A novel approach for complexity measure analysis in design projects

This study report presents a graph-based model to measure the relative complexity of design projects. Using managerial and technical graphs and complexity design structure matrix, the relative complexity of design projects can be determined. The relative complexity measure can support assembly-oriented design, and guide the designer in creating a product with the most effective balance of manufacturing and assembly complexity. Furthermore, the complexity measures can be used as a yardstick for budgeting and resource allocation for future design projects or maintenance cost estimation. An illustrative example is demonstrated to present the application of the model.

[1]  Avril Thomson,et al.  Measuring Project Complexity: A Project Manager's Tool , 2006 .

[2]  Tyson R. Browning,et al.  Studying the Dynamics of the Architecture of Software Products , 2007 .

[3]  John S. Gero,et al.  Complexity Measures as a Basis for Mass Customization of Novel Designs , 2008 .

[4]  Hamdi A. Bashir,et al.  Models for estimating design effort and time , 2001 .

[5]  Nanua Singh,et al.  Complexity reduction in product design and development using Design for Six Sigma , 2006 .

[6]  Hamdi A. Bashir,et al.  Estimating Design Complexity , 1999 .

[7]  Chulhyun Kim,et al.  Design Process Modularization: Concept and Algorithm , 2007, Concurr. Eng. Res. Appl..

[8]  Chris Jenks,et al.  Qualitative Complexity: Ecology, Cognitive Processes and the Re-Emergence of Structures in Post-Humanist Social Theory , 2006 .

[9]  W. Weaver Science and complexity. , 1948, American scientist.

[10]  D. V. Steward,et al.  The design structure system: A method for managing the design of complex systems , 1981, IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management.

[11]  Nicolaj Siggelkow,et al.  Misperceiving Interactions Among Complements and Substitutes: Organizational Consequences , 2002, Manag. Sci..

[12]  Steven D. Eppinger,et al.  A Network Approach to Define Modularity of Components in Complex Products , 2007 .

[13]  Kai Yang,et al.  The components of complexity in engineering design , 1999 .

[14]  Alison McKay,et al.  3-Dimensional concurrent engineering: an illustration of its information entailments , 2006 .

[15]  Guangleng Xiong,et al.  Concurrent engineering research and application , 1999 .

[16]  Tyson R. Browning,et al.  Planning Concurrency and Managing Iteration in Projects , 2001 .

[17]  Balbir S. Dhillon,et al.  GROUP-BASED FAILURE EFFECTS ANALYSIS , 2005 .

[18]  Li D. Xu,et al.  The contribution of systems science to information systems research , 2000 .

[19]  Nam P. Suh Development of the science base for the manufacturing field through the axiomatic approach , 1984 .

[20]  Graham Jared,et al.  Complexity metrics for design (simplicity + simplicity = complexity) , 2003 .