Christopher Durugbo

Modelling collaboration using complex networks

Collaboration means working together to achieve a common goal or to solve a problem, and in modern businesses, it is an important factor for information sharing and quality. This is due to the ability of collaborations to shape the structure and behaviour of organisations through the pooling of expertise and standardising of work patterns. Grounded on complex network theory and collaborative design research, a mathematical model of information flow for analysing collaboration in organisations is proposed in this article. The model defines concepts for characterising organisational structures for collaboration and proposes indicators for assessing organisational behaviour in terms of collaboration within organisations. The article concludes by discussing the applications and limitations of the proposed model.

Data uncertainty assessment and information flow analysis for product-service systems in a library case study

The provision of service is increasingly becoming a key driver for delivering customer value. This emphasis on service provision is promoted by approaches such as Product-Service Systems (PSSs) that deliver value in use based on integrated products and services. However, to achieve effective delivery of services, it is important to manage information flow and data uncertainty associated with information requirement. The paper proposes a methodology that consists of: (a) the assessment of data uncertainty through the numeral, unit, spread, assessment and pedigree approach and a pedigree matrix consisting of data uncertainties to be scored based on their influence on the system; and (b) the analysis of information flow by means of data flow diagrams that depict information exchanges and an info-dynamic engine that measures the efficiency and recommends improvements for information flows in PSSs. A library case study was undertaken to show how such a methodology can be applied.

Information channel diagrams: an approach for modelling information flows

In this article, the ‘information channel diagram’ (ICD) approach is introduced as a diagrammatical tool for modelling information flow during the delivery phase of organisations in which goods are deployed or delivered to customers. An initial review and evaluation of current tools for modelling information flow will be conducted based on the characteristics of information flow during the delivery phases in organisations. Diagrammatic primitives and a prescribed modelling methodology for developing an ICD will be presented, and a case scenario of the delivery phase of an organisation within the health care sector will be applied to demonstrate the use of the ICD. The article concludes by discussing some applications, generalisation potential and limitations of the ICD approach.

Survey of Media Forms and Information Flow Models in Microsystems Companies

The paper presents the findings of a survey of 40 microsystems companies that was carried out to determine the use and the purpose of use of media forms and information flow models within these companies. These companies as ’product-service systems’ delivered integrated products and services to realise customer solutions. Data collection was carried out by means of an online survey over 3 months. The survey revealed that 42.5% of respondents made use of data flow diagrams and 10% made use of design structure matrices. The survey also suggests that a majority of companies (75%) made use of textual and diagrammatic media forms for communication, analysis, documentation and representation during design and development processes. The paper also discusses the implications of the survey findings to product-service systems.

Modelling Information Flow for Collaboration

This paper describes a case study involving the use of a proposed model of information flow, based on complex network theory, to study delivery information flow within a microsystem technology (MST) company. The structure of the company is captured through decision making, teamwork, and coordination networks. These networks were then aggregated and analysed from a sociological and an organisational perspective through measures that reflect connections, interconnectedness, and activity of individuals.

Collaborative design for microsystems: a review

Microsystems design process, when considered, as a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary endeavour could benefit from applying collaborative design. This is because collaboration is required for interactions in a design process when it involves two or more designers. It is also a feature of a design process when a group achieves something that could not be achieved by an individual. This review article seeks to examine approaches for the collaborative design of microsystems. The current state of research in microsystems collaborative design will then be analysed and used to identify and discuss possible future research needs.