The objective of the research is to evaluate the impact of shared database and automated planning tools on cost and performance of design organizations under different management models. This study will produce the following specific outcomes: (1) A family of models which predict design process cost dependence on product mix and incorporate cost factors reflecting shared design and automated planning methods. (2) A case study of design organization and cost at a major electronics manufacturer which validates these models under conditions of known management structure and known design methods for a real product family. (3) Refined scenarios for integration of shared database and automated planning tools under two alternative management models: separate design and manufacturing functional groups, and joint design and manufacturing working groups. (4) An analytical evaluation of the scenarios and a critical review by industrial participants. (5) Consolidation and dissemination of results through reports, seminars, and conference presentations. (6) A Workshop on Management of Design.

Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
1991-01-01
Budget End
1993-11-30
Support Year
Fiscal Year
1990
Total Cost
$110,000
Indirect Cost
Name
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Troy
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
12180