A Methodology for Managing Complexity

In this work complexity is defined as the combination of the number and types of Value Transfer Functions (VTF) between stakeholders of a system. Increasing the number of stakeholders increases the complexity. The two primary objectives of management of the complexity are to (i) reduce the uncertainty of estimating project schedule and budget, and (ii) improve the performance of the team. Managing the complexity is both an art and a science. Whereas the art refers to “best management practices,” the science lacks an inadequate theory and measures. In this exploratory work, a methodology to manage the complexity is developed, which couples massively Parallel Critical Chains (PCP) and Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT). Specifically, each chain in PERT is reduced to its critical path and all chains are then reconstructed into a parallel set of massively interdependent critical paths. Each task is buffered in time from its input and outputs with short subtasks that serve to start coordinate, and handoff the necessary information and resources required for the completion of the task.