Predictability of change in engineering: A complexity view

Claudia Eckert, John Clarkson, Chris Earl

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

22 Scopus citations

Abstract

Design changes can be surprisingly complex. We examine the problems they cause and discuss the problems involved in predicting how changes propagate, based on empirical studies. To assist this analysis we distinguish between (a) a static background of connectivities (b) descriptions of designs, processes, resources and requirements and (c) the dynamics of design tasks acting on descriptions. The background might consist of existing designs and subsystems, or established processes used to create them. The predictability of design change is examined in terms of this model, especially the types and scope of uncertainties and where complexities arise. An industrial example of change propagation is presented in terms of the background (connectivity) - description - action model.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProc. of the ASME Int. Des. Eng. Techn. Conf. and Comput. and Inf. in Eng. Conf. - DETC2005
Subtitle of host publication17th International Conference on Design Theory and Methodology. Power Transmission and Gearing Conference.
Pages341-350
Number of pages10
StatePublished - 2005
Externally publishedYes
EventDETC2005: ASME International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference - Long Beahc, CA, United States
Duration: 24 Sep 200528 Sep 2005

Publication series

NameProceedings of the ASME International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference - DETC2005
Volume5

Conference

ConferenceDETC2005: ASME International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityLong Beahc, CA
Period24/09/0528/09/05

Keywords

  • Change
  • Change prediction
  • Complexity
  • Connectivity
  • Description
  • Structure

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