An integrated ISM-fuzzy MICMAC approach for modeling and analyzing information flows among product development project activities

Successful product development (PD) requires using approaches capable of modelling and analyzing vague direct and indirect information flows among interrelated activities. This study proposes an approach integrating interpretive structural modelling (ISM) along with fuzzy Cross-Impact Matrix Multiplication Analysis (MICMAC) to achieve this end. While the ISM technique enables project managers visualizing information flows among the activities, fuzzy MICMAC analysis classifies activities with respect to their dependence and driving powers. This categorization provides PD project managers with a useful means to differentiate among PD activities and their mutual associations, permitting the identification of crucial activities. As a result, this leads to better supervision of the development process and thus reduces the risk of project overruns related to PD costs and lead-time. The approach is shown and validated using actual data obtained from a Taiwanese electronics company developing power line communication products.