A Design Structure Matrix Approach to Designing Complex Systems, A National

Airspace System Application

Jamaal Lipscomb

April 21, 2023

Overview Purpose Motivation Dependency Structure Matrix Categories Techniques Conceptual Model Component Based Example Why Clustering Potential Application Analysis Framework Conclusion

Purpose

Application of the Dependency Structure Matrix (DSM) for modeling the complex systems

– Analysis of DSM application for improved and realistic transition strategy

– Identification of interdependencies and redundancies between system elements

– Decrease system design complexity and improve efficiency and cost during the design process

Motivation

There is a need for improved system modeling techniques that can assist in the modernization of the systems

– Identify system element interdependencies– Improve system performance– Reduce system development costs– Improve schedule performance

Dependency Structure Matrix (DSM)

Can be used to:• Analyze and manage complex systems• Provide a method for the user to model, visualize,

and analyze the dependencies among the entities of any system

• Derive improvement for synthesis of a system• Display the relationship between components of a

system in a compact, visual, and analytically advantageous form

DSM provides a comprehensive system view of the project architecture and technology choices

Categories

There are two main categories of DSMs:• Static

– Represent system elements existing simultaneously, such as components of a product architecture or groups in an organization

• Time-Based– Ordering of rows and columns represent a flow through

time: upstream activities in a process precede downstream activities, and terms like “feedforward” and “feedback” become meaningful when referring to interfaces

TechniquesDSM Data Types Representation Application Analysis Method

DSM Data Types Representation Application Analysis Method

Task-based Task/Activity input/output relationships

Project scheduling, activity sequencing, cycle time reduction

Partitioning, Tearing, Banding

Parameter-based

Parameter decision points and necessary precedents

Low level activity sequencing and process construction

Partitioning, Tearing, Banding

Team-based Multi-team interface characteristics

Organizational design, interface management, team integration

Clustering

Component-based

Multi-component relationships

System architecting, engineering and design

Clustering

The DSM developed as part of this study will be analyzed using the clustering technique. This is a valuable technique for examining the structure of a system.

Conceptual Model

Design Structure Matrices (DSMs)

Design Structure Matrices (DSMs)

StaticStatic Time-BasedTime-Based

Component-based DSM

Component-based DSM

People-based DSM

People-based DSM

Activity-basedDSM

Activity-basedDSM

Parameter-basedDSM

Parameter-basedDSM

Component-Based DSM Example

Source: DSMweb.org

Why Clustering Grouping nodes with high interaction into

clusters, interfaces between clusters can be easily identified and allowed for the identification of interactions

Using cost assignment of interactions aid in optimization of the cluster assignment of components

Management and optimization of the interfaces between the clustered components minimizes complexity and cost

Clustering DSM

Source: DSMweb.org

Cluster 1 Front End Air Chunk

Cluster 2 Refrigerant Chunk

Cluster 3 Interior Air Chunk

Potential Application

National Airspace System (NAS):• The NAS is a collection of:

– Automation Systems– Communication Systems– Surveillance Systems– Weather Systems– Navigation Systems

NAS Operational Components

National Airspace System (NAS)• These systems are organized around three types

of facilities:– Airport Towers

– Monitor aircraft on the ground and give take-off and landing clearances

– Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facilities– Handle aircraft ascending and descending to and from

airports– En Route Centers

– Handle aircraft flying between airports at the higher altitudes

NAS System Architecture

Analysis Framework Since the clustering algorithm randomly selects elements, several runs will be completed under similar conditions so that the data can be analyzed

Data from each of the runs will be compared to identify like clusters

The improvements made by Ronnie Thebeau to the clustering algorithm allows for the analysis of the NAS DSM because it provides an adequate answer for developing a system architecture

Case StudiesTerminal Automations Systems include•Flight Data Systems•Weather Data Systems•Surface Movement Systems

Conclusion As advances in technology are made current systems

are becoming more complex, resulting in:• Redundancy• Complex Interdependencies/interoperability • Higher Cost• Schedule Slips

DSM addresses these challenges by• Identifying system redundancies and interdependencies • Reducing/eliminating functionality overlap• Optimizing system development

Contact InformationJamaal Lipscomb(202) 385-8716

Jamaal.Lipscomb@gmail.com

Thomas Holzer, D. SC.holzerT@gwu.edu

Shahryar Sarkani, D. Sc.emseor2003@yahoo.com

Timothy Eveleigh, D. Sceveleigh@gwu.edu

References continued

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Yassine, Ali A., “An Introduction to Modeling and Analyzing Complex Product Development Processes Using the Design Structure Matrix (DSM) Method”. Product development research laboratory, University of Illinois, (2004). pp. 1-17

Browning, T. “Applying the Design Structure Matrix to System Decomposition and Integration problems: A Review and New Directions”. IEEE Transactions on Engineering management, Vol. 48, No3. August 2001. Pp. 292-300

Fernandez, CIG, (1998) “Integration Analysis of Product Architecture to Support Effective Team Co-location”, Master’s Thesis (ME), Massachusetts Institute of Technology

J. Bartolomei, M. Cokus, J. Dahlgren, R. de Neufville, D. Maldonado and J. Wilds., “Analysis and application of design structure matrix, domain mapping matrix, and engineering system matrix frameworks,” Working Paper. MIT. Engineering Systems Division 2007

Browning, T.R., (2002). “Using the Design Structure Matrix (DSM) for Process Integration”. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, Fort Worth, TX.

Thebeau, Ronnie E., (2001). “Knowledge Management of System Interfaces and Interactions for Product Development Processes”. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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Management in Product Design Using the Design Structure Matrix” SM Thesis. Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

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