Value network modeling : a quantitative method for comparing benefit across exploration architectures

Abstract

In the design of complex systems serving a broad group of stakeholders, it can be difficult to prioritize objectives for the architecture. I postulate that it is possible to make architectural decisions based on consideration of stakeholder value delivery, in order to help prioritize objectives. I introduce the concept of value network models to map out the indirect benefit delivered to stakeholders. A numerical methodology for prioritizing paths through this network model is presented, with a view to discovering the most important organizational outputs. I show how value network models can be linked to architecture models to provide decision support to the architect. I present a case study to examine the connectivity and sensitivity of a test architecture to value delivery. I conclude that a limited subset of NASA's outputs will discriminate between architectures. In this manner, I show how value considerations can be used to structure the design space before critical technical decisions are made to narrow it. A number of organizational implications for value delivery are generated from this analysis. In particular, I show that benefit flows should be aligned to organizational processes and responsibilities, and that failure to map stakeholder input to architecture evaluation can weaken benefit.