A Design Structure Matrix Approach

to Designing Complex Systems, A

National Airspace System
Application

Jamaal Lipscomb

November 27, 2016

Overview

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

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:

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

Conkey, Christopher and Paszter, Andy., Tech Snafu Grounds Nations 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, Masters 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

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.
Pimmler, Thomas U. and Eppinger, Stephen D., (May 1994).
Integration Analysis of Product decomposition Working Paper.
Alfred P. Sloan School of Management, Massachusetts Institute of
Technology, WP#3690-94-MS