Procedure rework: a dynamic process with implications for the ‘rework cycle’ and ‘disaster dynamics’

Archetypal dynamic structures link the behaviors of the diverse systems of interest to system dynamics modelers. In this article, dynamic behaviors of Procedure Rework processes–used in system operations to update procedures as they are invalidated by changes in the system state and its environment–are linked to two archetypal structures: the ‘rework cycle’ and ‘disaster dynamics’. A case study focused on procedure rework in Space Shuttle Mission Control and involving the development of simulation models of procedure rework calibrated with data from five Space Shuttle missions is presented. A detrimental effect in the process–the rework propagation end-of-mission effect–is identified and linked to three general aspects of rework (rework time horizons, propagation of rework beyond the time horizons, and events forcing timely completion of all remaining rework) that may be improved upon in this and other rework processes. Furthermore, the effect's causes are characterized as examples of endogenous causal mechanisms for disaster dynamics.