Modeling Design Iteration Using DSM and Simulation

DSM (Design/Dependency Structure Matrix) is a potential tool for planning iterations and also for evaluating alternate sequences. The standard DSM operations can determine the basic sequence and can identify the existence of cycles/loops. These cycles/loops are grouped as blocks. There can be many strategies for executing the activities within the block. The strategy proposed in the present study is ‘speed’ of execution/iteration. It happens when an activity waits for information from all its predecessors or when it proceeds as soon as new information arrives from any one of its predecessor. The choice on the ‘speed’ is decided based on the (a) estimation of duration and (b) number of repetition of the activities. Stroboscope, a Monte Carlo simulation engine is attempted to model the proposed strategy. The scope of the present study is limited to time aspects alone and the concepts are elaborated with an example.