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Accounting for system level interaction in knowledge management initiatives

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, System Design & Management Program, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 68-69). / An overview of the operation of a modem, high bypass ratio, dual spool turbofan engine is presented to identify the multitude of system level interactions that must be considered when developing such an engine. The Design Structure Matrix (DSM) is used to demonstrate how it maps these relationships and, if utilized in the right manner, can reduce the occurrence of escapes (i.e., a deliverable that does not meet customers' expectations). The context of this thesis is the complex system design, and development process, of a commercial aircraft gas turbine engine (specifically the Pratt & Whitney PW4000 engine family). Unlike previous gas turbine engine DSM work, the matrix created in this thesis is generated from the point of view of the Systems Engineering organizations at Pratt & Whitney. The sequenced matrix captures the non-local knowledge that is currently absent from Pratt & Whitney's existing knowledge management documentation. Testing the DSM against past instances of rework and unexpected design issues substantiates its validity as the basis for performing this function. Finally, examples are presented to demonstrate how the DSM can be used to prevent future escapes. / by Glenn D. Bartkowski. / S.M.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:MIT/oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/29160
Date January 2001
CreatorsBartkowski, Glenn D. (Glenn David), 1970-
ContributorsDaniel Whitney., System Design and Management Program., System Design and Management Program.
PublisherMassachusetts Institute of Technology
Source SetsM.I.T. Theses and Dissertation
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis
Format71 leaves, 5653199 bytes, 5652956 bytes, application/pdf, application/pdf, application/pdf
RightsM.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission., http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

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