be beneficial to the environment and will assistRegal Marine in contributing positively for sustainable development causes and complying with environmental regulations. This may also help Regal Marine to build its image in the community. 1.

2 Conclusion The above techniques may help Regal Marine in increasing sales and profits by ensuring customer's satisfaction at reduced costs and product development time. These techniques focus on design improvement leading to either to a better product or a product which can be produced more economically. Adopting these techniques is therefore highly recommended to Regal Marine, as a developer of luxury boats.