Coordinating dependencies in complex system development projects

This paper elaborates on different aspects of dependencies in complex system development projects. The empirical setting of the paper is based on studies of Ericsson and ABB and their tools to manage and coordinate these dependencies. The studied projects have shown that it is crucial to create different pictures or abstractions of the reality in order to make the dependencies apparent to all the involved organizations and individuals. Both of these companies have successfully used something they call dependency diagram. The use of such diagrams makes it easier for the project members to be aware of their contribution in the total system solution. Being aware of which parts of the system you are depending on and which parts are depending on your contribution makes the knowledge transfer easier. The ability to transfer knowledge between the different parts is what in the end will be the crucial step to becoming a successful system developer.