A Modeling Framework for Product Development Process Considering its Characteristics

Abstract

Product development (PD) processes are complex and unstructured compared to business or manufacturing processes, as they have iterative, evolutionary, uncertain, and cooperative features. In order to effectively manage and control a complex PD process, appropriate and logical descriptions are needed. This requires a modeling framework that can capture its characteristics. However, previous modeling methodologies are limited in terms of representing the characteristics. To cope with this limitation, we propose a modeling framework that can address the typical features of the PD process. To this end, we classify PD characteristics systematically and define modeling constructs for the PD process with modeling patterns and parameters. The proposed modeling framework will provide engineers and managers with a basis for planning, organizing, analyzing, and monitoring complex PD processes effectively.