A Predictive Model of Sequential Iteration in Engineering Design

Robert P. Smith and Steven D. Eppinger
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Robert P. Smith: Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195
Steven D. Eppinger: Sloan School of Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139

Management Science, 1997, vol. 43, issue 8, 1104-1120

Abstract: This paper presents a model describing sequential iteration, one of the fundamental solution processes experienced in complex engineering design projects. The model is based upon the design structure matrix representation and assumes that each individual design activity is of deterministic duration with probabilistic repetition, where the repeat probabilities are defined by the strength of the task coupling. Using the model, we are able to compute the expected duration of the iterative solution process, and to suggest an initial ordering of the coupled design tasks to minimize the expected duration. We conclude the paper with a discussion of limitations and several extensions to the sequential iteration model.

Keywords: product development; product development time; engineering design; management of engineering design; design iteration (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 1997
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (29)

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