3 Team Efficiencies Within a Model‐Driven Design Process

Abstract

Abstract (Smith & Koenig 1998) formulated a model‐based design process describing a triad of people, process, and technology (PPT) within an aerospace culture. It suggested that the time required for an organization to change to a new approach is a function of a minimum development time and powerful forces acting in tension (Lewin 1951). (Wall et al. 1999) described the object model‐based system, addressed the team dynamics involved in developing the products of the process, and proposed metrics to assess productivity of each team. This paper examines the PPT triad at the lowest level, the minimum product cycle time. It shows that team interventions, above and beyond team productivity considerations, can produce even lower product cycle times. A model shows the effect of the three components of the triad acting together. The lower cycle times possible are a product of team effects and technology advances in producing an individual object.