System construction cost of hierarchical-modular structures

Abstract

Modularity and hierarchy are sometimes used interchangeably. In this paper we provide a novel definition of modularity and hierarchy, as well as hierarchical-modularity. The effects of hierarchical-modularity on system characteristics including constructability is understudied. This paper presents a simple model for system constructability based on the construction cost estimated via a Baysian estimation method. We derive the construction cost of a hypothetical systems of nodes and links, under different scenarios. These scenarios include various linking success probabilities and various hierarchical configurations, including the number of hierarchical levels and number of modules within each hierarchy.