Abstract
D.Ing.
A development model for complex products in a multi-disciplinary development environment,
is the focus of this research. Currently there are a few development models in use in industry,
however it is shown in this research that these models are based on one or at best two
development criteria, for instance TQM focuses on quality but the other development criteria
do not feature strongly in TQM. The aim of this research is to develop a generic model for the
development of complex, multi-disciplinary products, such as missiles, that have at least
mechanical and electronic engineering involvement.
The researcher presented a rationale and a problem statement as the starting point of the
research. The problem being the scarcity of a development model that includes the TRAMM
development criteria into the early stages of development in a multi-disciplinary environment
for complex products. The problem statement stipulated the environment and the research
essence. The need for a development model that includes TRAMM in a multi-disciplinary
development environment for complex products is emphasised. The research objectives and
the main definitions used in this research are given. The TRAMM criteria are clearly defined.
The TRAMM criteria were emphasised. Currently these development criteria are each
researched in an isolated, specialist field. It is shown that not all the TRAMM criteria are
included in the current development models. However, the TRAMM criteria as isolated
development criteria are fields well documented except in a methodology on how to implement
these in the early stages of development. The TRAMM criteria are currently add-on
development. The intention with this research is to integrate the TRAMM criteria into the
early stages of the development. The researcher gives the possible methodology to include the
TRAMM criteria in a development model.
The current development models are introduced. The investigated development models are
DFR/DFM, IPD, TQM and CE. The strong and weak characteristics of each model are
highlighted. A possible methodology on how to incorporate the strong development criteria
of the specific model in an integrated development model.
The five development phases of the MPS development model are discussed. The MPS
development model consists of a number of modules that are used for certain development
tasks within the global development process. The contingency and processes of this modular
model are one of the major problems. An integrated development model should solve this
problem. The MPS development model is the basis for the IPS model.
Two product developments based on the MPS model are identified and discussed. During the
development of these products, requirements were raised and further development criteria
were identified and included in the MPS development model. The development criteria that
are introduced in these two developments are highlighted and possible methods on how to
include it in an integrated model are discussed.
Summaries of four of the literature-surveyed models are ascertained before it is evaluated. An
evaluation matrix consisting of 84 development criteria is proposed. This matrix is based on
the literature-survey and the current development models. This matrix includes development
criteria from these models. The matrix incorporates the TRAMM criteria, management,
design, organisation and project policies. The matrix makes a comparison between the
different development models including the MPS model. It is clear from the comparison that
the different models were developed with a certain aspect of development in mind. These
models do not include all the development criteria given in the 84 criteria evaluation matrix.
A model is proposed that includes these criteria and that can be tailored according to certain
user requirements. An integrated model that includes the criteria given in the evaluation
matrix, which includes the TRAMM criteria, is required. Such a model is proposed. This
model is named the IPS development model.
The IPS development model for development in a multi-disciplinary environment is described.
This model is based on the MPS and literature-surveyed development models. From the
evaluation matrix, it is clear that some of the criteria are not included in any of the
literature-surveyed models or the MPS development model. The inclusion of these criteria in
the IPS model is part of the contribution of this research. The research contributions are
highlighted.
The IPS development model is a model for development in a multi-disciplinary environment
for complex products. It can be tailored for various fields including mechanical and electrical
development fields. The IPS model concentrates on a 5-phase development structure. This
structure concentrates on the management aspects of development. Once the management
phase (phase 0) is in place, the development can start. This phase is called the concept,
exploration and definition phase (phase 1). During this phase the concepts are explored and
defined. In phase 1, no hardware is built. Hardware that demonstrates new technology or
reduces design risk is the only exception to this rule. If all the concepts are explored, the
demonstration and validation phase (phase 2) can start. The demonstration and validation
phase includes the TRAMM criteria of the development. Phase 3, the full-scale engineering
development phase is the phase where the hardware is designed and this phase includes the
design aspects of the development. Phase 3 is the last phase covered in this research; the other
two phases are the production, commissioning and support phases. These phases are included
as the framework for the feedback path of the development.
The IPS development model is circulated in one of the intended development environments and
evaluated. The respondent's results show that most of the criteria in the evaluation matrix are
significant the development. On an average scale, the TRAMM criteria are regarded as more
than 75% important in this specific multi-disciplinary development environment.