Supplementing Morphological Analysis with a Design Structure Matris for Policy Formulation in a Wastewater Treatment Plant

DSM 2015: Modeling and managing complex systems - Proceedings of the 17th International DSM Conference Fort Worth (Texas, USA), 4-6 November 2015

Year: 2015
Editor: Browning, T. R.; Eppinger, S. D.; Schmidt, D. M.; Lindemann, U.
Author: Buzuku, S.; Kraslawski, A.; Harmaa, K.
Series: DSM
Section: Methods and Complexity Management
Page(s): 09-18

Abstract

Morphological analysis (MA) and Design Structure Matrix (DSM) approaches are methods that have shown their potential for modeling complex systems, including environmental management. We argue that two methods can be integrated to tackle complex problems as two phases for modeling and design of policy. The goal is to exploit the benefits of both methods and combine the two approaches into an integrative framework. The strengths of MA lie in formulating, structuring, linking and evaluating possible combinations of the variables given in the problem. DSM models the interconnections and interdependencies of these variables in a quantitative manner. First, we summarize the limitations of MA while showing avenues for its integration into DSM. We then introduce an integrated MA and DSM framework that allows designers to confront the complexity of systems modeling for public policy related to a wastewater treatment plant. A case study illustrates the integration these methods in this domain.

Keywords: Morphological Analysis, Design Structure Matrix, public policy, problem solving, complex systems