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.
DSMs for Organization Design: Incorporating Additional Criteria in Clustering Algorithms
Runar Solberg (1), Ali Yassine (2), Nicolay Worren (1,3), Kim Soldal (3), Tore Christiansen (3)
Type:
Year:
2025
Editor:
Ali A. Yassine, Christopher Langner, Matthias Kreimeyer, Tyson R. Browning, Steven D. Eppinger
Author:
Series:
DSM
Institution:
1: Norwegian University of Life Sciences: NMBU, Norway; 2: Stevens Institute of Technology; 3: Reconfig AS
Page(s):
89-98
DOI number:
Abstract:
The Design Structure Matrix (DSM) is a useful tool for improving systems, including organizations, by grouping interdependent elements (such as roles) to reduce coordination costs. However, traditional DSM algorithms, like the Minimum Description Length (MDL) approach, are primarily used to optimize systems based on a single criterion: interdependencies between elements. In this paper, we extend the MDL algorithm by adding resource utilization as an additional criterion to improve its relevance for organizational design. We introduce a modified MDL fitness function to account for consolidation errors, implemented through a genetic algorithm. Furthermore, to guide organizational change management, we introduce a classification matrix for diagnosing problems related to coordination and resource constraints. Finally, we demonstrate our approach on a hypothetical case involving radiologists in a hospital. Results show improved fitness scores, reflecting better clustering and resource utilization. Future work includes the refinement of parameters through sensitivity analysis and empirical validation.
Keywords:
