Architecture & Systems Engineering

Week 4: Modeling with DSMs and Modularization

Project Portfolio
Name
Moustafa Elnozahy

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Architecture of Complex Systems

Instructions
Before you begin, you should save your Project Note: edX has a 10MB file size limit for
Portfolio on your local drive. We recommend the document submission. If you have selected
following format: large image(s), you may need to resize before
submitting, OR you may simply include a web
Lastname_Firstname_Course1_Week4 URL for the image in the image location. Be
sure to submit your assignment at least one
Please note: You will not be able to re-download your hour before the deadline to provide time for
file after submission; therefore, please keep this file in a troubleshooting.
central location for future reference.
Once the deadline passes, you will not be
While you may be working with a team, every member able to upload the document and therefore
of the team must submit a project file on the “Project will not be able to submit and complete the
Submission” page of this week. A scoring rubric can be assignment.
downloaded from the “Project Instructions” page for this
week.
Peer assessment is limited to 300
Like last week, in Week 4 you will be self-assessing characters.
your work as well as the work of three peers in the
class. If you have any questions, feel free to start a
thread in the Discussion Forum.

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Architecture of Complex Systems

Week 4 Project

Overview
In the fourth project activity of this course, you will
continue to build on the system your team selected REQUIRED STEPS:
during Week 3. We will further study the system by
Step 1: Decompose the system.
decomposing it and reviewing its change
propagation properties. The steps on the right will Step 2: Analyze the system DSM.
guide you through this process. Step 3: Identify the change propagation.

Note that some Scratch Pages are included at the Step 4: Review and submit your project.
end of this document for you to capture any ideas,
sketches, etc. you have as you work through the
project. These will not be assessed and you are
not required to submit them with your project (but
you may do so if you think they offer any additional
insight into your thinking process!).

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Architecture of Complex Systems

STEP 1: DECOMPOSE THE SYSTEM

For your system chosen in Week 3, develop a system decomposition. The system decomposition should be (1) of form (objects), (2)
three levels of hierarchy, including level zero, with 7±2 components per level and (3) shown as a tree structure or an indented list.
Please remember the file size limit and resize or paste the image URL instead, as needed.

Name of System: Car

System Decomposition: Car

Climate
Powertrain Chassis Body Electrical
Control

Engine Structure Doors Alternator Compressor

Lighting and
Transmission Suspension Bumpers Condenser
signaling

Fuel Supply Steering Glass Ignition Evaporator

Insert image of tree structure or list here.
Hinges &
Cooling Brakes Battery Filters
Springs

Exhaust Wheels Paint Sensors Hoses

Control
Lubrication
System

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Architecture of Complex Systems

STEP 2A: SYSTEM DSM

Based on your Level Two system decomposition from Step 1, develop a N x N Design Structure Matrix. Clearly label each row and
column. Attempt to arrange objects in the order of decomposition. This will allow you to match Level One modules in the DSM.
Please remember the file size limit and resize or paste the image URL instead, as needed.

System DSM

Insert DSM image here.

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Architecture of Complex Systems

STEP 2B: SYSTEM DSM

Given the DSM developed in the previous step, attempt to cluster or partition one level up in order to expose modules of the system.
Are the modules identical or different than your form decomposition from Step 1? What insights can you gain as an architect from a
DSM? Please use the DSM Excel file provided in this module.
Please remember the file size limit and resize or paste the image URL instead, as needed.
System clustering:

• Four clusters emerge

after partitioning the
DSM, instead of the five
from the decomposition
level 1.
• The largest cluster
include structure and
many components
coupled each other.
Insert image of modularized DSM here.
• There is a fully coupled
cluster – compressor,
evaporator, filters and
hoses and condenser

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Architecture of Complex Systems

STEP 3: CHANGE PROPAGATION

Given the DSM developed in Step 2A, identify a sorted list of Level Two objects (top five) which would create a large change
propagation impact. In essence, what are the top components which would represent the largest change propagation chains in the
system? List the components and identify up to three of the longest chains of propagation among the components. When thinking
about change propagation, it is useful to remember that changes often exceed two generations, but rarely exceed five. Parts of a
system being interconnected does not necessarily lead to endless change propagation, and in real world projects propagation
depends on a lot of contextual factors.
Change propagating components:
Component description Number of Interfaces of the Change chain propagation
component [c1-c2-cX], [c1-c4-cX]
Engine 10 Changing the engine results in changes to
transmission, fuel supply, structure.
Subsequently, changes to fuel supply leads to
changes in Ignition and exhaust
Structure (Chassis) 10 Changing chassis structure results in changes
to suspension, steering, engine size. Changes
in suspension could affect wheels

Compressor 8 Changing compressor leads to the change

on alternator, condenser, evaporator.
which further leads to the change to hoses.
The change may not propagate further.
Control System 10 Control system is highly interconnected and
has high number of interfaces, in real world
changing control system would probably not
result in changing other components, but vice
versa. The change may not propagate
Sensors 15 Although sensors are highly interconnected
and have the highest number of interfaces, in
real life changing sensors would not result in
Copyright © 2022. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. All rights reserved. the largest change propagation. The change 7
may not propagate
Architecture of Complex Systems

STEP 4: REVIEW & SUBMIT PROJECT

• Submit your completed Week 4 Project Portfolio file.
• Complete Self-Assessment of Project
• Complete Peer Assessments of Project (Peer assessment is limited to 300
characters)

Note: The maximum file size that can be submitted is 10MB.

• A sample project submission and scoring rubric can be downloaded from
the course in the Resources/Downloads tab on the top navigation.
• Please remember that there are three parts to this assignment: Submission,
self-assessment, and peer assessment. Please provide enough time by
each deadline to complete your assignment on time, as it is not possible to
submit once the submission window closes.

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