Knowledge Base Repository
In addition to research papers, the Design Society is developing several valuable resources for those interested in the study of design. These include a repository of PhD theses, a library of case studies and transcripts of design activities, and an archive of our newsletters. Please note that these resources are accessible exclusively to Design Society members.
IMPROVING DATA QUALITY IN DSM MODELLING: A STRUCTURAL COMPARISON APPROACH
Schmitz, Steffen; Wynn, David; Biedermann, Wieland; Lindemann, Udo; Clarkson, P John
Type:
Year:
2011
Editor:
Culley, S.J.; Hicks, B.J.; McAloone, T.C.; Howard, T.J. & Lindemann, U.
Author:
Series:
ICED
Section:
Product and Systems Design
Page(s):
369-380
Abstract:
The Dependency Structure Matrix (DSM) has proved to be a useful tool for system structure elicitation and analysis. However, as with any modelling approach, the insights gained from analysis are limited by the quality and correctness of input information. This paper explores how the quality of data in a DSM can be enhanced by elicitation methods which include comparison of information acquired from different perspectives and levels of abstraction. The approach is based on comparison of dependencies according to their structural importance. It is illustrated through two case studies: creation of a DSM showing the spatial connections between elements in a product, and a DSM capturing information flows in an organisation. We conclude that considering structural criteria can lead to improved data quality in DSM models, although further research is required to fully explore the benefits and limitations of our proposed approach.
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