The Design Structure Matrix
(DSM) is
also known as:
The Dependency Structure
Matrix
The Problem Solving
Matrix (PSM)
Design Precedence
Matrix
The Design Structure
Matrix(DSM) is a System Analysis and a Project
Management tool.
DSM is a System
Analysis tool: provides a compact and clear representation of
a complex system and a capture method for the
interactions/interdependencies/interfaces between system elements
(i.e. sub-systems and modules).
DSM is a Project
Management tool: provides a project representation that allows
for feedback and
cyclic task dependencies. This is extremely important since most
engineering applications exhibit such a cyclic property. This DSM
project representation results in an improved and more realistic
execution schedule for the corresponding design activities.
