Dependency structure matrix modelling for human resource allocation

DSM 2012 Proceedings of the 14th International DSM Conference, Kyoto, Japan

Year: 2012
Editor: Onishi, M.; Maurer, M.; Kirner, K.; Lindemann, U.
Author: Albers, A.; Breitschuh, J.; Lohmeyer, Q.
Series: DSM
Institution: Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Germany
Section: Management of Engineering Design Projects
Page(s): 371-383
ISBN: 978-3-446-43354-0

Abstract

A key challenge of today’s multi-project management lies in an effective and efficient allocation of limited resources. Especially the allocation of human resources determines informational networks
within and across product design projects. The basic idea of this paper considers the modelling of dependencies between objectives, activities, resources and objects of engineering projects. This is used to analyse and optimize the networks’ information flows by a systematic human resource allocation framework. The framework bases on the Integrated Product Engineering Model (iPeM) and
fundamental Design Structure Matrix (DSM) techniques. The paper introduces adapted DSM approaches like the Shortest Path Matrix (SPM) and the Resource Allocation Matrix (RAM). The
framework is implemented in MS Excel and exemplary applications are presented.

Keywords: iPeM, human resource allocation, information flow, shortest path matrix