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Checkmate to Uncertainty

By Dr. Alexander Laufer Coping with project uncertainty requires, at times, surprising solutions. I recall a story related to me by a project manager that illustrates just such a solution.

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From the APPEL Director: Well on Our Way

By Ed Hoffman A couple of years ago, I was sitting in my office talking with my Deputy Director Tony Maturo. We were in a contemplative mood, discussing NASA’s then-recent run of prominent project failures.

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In This Issue: What Makes a Good Manager?

By Todd Post This issue of ASK we look at several projects that recovered from serious problems after a critical change was made in how they were managed.

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ASK Talks with Tom Gavin

  You’ve been with JPL for 41 years. What were some of the early lessons you learned from the project managers you worked under?

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Managing History: A Practicum

By Stephen J. Garber In the summer of 2002, I was asked to serve as interim chief historian for NASA until a permanent replacement was hired.

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Passing the Baton: Lessons In Regret

By Terry Little I have led six major defense acquisition programs during my civil service career.

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Transition Time: Zero

By W. Scott Cameron I had been in a technical/project management assignment about two years, when one day my boss asked me to come to his office to “discuss an opportunity.”

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APPL’s Project Management Development Process

The Project Management Development Process has been a great boost for my professional development.

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Bringing Up Baby

By Angelo (Gus) Guastaferro In 1977, I had just finished eight years on the Viking program, which was just a marvelously rich, fascinating experience, using the most up-to-date, sophisticated management techniques, under an outstanding leader named Jim Martin.

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