A functional analysis of change propagation

Conference paper (2003)

Authors

Tomas Flanagan University of Cambridge
P.J. Clarkson External organisation
Affiliation
External organisation
Complexity Design Structure Matrix Change process Variant management
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Published Date

2003

Language

English

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Affiliation

External organisation

Abstract

A thorough understanding of change propagation is fundamental to effective change management during product redesign. A new model of change propagation, as a result of the interaction of form and function is presented and used to develop an analysis method that determines how change is likely to propagate. The analysis produces a Design Structure Matrix, which clearly illustrates change propagation paths and highlights connections that could otherwise be ignored. This provides the user with an in-depth knowledge of product connectivity, which has the potential to support the design process and reduce the product's susceptibility to future change.