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Functional decomposition is a method used to understand business processes by creating hierarchical charts. It is used in project planning, analysis, and design, and can be applied to artificial intelligence and database normalization. The structure of machine learning is often developed with functional decomposition, and highly cohesive functions are tied to a single goal. However, overlapping processes and functions can impede understanding if done incorrectly. Functional decomposition is also used in systems engineering block diagrams, computer programming, and statistics.
Often used to help understand the various parts of business processes, functional decomposition is commonly a part of project planning, analysis, and design. Business operations can be understood more clearly when a hierarchical chart called a functional decomposition diagram lists the various functions of a business from top to bottom. The number of levels into which business functions can be divided generally depends on the complexity and size of the operation. Such analysis can be performed for knowledge representation, often used in artificial intelligence applications, as well as during database normalization to organize information.
The information structure in machine learning is often developed with functional decomposition. Bayesian networks, which typically graph probabilities based on random variables, can decompose information into connected details based on cause. The most important details of a system are usually listed first, while related subsets are each listed in each successive level. If one function is dependent on another, then both are said to be coupled. A loose fit usually means that one feature can be changed without having much effect on the next one.
When the alterations of one function directly change the others, we speak of cohesion. Highly cohesive functions are usually tied to a single goal; so the process can be more comfortable to understand. When functional decomposition is done well, there is usually a useful understanding of how processes in a system are related. Individual units of the diagram can also identify the unique details and requirements for each function, while errors can be found in a particular area so they are not reflected throughout the system.
Understanding how an organization works is sometimes impeded when functional decomposition is done incorrectly or inefficiently. In this case, in particular, overlapping processes and functions are sometimes problematic, which can make the purpose of some business units unclear; even the connections between one process and another can be complicated. Functional decomposition is usually best implemented when organized meetings are held with the appropriate business associates.
Systems engineering block diagrams are often created using functional decomposition. Functions and components of electronic equipment, for example, can be interchanged within graphic blocks to create an analysis when changing the system. Computer programming is another application of functional decomposition, which is often used to decompose processes into manageable components. Similar methods are sometimes used in statistics, especially when some variables in a mathematical model interfere with others.
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