Unmanned Space Project Management

An analysis of the management of two major NASA projects, Surveyor and Lunar Orbiter is presented. The analysis reflects the comments and criticisms of many NASA officials who were responsible for various phases of the projects as well as comments by knowledgeable persons outside NASA. Findings are submitted with respect to; (1) environment, (2) role of individuals, (3) teamwork, (4) roles and missions, (5) organization, and (6) cost performance.

This short (46 pages) and non-technical book details the management of unmanned spacecraft, specifically Lunar Orbiter and Surveyor. A valuable byproduct of the U.S. space program is, as the author puts it, "the body of knowledge concerning management of large complex development activities". This report examines the complex management of two of NASA's most important Apollo "pathfinders".

An analytical description of the NASA project management system is presented with emphasis on the human element. The NASA concept of project management, program managers, and the problems and strengths of the NASA system are discussed.

This book is in full-color - other editions may be in grayscale (non-color). The hardback version is ISBN 9781680920512 and the paperback version is ISBN 9781680920505. The NASA Space Flight Program and Project Management Handbook (NASA/SP-2014-3705) is the companion document to NPR 7120.5E and represents the accumulation of knowledge NASA gleaned on managing program and projects coming out of NASA's human, robotic, and scientific missions of the last decade. At the end of the historic Shuttle program, the United States entered a new era that includes commercial missions to low-earth orbit as well as new multi-national exploration missions deeper into space. This handbook is a codification of the "corporate knowledge" for existing and future NASA space flight programs and projects. These practices have evolved as a function of NASA's core values on safety, integrity, team work, and excellence, and may also prove a resource for other agencies, the private sector, and academia. The knowledge gained from the victories and defeats of that era, including the checks and balances and initiatives to better control cost and risk, provides a foundation to launch us into an exciting and healthy space program of the future.

An analytical description of the NASA project management system is presented with emphasis on the human element. The NASA concept of project management, program managers, and the problems and strengths of the NASA system are discussed.

Project Management for Engineering, Business and Technology, 5th edition, addresses project management across all industries. First covering the essential background, from origins and philosophy to methodology, the bulk of the book is dedicated to concepts and techniques for practical application. Coverage includes project initiation and proposals, scope and task definition, scheduling, budgeting, risk analysis, control, project selection and portfolio management, program management, project organization, and all-important "people" aspects—project leadership, team building, conflict resolution and stress management. The Systems Development Cycle is used as a framework to discuss project management in a variety of situations, making this the go-to book for managing virtually any kind of project, program or task force. The authors focus on the ultimate purpose of project management—to unify and integrate the interests, resources and work efforts of many stakeholders, as well as the planning, scheduling, and budgeting needed to accomplish overall project goals. This new edition features: Updates throughout to cover the latest developments in project management methodologies New examples and 18 new case studies throughout to help students develop their understanding and put principles into practice A new chapter on agile project management and lean Expanded coverage of program management, stakeholder engagement, buffer management, and managing virtual teams and cultural differences in international projects Alignment with PMBOK terms and definitions for ease of use alongside PMI certifications Cross-reference to IPMA, APM, and PRINCE2 methodologies Extensive instructor support materials, including an Instructor’s Manual, PowerPoint slides, answers to chapter review questions, problems and cases, and a test bank of questions. Taking a technical yet accessible approach, Project Management for Business, Engineering and Technology, 5th edition, is an ideal resource and reference for all advanced undergraduate and graduate students in project management courses as well as for practicing project managers across all industry sectors.