A Quality Evaluation of IPM/FFS Training Courses Using QFD

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the quality of IPM/FFS training courses based on QFD method among orchardists of Illam Province. Also, as part of the QFD study, a need assessment survey was conducted to extract the educational needs of target group based on Borich model. The study population consisted of all the northern grape and pomegranate growers participated in the IPM/FFS training courses (N= 420). A sample of 201 persons was selected through a simple random sampling manner. To collect data, a questionnaire was administered which its validity and reliability were confirmed. The second part of needed data was gathered by conducting an interview with extension specialists. Data analysis was performed using SSPSV20 and Edraw maxv20 software. The completed QFD chart was revealed that both of the “seeking ideas regarding the satisfaction of IPM/FFS training courses” and “holding classes in accordance with the principles of adult education and facilitation” were identified as the most relevant service characteristics to the participants’ needs, by showing the absolute and relative weight of 502.11, 8.64 and 469.35, 8.07, respectively. This means that these two service characteristics showed a significant impact on addressing the participants’ needs. Among the service characteristics, “promotion of interest to use substitute solutions” and “seeking ideas regarding the satisfaction of IPM/FFS courses” had strong positive relationship with almost others. At last, the study followed by some suggestions to better implementing the IPM/FFS training courses