A Design Structure Matrix Approach to
Designing Complex Systems, A National
Airspace System Application
Jamaal Lipscomb
April 13, 2015
Overview
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Purpose
Motivation
Dependency Structure Matrix
Categories
Techniques
Conceptual Model
Component Based Example
Why Clustering
Potential Application
Analysis Framework
Conclusion
Purpose
 Application of the Dependency Structure
Matrix (DSM) for modeling the complex
systems
– Analysis of DSM application for improved and realistic
transition strategy
– Identification of interdependencies and redundancies
between system elements
– Decrease system design complexity and improve
efficiency and cost during the design process
Motivation
 There is a need for improved system modeling
techniques that can assist in the
modernization of the systems
– Identify system element interdependencies
– Improve system performance
– Reduce system development costs
– Improve schedule performance
Dependency Structure Matrix (DSM)
 Can be used to:
• Analyze and manage complex systems
• Provide a method for the user to model, visualize,
and analyze the dependencies among the entities
of any system
• Derive improvement for synthesis of a system
• Display the relationship between components of a
system in a compact, visual, and analytically
advantageous form
DSM provides a comprehensive system view of the project
architecture and technology choices
Categories
 There are two main categories of DSMs:
• Static
– Represent system elements existing simultaneously,
such as components of a product architecture or
groups in an organization
• Time-Based
– Ordering of rows and columns represent a flow through
time: upstream activities in a process precede
downstream activities, and terms like “feedforward”
and “feedback” become meaningful when referring to
interfaces
Techniques
DSM Data Types
Representation
Application
Analysis Method
DSM Data Types
Representation
Application
Analysis Method
Task-based
Task/Activity input/output
relationships
Project scheduling,
activity sequencing,
cycle time reduction
Partitioning,
Tearing, Banding
Parameterbased
Parameter decision
points and necessary
precedents
Low level activity
sequencing and
process construction
Partitioning,
Tearing, Banding
Team-based
Multi-team interface
characteristics
Organizational design,
interface management,
team integration
Clustering
Componentbased
Multi-component
relationships
System architecting,
engineering and design
Clustering
The DSM developed as part of this study will be analyzed
using the clustering technique. This is a valuable
technique for examining the structure of a system.
Conceptual Model
Design Structure Matrices
(DSMs)
Static
Component-based
DSM
Time-Based
People-based
DSM
Activity-based
DSM
Parameter-based
DSM
Component-Based DSM Example
Source: DSMweb.org
Why Clustering
 Grouping nodes with high interaction into
clusters, interfaces between clusters can be easily
identified and allowed for the identification of
interactions
 Using cost assignment of interactions aid in
optimization of the cluster assignment of
components
 Management and optimization of the interfaces
between the clustered components minimizes
complexity and cost
Clustering DSM
Source: DSMweb.org
Cluster 1
Front End Air
Chunk
Cluster 2
Refrigerant
Chunk
Cluster 3
Interior Air
Chunk
Potential Application
 National Airspace System (NAS):
• The NAS is a collection of:
– Automation Systems
– Communication Systems
– Surveillance Systems
– Weather Systems
– Navigation Systems
NAS Operational Components
 National Airspace System (NAS)
• These systems are organized around three types
of facilities:
– Airport Towers
– Monitor aircraft on the ground and give take-off and landing
clearances
– Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facilities
– Handle aircraft ascending and descending to and from
airports
– En Route Centers
– Handle aircraft flying between airports at the higher altitudes
NAS System Architecture
Analysis Framework
Case Studies
Terminal Automations
Systems include
• Flight Data Systems
• Weather Data
Systems
• Surface Movement
Systems
The improvements made by Ronnie Thebeau to the clustering algorithm
allows for the analysis of the NAS DSM because it provides an adequate
answer for developing a system architecture
Since the clustering algorithm
randomly selects elements,
several runs will be completed
under similar conditions so that
the data can be analyzed
Data from each of
the runs will be
compared to
identify like
clusters
Conclusion
 As advances in technology are made current systems
are becoming more complex, resulting in:
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Redundancy
Complex Interdependencies/interoperability
Higher Cost
Schedule Slips
 DSM addresses these challenges by
• Identifying system redundancies and interdependencies
• Reducing/eliminating functionality overlap
• Optimizing system development
Contact Information
Jamaal Lipscomb
(202) 385-8716
Jamaal.Lipscomb@gmail.com
Thomas Holzer, D. SC.
holzerT@gwu.edu
Shahryar Sarkani, D. Sc.
emseor2003@yahoo.com
Timothy Eveleigh, D. Sc
eveleigh@gwu.edu
References continued
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Conkey, Christopher and Paszter, Andy., “Tech Snafu Grounds Nation’s Fliers,” The Wall Street
Journal, November 20, 2009.
Yassine, Ali A., “An Introduction to Modeling and Analyzing Complex Product Development
Processes Using the Design Structure Matrix (DSM) Method”. Product development research
laboratory, University of Illinois, (2004). pp. 1-17
Browning, T. “Applying the Design Structure Matrix to System Decomposition and Integration
problems: A Review and New Directions”. IEEE Transactions on Engineering management,
Vol. 48, No3. August 2001. Pp. 292-300
Fernandez, CIG, (1998) “Integration Analysis of Product Architecture to Support Effective
Team Co-location”, Master’s Thesis (ME), Massachusetts Institute of Technology
J. Bartolomei, M. Cokus, J. Dahlgren, R. de Neufville, D. Maldonado and J. Wilds., “Analysis
and application of design structure matrix, domain mapping matrix, and engineering system
matrix frameworks,” Working Paper. MIT. Engineering Systems Division 2007
Browning, T.R., (2002). “Using the Design Structure Matrix (DSM) for Process Integration”.
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, Fort Worth, TX.
Thebeau, Ronnie E., (2001). “Knowledge Management of System Interfaces and Interactions
for Product Development Processes”. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
References
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Cone, Edward. (2002). “The ugly history of Tool Development at the FAA”. Baseline
Dong, Qi. (Jan. 1999). “Representing Information Flow and Knowledge
Management in Product Design Using the Design Structure Matrix” SM Thesis.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology, WP#3690-94-MS