J Eng Des Special Issue on Dependency Modelling in Complex System Design (Sep 2011)

Journal of Engineering Design
Special Issue on Dependency Modelling in Complex System Design

Dependency modelling techniques such as the Design Structure Matrix (DSM) support complexity management by focusing attention on the elements of a system and the dependencies through which they are related. The dependency modelling perspective highlights structures in systems and their environments. It can help to understand the implications of connectivity on different aspects of system performance. It can assist in understanding, designing, optimising and maintaining complex systems; including products, processes and organisations.

Since the ‘Design Structure System’ was introduced in 1981, a great deal of progress has been made exploring how different forms of dependency modelling can support complex system design. Many approaches have been developed, for instance based on DSM, MDM, and network analysis. Tools and methods have been transferred into practice.

Much has changed in the three decades since Prof. Steward’s seminal paper was published. This special issue on Dependency Modelling in Complex System Design will take stock of new developments and trends.

Authors are invited to submit research papers on any topic related to modelling and/or management of dependencies in complex system design. All papers will be peer-reviewed through the normal process.

The issue will be broad in scope. Suitable topics might include, but are not limited to:
• Dependency modelling to support design, analysis, delivery, management, or change of complex systems – such as products, processes, services and/or organizations.
• Approaches for modelling and/or analysis of dependencies and dependency structures.
• Dependency-oriented algorithms and simulations for system analysis and design.
• Approaches for eliciting, visualising and/or exploring complex dependency information.
• Issues, problems and perspectives related to dependencies, structures, dynamics and/or change in complex system design.

Papers might, for example, describe:
• Theories, methods and tools.
• Applications and case studies.
• Reviews and reflections on literature, techniques and practice.

Publication Schedule:
Authors are asked to notify the guest editors of their intention to submit as soon as possible. A short abstract will then be requested to assess the fit of the proposed article with the special issue.

Notification of Intent to Submit: ASAP (email the corresponding guest editor)
Short Abstracts Due: Before Sep 30, 2011 (each will be considered as it is received)
Full Papers Due for Review: Nov 25, 2011
Notification of Review Decision: Jan 01, 2012
Revised Manuscript Submission: Mar 01, 2012
Final Decision: Mar 07, 2012
Final Manuscripts: April 01, 2012
Expected Date of Publication: June 2012

Submission Instructions:
Please prepare your paper following the “Instructions for Authors” available from the Journal of Engineering Design website (http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/tf/09544828.html).

Please submit your paper directly to the journal at: http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/cjen.

Guest Editors:
David Wynn, University of Cambridge, UK {dcw24@eng.cam.ac.uk}
Matthias Kreimeyer, MAN Truck & Bus AG, Germany {matthias.kreimeyer@man.eu}
John Clarkson, University of Cambridge, UK {pjc10@eng.cam.ac.uk}
Udo Lindemann, Technische Universität München, Germany {udo.lindemann@pe.mw.tum.de}