Abstract
A number of network-based process models have been developed to guide the design of engineering systems. Many such models represent design activities only as single nodes. As a result, the architecture, i.e. the network structure and composition of each activity, remains invisible and inaccessible for further analysis. However, when we unfold the architecture of activities we see the organisation network through which activities are conducted by people. The architectures of such organisation networks matter as they affect performance outcomes of activities. We propose and empirically test a framework for systematic characterisation and subsequent clustering of activities based on the architecture of the activities’ organisation networks. Architecture characteristics examined include network size, network density and compositional diversity. The proposed framework not only enriches current process models, but also enables a more systematic analysis of the relationship between the organisation network of each activity and performance. The framework is tested with data from the design process of a biomass power plant where we identified architecture-performance relationships.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Proceedings of the 20th International Conference on Engineering Design (ICED 15) Volume 10 |
Subtitle of host publication | Design Information and Knowledge Management |
Editors | Christian Weber , Stephan Husung, Marco Cantamessa |
Pages | 177-188 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Publication status | Published - 30 Jul 2015 |
Event | 20th International Conference on Engineering Design (ICED'15) - Bovisa Campus - Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy Duration: 27 Jul 2015 → 30 Jul 2015 |
Conference
Conference | 20th International Conference on Engineering Design (ICED'15) |
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Country/Territory | Italy |
City | Milan |
Period | 27/07/15 → 30/07/15 |
Keywords
- complexity
- design process
- organisation of product development
- network analysis
- design activity