Characterisation of the engineering change management process and relationship with artefact knowledge within the product lifecycle

The management of engineering change occurs throughout product development projects. Currently, this process is well documented during the detailed design and production stages; however, little is known in terms of how the engineering change management process varies at different stages of the product lifecycle. In addition, it is not known how artefact knowledge is used and created during the enactment of the activities within the engineering change management process. Addressing this knowledge gap, this thesis presents the findings from a case study of three engineering projects and a survey of seventy nine engineering practitioners from the wider engineering community. To this end, the research reported in this thesis contributes to knowledge by offering evidence that the engineering change management process is fundamentally similar within the product lifecycle; however, eight characteristics have been found to vary. In addition, this thesis also contributes to knowledge by demonstrating the key relationship between artefact knowledge and the engineering change management process. Based on these findings, six recommendations for future engineering change management practice are offered.The management of engineering change occurs throughout product development projects. Currently, this process is well documented during the detailed design and production stages; however, little is known in terms of how the engineering change management process varies at different stages of the product lifecycle. In addition, it is not known how artefact knowledge is used and created during the enactment of the activities within the engineering change management process. Addressing this knowledge gap, this thesis presents the findings from a case study of three engineering projects and a survey of seventy nine engineering practitioners from the wider engineering community. To this end, the research reported in this thesis contributes to knowledge by offering evidence that the engineering change management process is fundamentally similar within the product lifecycle; however, eight characteristics have been found to vary. In addition, this thesis also contributes to knowledge by demonstrating the key relationship between artefact knowledge and the engineering change management process. Based on these findings, six recommendations for future engineering change management practice are offered