The use of function/means trees for modelling technical, semantic and business functions

This paper considers the feasibility of using the function/means tree to create a single tree for a complete motor vehicle. It is argued that function/means trees can be used for modelling technical and semantic functions, but it is an inappropriate method for business functions when one tree of the vehicle is required. Life-cycle modelling provides an effective means for determining all the required purpose functions and is considered a more effective method than the function/means tree for this task when the structure and mode of operation of the vehicle is well defined and understood.