Modelling change in systems
The Change Management Group researches the impact of change propagation in complex systems made up of components, activities or people. In particular, we are researching how knowledge of change propagation can influence the development of product architectures and design processes:
- by generating a better understanding of the nature of change in complex systems;
- by challenging current management of change practice in product and service design;
- by developing novel and useful design change management and visualisation tools.
Our research is driven by practice. We are currently working with Rolls-Royce, Airbus, GKN Aerospace, BT, Laing O’Rourke and others to deliver on a variety of research topics and to define the priorities for future study.
We have developed a novel approach to change propagation analysis, known as the Change Prediction Method (CPM), to assist in the management of complex systems. A software tool, the Cambridge Advanced Modeller (CAM), which supports CPM and the use of Dependency Structure Matrices has been developed and is being used in industry. An edited book on Design Process Improvement was published by Springer in 2005.
Group Members
- Professor P John Clarkson (Group Leader)
- Dr Timoleon Kipouros (Lead Researcher and Principal Research Associate)
Tools
Books
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The Design and Development Process: Perspectives, Approaches and Models Authored by: David Wynn, John Clarkson. Springer. The design and development process is important - it creates all artificial products and systems and determines how well they address human needs. The process perspective set out in this book has value for design and development practice and education, and is in its own right a fascinating topic of investigation. |
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Design Process Improvement: A Review of Current Practice Edited by: John Clarkson, Claudia Eckert. Springer. There is always room for improvement in design, whether it be a better product or for a better design process. Experience of working with automotive, aerospace and healthcare companies has shown that effective communication, management of change and process planning are essential for effective product development process. |
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Modelling and Management of Engineering Processes Edited by: Peter Heisig, John Clarkson, Sandor Vajna. Springer. This first book on Modelling and Management of Engineering Processes (MMEP) presents leading national and international research in the fields of engineering design, process modelling in engineering design and product development, and innovation management selected for the first international conference MMEP 2010. |
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Modelling and Management of Engineering Processes Edited by: Peter Heisig, John Clarkson. Cambridge Engineering Design Centre. This second book on Modelling and Management of Engineering Processes (MMEP) presents leading national and international research in the fields of engineering design, process modelling in engineering design and product development, and innovation management selected for the second international workshop MMEP 2012. |
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Managing Complexity by Modelling Dependencies Edited by: David Wynn, Matthias Kreimeyer, Katharina Eben, Maik Maurer, Udo Lindemann, John Clarkson. Hauser Publishing. Dependency and Structure Modelling (DSM) techniques support the management of complexity by focusing attention on the elements of a complex system and how they are related to each other. DSMs can assist in understanding, designing and optimising complex systems including products, processes and organisations. |
