1、Lessons Learned Entry: 1195Lesson Info:a71 Lesson Number: 1195a71 Lesson Date: 2002-03-14a71 Submitting Organization: JPLa71 Submitted by: David Lehman/David OberhettingerSubject: Avoid “Single String“ Project Staffing (1998) Abstract: Due to tight funding constraint, both the Mars Polar Lander and
2、Deep Space 1 projects were staffed by lean teams operating with ambitious schedules. For the unsuccessful MPL, many key technical areas were staffed by a single individual with little or no technical backup.Avoid staffing flight projects with individuals having no backups, and provide checks and bal
3、ances for technical decision-making. Where “single-string” individuals cant be avoided, document decisions, inform peers and management, and track as a risk item.Description of Driving Event: Due to tight funding constraints and a streamlined approach to project development by JPL and their industri
4、al partners, both the Mars Polar Lander (MPL) and Deep Space 1 (DS1) projects were staffed by lean management and technical teams operating with ambitious schedules.For the unsuccessful MPL, many key technical areas were staffed by a single individual with little or no technical backup. In addition,
5、 line management review and oversight was minimal compared to prior JPL projects.The DS1 mission was successful well beyond mission objectives. Much of this was due to the extraordinary efforts of the small project team throughout the mission life cycle. However, for many project development and mis
6、sion operations functions, unique and critical knowledge resided solely in a single individual. Two examples that stand out are: during development, the death of a key project staff member (who had no backup) caused delays in the delivery of crucial hardware, and 2) during operations, the team was s
7、o small that some members covered multiple ops functions. Any vacation, sick leave, or other absence constituted a serious threat to mission success, particularly in Provided by IHSNot for ResaleNo reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS-,-,-the event of a critical developmenta
8、l or operations activity or problem.References:1. Report on the Mars Polar Lander and Deep Space 2 Missions, JPL Special Review Board (Casani Report), JPL Document D-18709, 22 March 2000, Section 3.1.1.1.2. “Deep Space 1 Lessons Learned,“ JPL internal presentation, David H. Lehman, December 1, 2000.
9、3. JPL Corrective Action Notice No. Z69155, Mars Program Investigation Results: “Program/Project Implementation“, 1 May 2000, Recommendation No. 2.Additional Key Words: management and planning, project management, programmatic constraints, risk assessment, technical oversight, workloadLesson(s) Lear
10、ned: “Single string“ flight project staffing may lead to mission critical oversights, errors, and personnel issues.Recommendation(s): 1. Avoid staffing flight projects with individuals having no backups. During up front planning, build in human redundancy, and provide checks and balances for technic
11、al decision-making.2. Where it is not feasible to provide for backup personnel on key assignments, ensure that “single-string“ individuals: 1) document and assure accessibility of the rationale for important decisions, and 2) inform peers and line management of these decisions. 3. Report any “single
12、-string“ staffing approach as a risk item at major project reviews. Identify potential backups anywhere in the organization.Evidence of Recurrence Control Effectiveness: JPL Corrective Action Notice Z69155 has been assigned, and practices will be modified as appropriate.Documents Related to Lesson:
13、N/AMission Directorate(s): a71 Exploration SystemsProvided by IHSNot for ResaleNo reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS-,-,-a71 Sciencea71 Space Operationsa71 Aeronautics ResearchAdditional Key Phrase(s): a71 Flight Equipmenta71 Flight Operationsa71 Ground Equipmenta71 Ground
14、 Operationsa71 Hardwarea71 Human Factorsa71 Human Resources & Educationa71 Occupational Healtha71 Policy & Planninga71 Safety & Mission Assurancea71 Spacecrafta71 Test & VerificationAdditional Info: Approval Info: a71 Approval Date: 2002-05-06a71 Approval Name: Carol Dumaina71 Approval Organization: JPLa71 Approval Phone Number: 818-354-2776Provided by IHSNot for ResaleNo reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS-,-,-
