6.3 Suspended Ceiling Design Process - Bilkent University

Kusiak, 1996). While the DSM can be augmented with additional
symbols to represent contingent information flow (e.g. “+” instead of “X”)
analysis and improvement of a large process with many possible flow
paths becomes intractable without simulation. Second, the DSM does
not explicitly show overlapping activities. A Gantt chart remains one of
the best representations of activity concurrency (Browning, 2001).
This type of DSM is probably the most exploited DSM type among the
others. Krishnan (1993) has worked on sequencing and overlapping
activities in product development via DSM to improve design processes
in the automotive and the electronics industry. Eppinger et al. (1994)
have used activity-based DSM to model processes of a major
semiconductor company (Intel Co.). Browning (1998) has applied DSM
techniques in developing lean design strategies for aerospace industry.
Ulrich and Eppinger (1999a) have modeled a critical portion of the
development process with activity-based DSM at FIAT automobile
company. Ulrich and Eppinger (1999b) have also utilized the technique
at Kodak to model cartridge development processes. Rogers and Salas
(1999) have applied activity-based DSM at NASA for sequencing and
monitoring design processes. Tang et al. (2000) have devised an
algorithm of recognizing the coupled activities in a process to increase
concurrency of designs and illustrated the framework with a die design
example. English et al. (2001) have developed a method for identifying
the strength of couplings in multidisciplinary design process in
mechanical and aerospace engineering. Cronemyr et al. (2001) have
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