Communicating planning change activity using a matrix-based approach

Abstract

Planning is an integral part of the complex product development system. While the value of using DSM as a valuable project tool has been widely discussed, few have proposed using DSM as a tool to assist in managing the planning activity itself. This paper proposes that such an approach could be used to communicate planning change requirements across individual teams involved with complex product development and design projects. Such a dynamic response to change also minimizes the role of plans as a creativity inhibitor suggested by some authors. Further development and use of this method in industry could help enhance communication between project actors enabling better planning activity synchronisation and consistently contributing to an overall improvement in project results.