Learning by migrating: A computational study of diversity and team-level decision-making

DS 87-8 Proceedings of the 21st International Conference on Engineering Design (ICED 17) Vol 8: Human Behaviour in Design, Vancouver, Canada, 21-25.08.2017

Year: 2017
Editor: Anja Maier, Stanko Škec, Harrison Kim, Michael Kokkolaras, Josef Oehmen, Georges Fadel, Filippo Salustri, Mike Van der Loos
Author: Thomas, Russell; Gero, John
Series: ICED
Institution: 1: George Mason University, United States of America; 2: UNC Charlotte, United States of America
Section: Human Behaviour in Design
Page(s): 589-598
ISBN: 978-1-904670-96-4
ISSN: 2220-4342

Abstract

How does previous experience and learning influence a team’s ability to successfully agree on a system architecture, team roles and responsibilities, and design method? Migration of team members leads to diversity in past experiences and beliefs, which might have a positive or negative affect on team decision-making. Using computational modeling of self-managed teams across multiple project life cycles, we perform controlled experiments to evaluate performance and decision-making patterns of migrating vs. non-migrating teams. We find that there is no difference in mean performance, indicating that neither approach is intrinsically better. However, statistical tests of paired trials shows a meaningful an advantage for migrating (diverse) teams. Examining patterns of decision-making over time reveal that migrating (diverse) teams explore a wider range of team-level decisions, which makes them more adaptable in specific circumstances.

Keywords: Design methodology, Human behaviour in design, New product development, Organizational processes, Simulation

Download

Please sign in to your account

This site uses cookies and other tracking technologies to assist with navigation and your ability to provide feedback, analyse your use of our products and services, assist with our promotional and marketing efforts, and provide content from third parties. Privacy Policy.