Using Design Structure Matrices to Improve Decentralized Urban Transportation Systems

Management of large, complex, urban transportation systems involves numerous stakeholders due to the decentralized ownership and operation of distinct pieces of the physical network. In order to deliver better service to users, many urban regions are adopting technological and operational solutions, both of which necessitate interaction among the decentralized actors. This research applies a systems engineering analysis technique-the design structure matrix (DSM)-in order to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of decentralized organizations involved in urban transportation as they deploy technology and attempt to integrate their operations. DSMs alone provide advantageous, straightforward system representation platforms. Furthermore, clustering algorithms can be applied to DSMs in order to identify potential opportunities to improve the institutional structure of the decentralized system of organizations. We propose DSM representation and clustering as valuable methods for urban regions to identify organizational structures that facilitate both technology deployment through efficient utilization of resources and more effective operations through re-characterizaton of organizational linkages. Thesis Supervisor: Joseph M. Sussman Title: JR East Professor, Civil & Environmental Engineering and Engineering Systems