Development of a NASA Integrated Technical Workforce Career Development Model Entitled Requisite Occupation Competencies and Knowledge (the ROCK)
- Paper number
IAC-08.D1.3.7
- Author
Mr. Robert Menrad, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, United States
- Coauthor
Prof. Wiley Larson, CEI, United States
- Year
2008
- Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to share the findings of NASA’s Integrated Learning and Development Program (ILDP) in its effort to reinvigorate the HANDS-ON practice of space systems engineering and project management through focused courseware, learning opportunities, on-the-job learning and special assignments. Our findings were validated via a series of nine focus groups with senior space systems engineers and project managers from industry and government, validated with over 17 space-related organizations, at an estimated cost of over 300,000 ( US). The resulting competency ( capabilities) aligned career development model reintroduces rigor and depth to the practitioner’ s development in these critical disciplines enabling their ability to take mission concepts from imagination to reality. Several significant Masters− level programs and training programs have evolved to fulfill the needs of these practitioner communities based upon these results. Prior to March 2005, agency− level responsibility for the development of the NASA technical workforce ( defined as the program and project manager, systems engineering, and discipline engineering communities) was executed by two organizations working in parallel at NASA Headquarters; the Academy of Program and Project Leadership ( APPL) and NASA Engineering Training ( NET). In March 2005 the NASA Chief Engineer, pursuant to agency− wide changes prompted by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board report [ CAIB, 2003], directed that these parallel organizations be merged. The resulting program – ILDP – was chartered to implement a single integrated competency− based development model capable of preparing the men and women who are facing the challenges associated with the Vision for Space Exploration initiative [ White House, 2004]… returning humans to the moon and then extending that presence to Mars. This paper reports the ILDP results and products developed during a period of unprecedented collaboration between the ILDP Team and NASA Field Centers. In its tenure, this program developed the vision, procedures and processes that resulted in definition of the agency’ s first fully integrated technical workforce development model known as the Requisite Occupation Competencies and Knowledge ( the ROCK). Critical processes and products are presented including: the incorporation of “ validation” techniques to guide model development, the Design− A− CurriculUM ( DACUM) process, and creation of the agency’ s first systems engineering body− of− knowledge. The following members of the ILDP Team contributed to the success of this effort: Dr. Kathleen van Scoyak, Dr. Linda Morris and Dr. Gary Yale. We certify this information has not been presented at another conference. Both authors will be present at the symposium.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-08.D1.3.7.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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