Structural modelling and analysis of production system life cycle: a graph theoretic approach

Abstract

The main purpose of this paper is to cultivate a cohesive system model for the structural modelling and analysis of production system life cycle (PSLC) in terms of its prompting systems and interfaces between the systems and sub-systems. By means of graph theoretic approach (GTA), PSLC is first modelled with help of graph theory, then by matrix method and at last, by a multinomial known as a permanent function. Different factors (hereby known as quality enabled factors) affecting the PSLC or its decisions are identified to develop a graph theoretic model, a matrix model, and a multinomial permanent model of the PSLC. The present work recommends an index with the help of GTA which can be effectively employed for assessing the quality of decisions made in the different phases of PSLC. The step by step procedure for the application of GTA methodology is itemised with an example that may assist the managers or decision makers to implement it in their organisations.