Modularisation: A modern process for project management - Revision history

Tkokotas at 15:21, 18 December 2018

2018-12-18T15:21:37Z

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			''Developed by Konstantinos Pitsavas''


	Nearly all projects are characterized by a certain degree of complexity and uncertainty. However, every project is unique and its success depends on various product development and management processes vital for the current rapidly changing business environment. Within this context, it has become increasingly important for companies with vast product portfolio to be able to manage the project complexity in order to increase efficiency and ensure competitive advantage in the long run.		Nearly all projects are characterized by a certain degree of complexity and uncertainty. However, every project is unique and its success depends on various product development and management processes vital for the current rapidly changing business environment. Within this context, it has become increasingly important for companies with vast product portfolio to be able to manage the project complexity in order to increase efficiency and ensure competitive advantage in the long run.

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Annotated Bibliography

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 = Annotated Bibliography =
 =References=
 <references />

Konspits at 02:33, 29 September 2015

2015-09-29T02:33:19Z

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	In architecture, modules were associated with the Bauhaus philosophy leading to the configuration of the so –called '''“building blocks”''' (Baukasten)<ref name="Miller">Miller, TD & Pedersen, PEE 1998, “Defining Modules, Modularity and Modularization: Evolution of the Concept in a Historical Perspective”. IKS, Lyngby.</ref> being individual functional units in buildings, easy to be assembled. Purpose was that modules were used as an arbitrary unit adopted to regulate the dimensions and proportions of parts of the building system for better design and coordination. As shown in figure 1, one extraordinary project example of industrialized building blocks was the industrialized modular housing '''“The Packaged House”'''<ref name="Gropius"> Alicia Imperiale, Temple University “An American Wartime Dream: THE PACKAGED HOUSE SYSTEM OF KONRAD WACHSMANN AND WALTER GROPIUS”, 2012 ACSA Fall Conference, 39-43.</ref> designed by well-known architects Konrad Wachsmann and Walter Gropius. It described a modular system comprising of a coordinated set of elements that allowed an infinite number of interactions for the final configuration and satisfied the housing needs for functionality, quality, uniformity and precision. However, it was not realized in practice, but the designs reflect the conceptualization of modularity.		In architecture, modules were associated with the Bauhaus philosophy leading to the configuration of the so –called '''“building blocks”''' (Baukasten)<ref name="Miller">Miller, TD & Pedersen, PEE 1998, “Defining Modules, Modularity and Modularization: Evolution of the Concept in a Historical Perspective”. IKS, Lyngby.</ref> being individual functional units in buildings, easy to be assembled. Purpose was that modules were used as an arbitrary unit adopted to regulate the dimensions and proportions of parts of the building system for better design and coordination. As shown in figure 1, one extraordinary project example of industrialized building blocks was the industrialized modular housing '''“The Packaged House”'''<ref name="Gropius"> Alicia Imperiale, Temple University “An American Wartime Dream: THE PACKAGED HOUSE SYSTEM OF KONRAD WACHSMANN AND WALTER GROPIUS”, 2012 ACSA Fall Conference, 39-43.</ref> designed by well-known architects Konrad Wachsmann and Walter Gropius. It described a modular system comprising of a coordinated set of elements that allowed an infinite number of interactions for the final configuration and satisfied the housing needs for functionality, quality, uniformity and precision. However, it was not realized in practice, but the designs reflect the conceptualization of modularity.


	= Product Architecture =		= Product Architecture =
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	\|Changing a few isolated functional elements of a product may not affect the design of other modules		\|Changing a few isolated functional elements of a product may not affect the design of other modules
	\|}		\|}


	== Conventional Product Development ==		== Conventional Product Development ==
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	The drawback in this conventional process lies in the dependency of the development of components and interfaces. An alteration in the technology of a component will cause significant technical difficulties as well as uncertainties for the outcome of the final product. Since, all components are dependent with each other; a change in one part may be translated into a ‘domino effect’ of redesigning components or even worse replacing some of the component development processes.		The drawback in this conventional process lies in the dependency of the development of components and interfaces. An alteration in the technology of a component will cause significant technical difficulties as well as uncertainties for the outcome of the final product. Since, all components are dependent with each other; a change in one part may be translated into a ‘domino effect’ of redesigning components or even worse replacing some of the component development processes.


	= Modular Products and Methods =		= Modular Products and Methods =
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	Compared to the aforementioned conventional development process, modular product architecture fully defines the specifications of the component interfaces and the constraints regarding component development. In this model (figure 4), there is a complete structure in the flow of information which is well controlled with the decoupling points and defines the desired output prior to the development and detailed design of components. The main advantage is that product architecture is defined at design stage and does not change during development allowing the leveraging of multiple new product variations.		Compared to the aforementioned conventional development process, modular product architecture fully defines the specifications of the component interfaces and the constraints regarding component development. In this model (figure 4), there is a complete structure in the flow of information which is well controlled with the decoupling points and defines the desired output prior to the development and detailed design of components. The main advantage is that product architecture is defined at design stage and does not change during development allowing the leveraging of multiple new product variations.


	== Modular Function Deployment (MFD) ==		== Modular Function Deployment (MFD) ==
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	MDF method can be applied in product design across the entire life cycle of a product. Based on its simplicity, companies using the method can deliver satisfactory product results by considering systematically the customer requirements.		MDF method can be applied in product design across the entire life cycle of a product. Based on its simplicity, companies using the method can deliver satisfactory product results by considering systematically the customer requirements.


	== Design Structure Matrix (DSM) ==		== Design Structure Matrix (DSM) ==
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	*'''Challenges the status quo task ordering, while respecting task dependencies'''		*'''Challenges the status quo task ordering, while respecting task dependencies'''
	*'''Facilitates understanding of the current processes'''		*'''Facilitates understanding of the current processes'''


	= Application in Industry=		= Application in Industry=
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	*Specifying a base module and its variants and conducting cost/benefit analysis;		*Specifying a base module and its variants and conducting cost/benefit analysis;
	*Developing module fact sheet and fact book and building module hierarchy.		*Developing module fact sheet and fact book and building module hierarchy.


	== Modular Construction ==		== Modular Construction ==
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	Modularization is currently shaping the mobile industry by offering to the users the chance to create their own phone with easy and flexible modifications of the core components (processor, camera, etc.). However, modular smartphone as a product still remains a challenge to be solved. As all projects are complex, developing such a device is a wicked task as many factors should be taken into account in order to be both commercially and technically successful.		Modularization is currently shaping the mobile industry by offering to the users the chance to create their own phone with easy and flexible modifications of the core components (processor, camera, etc.). However, modular smartphone as a product still remains a challenge to be solved. As all projects are complex, developing such a device is a wicked task as many factors should be taken into account in order to be both commercially and technically successful.


	= Benefits offered by Modularisation =		= Benefits offered by Modularisation =
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	* '''The ease of product upgrade, maintenance, repair and disposal'''		* '''The ease of product upgrade, maintenance, repair and disposal'''
	Since a product is decomposed into modules, only certain modules need to be replaced when repair is done. For the same reason, upgrades, maintenance, and disposal are also made simpler.		Since a product is decomposed into modules, only certain modules need to be replaced when repair is done. For the same reason, upgrades, maintenance, and disposal are also made simpler.


	= 6 RE Philosophy =		= 6 RE Philosophy =
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	It is important to note that modularization can be a way for organizations to deliver more responsibility towards the realization of environmental advancements. Organizations that implement modularization within their operations, not only can manage more effectively the assessment of the environmental impacts of their products but can potentially achieve more economic benefits, both in the product and also in the organization.		It is important to note that modularization can be a way for organizations to deliver more responsibility towards the realization of environmental advancements. Organizations that implement modularization within their operations, not only can manage more effectively the assessment of the environmental impacts of their products but can potentially achieve more economic benefits, both in the product and also in the organization.


	= Limitations and Further Development =		= Limitations and Further Development =
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	It has been shown in this article that modularization is not only applied in one industry, however there can be taken many different approaches with regards to its application. It is rather a concept than a process, however it is recommended as a tool for solving complex problems and managing specific indrustry situations. Further improvements require all industry players to collaborate towards an integrated use of modularization. Operational implementation and coordination of processes should also be considered.		It has been shown in this article that modularization is not only applied in one industry, however there can be taken many different approaches with regards to its application. It is rather a concept than a process, however it is recommended as a tool for solving complex problems and managing specific indrustry situations. Further improvements require all industry players to collaborate towards an integrated use of modularization. Operational implementation and coordination of processes should also be considered.



	= Annotated Bibliography =		= Annotated Bibliography =

Konspits: /* Limitations and Further Development */

2015-09-29T02:30:30Z

Limitations and Further Development

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	Furthermore, comprehension is one of the most important limiting factors for the efficient integration of modularization. Not all organizational structures can adopt product modularization. As for a company’s product portfolio to benefit from a modular strategy, the concept of modularization described in this article needs to be implemented from the beginning to all components, analyze the product architecture, define the design principles for the organization, make use the modular-based processes/techniques throughout the entire organization.		Furthermore, comprehension is one of the most important limiting factors for the efficient integration of modularization. Not all organizational structures can adopt product modularization. As for a company’s product portfolio to benefit from a modular strategy, the concept of modularization described in this article needs to be implemented from the beginning to all components, analyze the product architecture, define the design principles for the organization, make use the modular-based processes/techniques throughout the entire organization.

	[[File:Complexity Limitations.JPG\|200px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 11: Un-puzzling modularization has never been easier.]]		[[File:Complexity Limitations.JPG\|200px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 12: Un-puzzling modularization has never been easier.]]

Konspits: /* 6 RE Philosophy */

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6 RE Philosophy

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	'''“Sustainability has become a component of business success and project management is one of the ways to get there”''' (Joel Makower, the Oakland, California, USA-based author of Strategies for the Green Economy) <ref name="PMI"> Project Management Institute, “The Bottom Line on Sustainability”, Retrieved September 28, 2015, https://www.pmi.org/Business-Solutions/~/media/PDF/Business-Solutions/The%20Bottom%20Line%20on%20Sustainability_FINAL.ashx</ref>.		'''“Sustainability has become a component of business success and project management is one of the ways to get there”''' (Joel Makower, the Oakland, California, USA-based author of Strategies for the Green Economy) <ref name="PMI"> Project Management Institute, “The Bottom Line on Sustainability”, Retrieved September 28, 2015, https://www.pmi.org/Business-Solutions/~/media/PDF/Business-Solutions/The%20Bottom%20Line%20on%20Sustainability_FINAL.ashx</ref>.

	[[File:Triple bottom line.jpg\|thumb\|right\|200px\|Figure 10: Triple Bottom Line (Social, Environmental and Economical Aspect]]		[[File:Triple bottom line.jpg\|thumb\|right\|200px\|Figure 11: Triple Bottom Line (Social, Environmental and Economical Aspect]]

Konspits: /* Modular smartphones */

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Modular smartphones

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	== Modular smartphones ==		== Modular smartphones ==
	[[File:E waste.jpg\|250px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 7: Huge pile of computer keybords waiting to be scrapped.<ref name="Greenpeace International"></ref>]]		[[File:E waste.jpg\|250px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 8: Huge pile of computer keybords waiting to be scrapped.<ref name="Greenpeace International"></ref>]]
	The concept is rather simple and is based on building your own perfect smartphone. “How modularization can be applied in the mobile industry?” It represents a rethinking of the mobile phone, a reshape of the mobile landscape. That is translated into a consumer product being a modular phone made from detachable blocks, which are all connected to the base of the phone.		The concept is rather simple and is based on building your own perfect smartphone. “How modularization can be applied in the mobile industry?” It represents a rethinking of the mobile phone, a reshape of the mobile landscape. That is translated into a consumer product being a modular phone made from detachable blocks, which are all connected to the base of the phone.

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	[[File:Endoskeleton.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|left\|Figure 8: This is the endoskeleton - the impartial bus that holds the pieces together.<ref name="Wired">Wired.com, “Three Big Ideas in Google’s Modular Phone That No One’s Talking About”, Retrieved September 28, 2015 http://www.wired.com/2014/04/google-ara-new-deal/</ref>]]		[[File:Endoskeleton.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|left\|Figure 9: This is the endoskeleton - the impartial bus that holds the pieces together.<ref name="Wired">Wired.com, “Three Big Ideas in Google’s Modular Phone That No One’s Talking About”, Retrieved September 28, 2015 http://www.wired.com/2014/04/google-ara-new-deal/</ref>]]

	The design concept was originally conceptualized from Phonebloks as a means of reducing e-waste. Phonebloks main vision is to make a '''“phone worth keeping”'''. Google also wants to be part of software transformation by undertaking the Project Ara with the desired goal of reducing hardware prices and allowing any manufacturer/developer to contribute hardware modules and add-ons that could be sold via an online marketplace/platform <ref name="Google"> Pocket-lint, “Google's Project Ara modular smartphone: Everything you need to know” Retrieved September 28, 2015. http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/127564-google-s-project-ara-modular-smartphone-everything-you-need-to-know </ref>.		The design concept was originally conceptualized from Phonebloks as a means of reducing e-waste. Phonebloks main vision is to make a '''“phone worth keeping”'''. Google also wants to be part of software transformation by undertaking the Project Ara with the desired goal of reducing hardware prices and allowing any manufacturer/developer to contribute hardware modules and add-ons that could be sold via an online marketplace/platform <ref name="Google"> Pocket-lint, “Google's Project Ara modular smartphone: Everything you need to know” Retrieved September 28, 2015. http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/127564-google-s-project-ara-modular-smartphone-everything-you-need-to-know </ref>.
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	[[File:Prototypes.jpg\|250px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 9: Sketch considering an asymmetrical arrangement of modules.<ref name="Wired">Wired.com Three Big Ideas in Google’s Modular Phone That No One’s Talking About Retrieved September 28, 2015 http://www.wired.com/2014/04/google-ara-new-deal/</ref>]]		[[File:Prototypes.jpg\|250px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 10: Sketch considering an asymmetrical arrangement of modules.<ref name="Wired">Wired.com Three Big Ideas in Google’s Modular Phone That No One’s Talking About Retrieved September 28, 2015 http://www.wired.com/2014/04/google-ara-new-deal/</ref>]]

Konspits: /* Modular Construction */

2015-09-29T02:29:14Z

Modular Construction

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	== Modular Construction ==		== Modular Construction ==
	[[File:Prefab.jpg\|250px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 6: 85% of industry players today are using prefabrication and modularization on some projects<ref name="Smart"></ref>]]		[[File:Prefab.jpg\|250px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 7: 85% of industry players today are using prefabrication and modularization on some projects<ref name="Smart"></ref>]]

	Besides the automotive industry, the concept of modularization becomes relevant for other industries. Construction projects consist of a large number of activities that need to be set from the preliminary planning phases. They also have to be well-communicated through the several stakeholders as well as delivered in a cost-effective way. There are many factors that affect the outcome of a construction project and it is out of the scope of this report to outline each one of them. Therefore, this section focuses on how modularization is applicable to construction industry from a scheduling point of view.		Besides the automotive industry, the concept of modularization becomes relevant for other industries. Construction projects consist of a large number of activities that need to be set from the preliminary planning phases. They also have to be well-communicated through the several stakeholders as well as delivered in a cost-effective way. There are many factors that affect the outcome of a construction project and it is out of the scope of this report to outline each one of them. Therefore, this section focuses on how modularization is applicable to construction industry from a scheduling point of view.

Konspits: /* Automotive Industry */

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Automotive Industry

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	[[File:Καταγραφή.JPG\|450px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 6: Development of a modularization strategy in automotive industry <ref name="Auto">Ralf Kalmbach, Mahesh Lunani, "Implementing a Modularization Strategy", Roland Berger Strategy Consultants, Retrieved 28 September, 2015, http://66.192.79.249/columns/0405strat.html></ref>]]		[[File:Καταγραφή.JPG\|450px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 6: Development of a modularization strategy in automotive industry <ref name="Auto">Ralf Kalmbach, Mahesh Lunani, "Implementing a Modularization Strategy", Roland Berger Strategy Consultants, Retrieved 28 September, 2015, http://66.192.79.249/columns/0405strat.html></ref>]]


	Optimum efficiencies of scale and manufacturability, along with the widest possible variations to satisfy an ever-increasing variety of vehicle offerings can offer the design and development of modular vehicle stations.<ref name="Auto"></ref> Modular development of vehicle systems allows automakers to rely on the collective expertise of their component suppliers. For example, rather than having a supplier provide just seats, it can be called upon to supply the entire interior, including cockpit modules (incorporating the instrument panel, air bags, gauges, console and pedals), seat systems, door inners and the headliner. The idea is that the scale economies inherent in modular component supply will come from an increase in engineering efficiencies and labor productivity, lower material costs, investment costs, and greater speed to market.		Optimum efficiencies of scale and manufacturability, along with the widest possible variations to satisfy an ever-increasing variety of vehicle offerings can offer the design and development of modular vehicle stations.<ref name="Auto"></ref> Modular development of vehicle systems allows automakers to rely on the collective expertise of their component suppliers. For example, rather than having a supplier provide just seats, it can be called upon to supply the entire interior, including cockpit modules (incorporating the instrument panel, air bags, gauges, console and pedals), seat systems, door inners and the headliner. The idea is that the scale economies inherent in modular component supply will come from an increase in engineering efficiencies and labor productivity, lower material costs, investment costs, and greater speed to market.

Konspits: /* Automotive Industry */

2015-09-29T02:28:32Z

Automotive Industry

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	[[File:Καταγραφή.JPG\|450px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 6: Development of a modularization strategy in automotive industry <ref name="Auto">Ralf Kalmbach, Mahesh Lunani, "Implementing a Modularization Strategy", Roland Berger Strategy Consultants, Retrieved 28 September, 2015, http://66.192.79.249/columns/0405strat.html></ref>]]		[[File:Καταγραφή.JPG\|450px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 6: Development of a modularization strategy in automotive industry <ref name="Auto">Ralf Kalmbach, Mahesh Lunani, "Implementing a Modularization Strategy", Roland Berger Strategy Consultants, Retrieved 28 September, 2015, http://66.192.79.249/columns/0405strat.html></ref>]]


	Optimum efficiencies of scale and manufacturability, along with the widest possible variations to satisfy an ever-increasing variety of vehicle offerings can offer the design and development of modular vehicle stations.<ref name="Auto"></ref> Modular development of vehicle systems allows automakers to rely on the collective expertise of their component suppliers. For example, rather than having a supplier provide just seats, it can be called upon to supply the entire interior, including cockpit modules (incorporating the instrument panel, air bags, gauges, console and pedals), seat systems, door inners and the headliner. The idea is that the scale economies inherent in modular component supply will come from an increase in engineering efficiencies and labor productivity, lower material costs, investment costs, and greater speed to market.		Optimum efficiencies of scale and manufacturability, along with the widest possible variations to satisfy an ever-increasing variety of vehicle offerings can offer the design and development of modular vehicle stations.<ref name="Auto"></ref> Modular development of vehicle systems allows automakers to rely on the collective expertise of their component suppliers. For example, rather than having a supplier provide just seats, it can be called upon to supply the entire interior, including cockpit modules (incorporating the instrument panel, air bags, gauges, console and pedals), seat systems, door inners and the headliner. The idea is that the scale economies inherent in modular component supply will come from an increase in engineering efficiencies and labor productivity, lower material costs, investment costs, and greater speed to market.





	When considering a new module strategy, it is essential to consider the following aspects<ref name="Auto"></ref>:		When considering a new module strategy, it is essential to consider the following aspects<ref name="Auto"></ref>:


	*Defining requirements of current and future vehicles projects;		*Defining requirements of current and future vehicles projects;

Konspits: /* Automotive Industry */

2015-09-29T02:28:20Z

Automotive Industry

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	In the automotive industry, the focus is on combining the common components, procedures and designs with the widest possible range of products. Modularization is playing a vital role in achieving this task in order to deal with the growing complexities associated with product portfolios, cost, time and quality. Maximising the use of commonnalities is one way of increasing manufacturing efficiencies.		In the automotive industry, the focus is on combining the common components, procedures and designs with the widest possible range of products. Modularization is playing a vital role in achieving this task in order to deal with the growing complexities associated with product portfolios, cost, time and quality. Maximising the use of commonnalities is one way of increasing manufacturing efficiencies.

			[[File:Καταγραφή.JPG\|450px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 6: Development of a modularization strategy in automotive industry <ref name="Auto">Ralf Kalmbach, Mahesh Lunani, "Implementing a Modularization Strategy", Roland Berger Strategy Consultants, Retrieved 28 September, 2015, http://66.192.79.249/columns/0405strat.html></ref>]]


			Optimum efficiencies of scale and manufacturability, along with the widest possible variations to satisfy an ever-increasing variety of vehicle offerings can offer the design and development of modular vehicle stations.<ref name="Auto"></ref> Modular development of vehicle systems allows automakers to rely on the collective expertise of their component suppliers. For example, rather than having a supplier provide just seats, it can be called upon to supply the entire interior, including cockpit modules (incorporating the instrument panel, air bags, gauges, console and pedals), seat systems, door inners and the headliner. The idea is that the scale economies inherent in modular component supply will come from an increase in engineering efficiencies and labor productivity, lower material costs, investment costs, and greater speed to market.

	Optimum efficiencies of scale and manufacturability, along with the widest possible variations to satisfy an ever-increasing variety of vehicle offerings can offer the design and development of modular vehicle stations.<ref name="Auto"</ref> Modular development of vehicle systems allows automakers to rely on the collective expertise of their component suppliers. For example, rather than having a supplier provide just seats, it can be called upon to supply the entire interior, including cockpit modules (incorporating the instrument panel, air bags, gauges, console and pedals), seat systems, door inners and the headliner. The idea is that the scale economies inherent in modular component supply will come from an increase in engineering efficiencies and labor productivity, lower material costs, investment costs, and greater speed to market.




			When considering a new module strategy, it is essential to consider the following aspects<ref name="Auto"></ref>:
	When considering a new module strategy, it is essential to consider the following aspects<ref name="Auto"</ref>: