October 29, 2010 Vol. 3, Issue 10
The Academy’s integrated competency model addresses learning needs that are critical to effective project management and systems engineering.
Bobby Braun and Steve Altemus share their stories of experience at the Academy’s fourth Masters with Masters event. Photo Credit: NASA APPEL
Within the last year, the Academy reviewed and consolidated its existing competency models for project management and systems engineering into an integrated competency model consisting of five project management competency areas, three systems engineering competency areas, and five competency areas common to both disciplines.
The Academy developed its competency models through a multi-step collaborative process. It first derived its requirements based on extensive interviews with highly successful NASA project managers and systems engineers. It then incorporated input gathered through the DACUM (Developing a Curriculum) methodology and practitioner focus groups. After devising a draft competency model, the Academy validated it with internal and external organizations that reviewed it for both thoroughness and accuracy. Validation also included aligning it with NASA policies and procedures as well as existing competency models within NASA and at leading external organizations. Once validation was complete, the Academy created performance-level descriptions to guide the overall development of individuals through each phase of their careers.
