To reduce the uncertainty and reworks in complex projects,a novel mechanism is systematically developed in this paper based on two classical design structure matrix(DSM)clustering methods:Loop searching method(LSM)and function searching method(FSM).Specifically,the optimal working areas for the two clustering methods are first obtained quantitatively in terms of non-zero fraction(NZF)and singular value modularity index(SMI),in which the whole working area is divided into six sub-zones.Then,a judgement procedure is proposed for conveniently choosing the optimal DSM clustering method,which makes it easy to determine which DSM clustering method performs better for a given case.Subsequently,a conceptual model is constructed to assist project managers in effectively analyzing the network of projects and greatly reducing reworks in complex projects by defining preventive actions.Finally,the aircraft design process is presented to show how the proposed judgement mechanism can be utilized to reduce the reworks in actual projects.
Sensitivity analyses based on an algebraic representation in the graph model for conflict resolution (GMCR) are generalized for ascertaining the robustness of stability results by varying decision makers' preference ranking.The ordinal preferences in GMCR are advantageous to carry out sensitivity analyses with respect to systematically identifying the influence of preference alterations upon the four basic stabilities consisting of Nash stability,general metarationality,symmetric metarationality and sequential stability.The proposed algebraic representation of the four basic stabilities is not only effective and convenient for computer implementation of sensitivity analysis,but also makes it easier to understand the meaning of the four stabilities when compared with the existing matrix representation.Further,these sensitivity analyses results are embedded into the latest version of the decision support system NUAAGMCR,which can be used to study real-world conflicts.To illustrate how these contributions to sensitivity analyses can be applied in practice and provide valuable strategic insights,they are used to investigate the civil war conflict in South Sudan.
