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Goal-Oriented Data Collection Framework in Configuration Projects

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Managing Complexity

Part of the book series: Springer Proceedings in Business and Economics ((SPBE))

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Abstract

This article proposes a systematic framework for data collection when executing Product Configuration System (PCS) projects. Since the data collection in PCS is one of the most time-consuming tasks, a systematic framework to handle and manage the large amount of complex data in the early stages of the PCS project is needed. The framework was developed based on the current literature in the field and revised during testing at a case company. The framework has proven to provide a structural approach for data collection, which saved the company both time and money in the initial phases of the PCS project. The framework consists of five steps, which are: establishing a goal and the methods for stakeholder analysis, categorize and group the data collection, prioritizing of products and functionalities, collection and validation of the data by domain experts, and finally analysis, documentation, and maintenance in the future.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Configuration Engineer models, implement, maintain PCS, and also support and train users. Configuration Engineers have to create accurate product plans and manage design projects. They also are responsible for leading other staff members and keeping their knowledge of the industry as up-to-date as possible. A configuration engineer uses manual drawing tools or computer-aided design programs to create drafts of how his or her company’s goods should look and operate. These drawings need to meet product specification standards and be detailed, and the products must be designed well enough to meet customer needs. Engineers in this career area also should have skills with computer programming particularly when dealing with software development, in which case their focus is on tracking and controlling changes in software products [45].

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Acknowledgement

This work was conducted within a Company called Haldor Topsoe A/S. The granted project and financial support is gratefully acknowledged.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Engineering Management, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark

    Sara Shafiee, Lars Hvam & Katrin Kristjansdottir

Authors
  1. Sara Shafiee
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  2. Lars Hvam
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  3. Katrin Kristjansdottir
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Sara Shafiee .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Management & Technology, University of Quebec at Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada

    Jocelyn Bellemare

  2. Department of Management & Technology, University of Quebec at Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada

    Serge Carrier

  3. Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark

    Kjeld Nielsen

  4. Technology and Innovation Management, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany

    Frank T. Piller

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Shafiee, S., Hvam, L., Kristjansdottir, K. (2017). Goal-Oriented Data Collection Framework in Configuration Projects. In: Bellemare, J., Carrier, S., Nielsen, K., Piller, F.T. (eds) Managing Complexity. Springer Proceedings in Business and Economics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-29058-4_28

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