Principal-investigator (PI) Earth science missions are small, focused science projects involving relatively small spacecraft. The selected PI is responsible for the scientific and programmatic success of the entire project. A particular objective of PI-led missions has been to help develop university-based research capacity. Such missions, however, pose significant challenges that are beyond the capabilities of most universities to manage. To help NASA's Office of Earth Science determine how best to address these, the NRC carried out an assessment of key issues relevant to the success of university-based PI-led Earth observation missions. This report presents the result of that study. In particular, the report provides an analysis of opportunities to enhance such missions and recommendations about whether and, if so, how they should be used to build university-based research capabilities.

Program management is a rapidly emerging offshoot of project management. So much so that AT&T, IBM, and other organizations, both large and small in all sectors, have initiated a push to certify program managers. And, although universities offer courses in program management, there are few books available to guide program managers through this

The Project Management Life Cycle reveals the unique Method 123 Project Management Methodology by defining the phases, activities and tasks required to complete a project. It's different because it describes the life cycle clearly and prescriptively, without the complex terminology rife throughout the industry. Its comprehensive coverage, consistent depth and suite of tools will help managers to undertake projects successfully. Containing hundreds of practical examples to enhance the reader's understanding of project management, The Project Management Life Cycle skilfully guides them through the four critical phases of the project life cycle: initiation, planning, execution and closure. Written in a clear, professional and straightforward manner, it is relevant to the management of all types of project, including IT, construction, engineering, telecommunications and government, as well as many others. It is an essential guide to improving project management skills for project managers, senior managers, team members, consultants, trainers or students. Online supporting resources include lecture slides.

This book provides insight into the Life Cycle Management (LCM) concept and the progress in its implementation. LCM is a management concept applied in industrial and service sectors to improve products and services, while enhancing the overall sustainability performance of business and its value chains. In this regard, LCM is an opportunity to differentiate through sustainability performance on the market place, working with all departments of a company such as research and development, procurement and marketing, and to enhance the collaboration with stakeholders along a company’s value chain. LCM is used beyond short-term business success and aims at long-term achievements by minimizing environmental and socio-economic burden, while maximizing economic and social value.

The second edition of Handbook of Practical Program Evaluation offers managers, analysts, consultants, and educators in government, nonprofit, and private institutions a valuable resource that outlines efficient and economical methods for assessing program results and identifying ways to improve program performance. The Handbook has been thoroughly revised. Many new chapters have been prepared for this edition, including chapters on logic modeling and on evaluation applications for small nonprofit organizations. The Handbook of Practical Program Evaluation is a comprehensive resource on evaluation, covering both in-depth program evaluations and performance monitoring. It presents evaluation methods that will be useful at all levels of government and in nonprofit organizations.

A comprehensive guide to project management and its interaction with other management systems and strategies The Wiley Guides to the Management of Projects address critical, need-to-know information that will enable professionals to successfully manage projects in most businesses and help students learn the best practices of the industry. They contain not only well-known and widely used basic project management practices but also the newest and most cutting-edge concepts in the broader theory and practice of managing projects. This first book in the series, The Wiley Guide to Project, Program & Portfolio Management, is based on the "meta" level of management, which, simply stated, asserts that project management must be integrated throughout an organization in order to achieve its full potential to enhance the bottom line. This book will show you how to fully understand and exploit the strategic management of projects, portfolios, and program management and their linkage with context and strategy in other concepts and processes, such as quality management, concurrent engineering, just-in-time delivery, systems management and engineering, teams, and statistical quality control. Featuring contributions from experts all around the world, this invaluable resource book offers authoritative project management applications for industry, service businesses, and government agencies. Complete your understanding of project management with these other books in The Wiley Guides to the Management of Projects series: * The Wiley Guide to Project Control * The Wiley Guide to Project Organization & Project Management Competencies * The Wiley Guide to Project Technology, Supply Chain & Procurement Management