"Implementing Earned Value Management in a R&D Environment"

by Julie Owen

Abstract:

jPL was founded in the 1930’s as a US federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) developing rocket propulsion technologies for the US Army. During NASA’s early years in the 1950’s, JPL transitioned into a civilian space agency providing key technologies for space exploration.

In 1999, a comprehensive business management division was established.   The business management division was chartered to improve NASA’s view of JPL’s business management. Lab management realized they needed to refresh their existing busi-ness employees with new ideas to change the existing corporate paradigm. JPL sought to introduce talented business personnel through aggressive recruiting. Over the next three years, the size of the business management division tripled. The business division was chartered with responsibilities to improve estimating, pricing, scheduling, risk management and cost control.

Here are a few of the key business management initiatives that were added over the next few years...