...goes through a history of the administration, separated into five different eras based on significant missions, and how each era differed based on the expected outcome of a mission or program. In addition, the government and the public’s financial support is discussed for each program. The fifth era then leads into the discussion of current funding and cuts from the Obama administration and the future of the agency with different goals in place. NASA has changed the face of America. From the beginning, the administration had very ambitious and innovative ideas that sparked heavy admiration and support yet, also much criticism. This large support and opposition has led to many different obstacles to overcome in progression, such as lack of funding and public support for astronomically innovative ideas. History Lambright (2010) states the most fundamental explanation of the development of NASA, saying, “NASA has a life that is a function of its internal dynamics and political environment. As that environment has changed, NASA has adapted—sometimes voluntarily, other times under pressure. As NASA has altered, so, too, has its relationship with external forces.” He then goes on to explain that the evolution of the organization is separated into five distinct but moderately overlapping eras to describe the accomplishments and obstacles the organization has overcome. Birth The first era Lambright discusses is the birth of NASA in 1958, from the pre-existing agency...
Words: 1948 - Pages: 8
...Title Uranium mining – is this a solid investment? Name | Genevieve O’Reilly | Student ID # | A001529414 | Subject | Financial Management | Subject Code | 712FMGT | AQF Level | 8 | Subject Credit Points | 10 | Word Count | 2103 | Executive summary The paper attempts to analyse and compare two listed companies who produce uranium oxide and what would be the best company to invest in. As the companies have different year ends, the 2014 annual financial statements were used to draw comparisons and analyses. The industry itself does not have a trend analysis on which to draw as many uranium producers are owned by companies with large portfolios. The limitations to this paper are noted in that investors should not make assumptions based on just a two-year comparison, especially within a market that has proven to be volatile and subject to small variations. Assignment topic Your task is to compare and contrast the historical (for the last 2 years) and expected future performance of a listed company and a competitor in a similar line of business, and present your findings in the form of a report which will cover both qualitative and quantitative performance elements in a logical cohesive format. The qualitative component of your discussion should include (but is not constrained to): * A brief background on each company including how they are placed within the industry * A brief overview of the recent stock price movements for both companies * The impact of general...
Words: 3497 - Pages: 14
...The Importance of Risk Management BUS 697 The Importance of Risk Management Altex Corporation has an interesting scenario before them; Altex proposed delivery of a missile program to the Army and won the contract for research and development. The interesting component is that the proposal states that Altex can exceed Army expectations and the PM has doubts to meet this factor. Moreover, the project sponsor is assuming that the Army will accept as low as 60% of the deliverable. Proper risk management can be the point of success or failure depending on the customer expectations. Altex Corporation has to manage expectations accordingly and highlight areas of concern to benefit the most from this defense contract award. Assumed Practices During this era of post WWII defense contracting, contractors who were not primarily qualified received government obligations to deliver products for the “sole purpose of increasing competition” (Kerzner, 2005, p.253). Project sponsors held assumptions that once a contract was awarded and after much money was spent, the Department of Defense will continue to fund projects at whatever costs necessary. The issue with this is that project sponsors are risking the assumption of their customer without consulting the customer’s intentions and expectations. “A firm’s perception of risks may be significantly different than the customer’s perceptions” (Kerzner, 2005, p. 24). The assumed practice must be properly analyzed. Case Study Questions ...
Words: 911 - Pages: 4
...large organization that make it harder for new ideas to be adopted by the organization. Multiple departments must be able to work in unity. This is harder when there has been a specific way of doing things for a long period of time and systems set in place. -There tends to be an area of comfort with inherent limits that if a new project doesn’t fall within, doesn’t bode well and by one way or another doesn’t come into fruition. -Specifically, IBM did find it difficult to nurture new business for the above reasons and more. They didn’t have a formal plan set for business development, and with the sheer size of IBM and the corporate venture fund financing, ideas weren’t as well thought out or solid for them to catch any traction with upper management. This in turn caused interdepartmental conflict causing new businesses to eventually burn out, and eventually be sold. IBM had been a successfully growing company since 1911, with an international presence in the computer industry. They had deep roots in a specific market and to bring forth a new business that targets a different market can be de-prioritized very easily since the focus of upper management and the organization is all on the existing successes and main core competencies....
Words: 2045 - Pages: 9
...TIME MANAGEMENT PLAN “NEOES” NEW ERA UNIVERSITY #9 CENTAL AVE. BRGY. NEW ERA Q.C QUEZON CITY,1116 OCTOBER 8, 2014 Table of Contents Activity Definition 2 Sequence of Activities 2 Activity Duration Estimation 3 ACTIVITY DEFINITION The proposed system aims to provide and improve the Enrollment System for New Era University using a modern’s technology. In order to achieve success on the online Enrollment projects, the following objectives must be met within designated time and budget allocations SEQUENCE OF ACTIVITIES |Activity List | |Project: Online Enrollment for New Era University |Start Date: 09/01/14 | |Activity ID No |Activity Name |Description of Work |Responsibility | |001 |System Designer |System designer undertakes design tasks for business |A. Raveche has primary | | | |computer systems such as payroll or stock control. |responsibility | |002 |Development and Configuring |Configuring the Online Enrollment. ...
Words: 956 - Pages: 4
...in today’s fast paced technological era.? Management information systems (MIS) is defined as a process that integrates a computer system to effectively manage an organization. Information systems collect and compile data through their software system. Once the data has been analyzed, management information systems assist managers with direction, planning and decision-making. Many businesses have computerized MIS while some manual systems still exist; these use evaluation of information and dissemination for management-making decisions. Cost * For an organization still using older software applications and computer mainframe systems, upgrading to new management information procedures can become a costly process. Modern technology changes frequently, which leads to business organizations having to update their software and hardware accordingly Time * It is essential to train managers and employees on the implementation of management information system procedures; this can take up time, energy and effort. Certain companies may not be willing to invest much of their time and energy on a large scale. In addition, older employees may take longer to actually grasp the concepts of a new system, because they may be unfamiliar with current technological advancements. Organizations may need to temporarily halt their operation while training is being conducted, which can lead to potential loss for the company. Flexibility * A management information system, once installed...
Words: 593 - Pages: 3
...MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS Infrastructure development is the most crucial factor for India's economic and social development. If we are talking about a double digit India's GDP growth for next 10-15 years we have to invest in the infrastructure development to achieve and sustain this growth. India has the necessary human and natural resources for becoming world's leading economy but without infrastructure these assets cannot be adequately utilized. Last twenty years of our journey has been quite enriching for the company and for all of us. It has been a continuous process of learning and today we are comfortably placed among our peers with a diversified and substantial order book. We have grown multifold and have been able to sustain this growth because of the dedicated and committed efforts of the entire team. From a small construction company we have matured ourselves in a large and diversified infrastructure organization. We have shown stellar business and financial performance year-on-year and have forayed into different business segments of the infrastructure sector. Economic and Industry Overview Supported by strong fundamentals and the Central Government's proactive measures India has been the most resilient and efficient economy to come out of the economic crisis. India's GDP growth for 2009-10 is estimated at 7.2 per cent. With an assumption of sustainable good performance of the industry and services sectors, the latest RBI projection placed the real GDP growth...
Words: 4742 - Pages: 19
... However, since Zara’s growth and the changes made to the clothing industry, the current operations are no longer effective. The key problems to Zara’s operations are the outdated IT systems, the lack of control that management has over executive decisions and lack of management integration in the IT division of Zara. These problems can hinder the growth of Zara and can prevent it’s expansion, if the technology used by their suppliers/vendors changes or the employees who are the most knowledgeable in the IT department leaves the company. Zara is dependent on the operations of it’s information systems to function on a daily basis and if the system shuts down, Zara would cease operation. The main problem at Zara is the lack of control management has over executive decisions. Each operating unit does not have control over its sector and senior management is taking a hands off approach from the involvement of the company. For example, Bruno Sanchez Ocampo (the lead IT tech) does not want to improve the POS system because he is knowledgeable in its current operations and it works in his opinion (Zara, p.2, pp.2). However, the managers at the retail level do not have an integrated POS and inventory system, therefore preventing an accurate count when re-ordering inventory. Managers have to walk through the store and guess how many items were sold (Zara, p.5, pp.6). Senior management should have the “big picture” for the operations of the organization and they can...
Words: 1650 - Pages: 7
...DISCUSSION 28 7.0 LIMITATION 33 8.0 RECOMMENDATION 35 9.0 CONCLUSION 37 10.0 REFERENCES 38 11.0 APPENDIX 39 1. INTRODUCTION Human resources are comprised of individuals in the workforce of an organization. In the article by Rishma Vedd, and Reza Kouhy. (2001), Management Accounting & Strategic Human Resource Management, Wright & McMahan (1992) had defined human resources as the pool of employees under the firm’s control in a direct employment relationship. In a more simple word, human resources also known as labors, which is one of the four factors of production. An organization’s human resources should be managed to maximize return on investment in the organization’s human capital and minimize financial risk by aligning skilled and qualified individuals to the organization’s ongoing and future business plans. According to article by Rishma Vedd, and Reza Kouhy. (2001), Management Accounting & Strategic Human Resource Management, Human resources management is needed in order to achieve organization’s goals. Since there is no universal agreement on the meaning of Human Resources Management, many definitions are available. Armstrong (1995) had defined Human Resources Management as a strategic...
Words: 9610 - Pages: 39
...Fundamentals of Database Management Systems What is a Database? Database is a collection of data. Mostly the data in the database specially focus on a one organization and have relationship among them. Earlier times those databases were file base databases and not computerized .While using those file base databases many errors occurred and there were many Disadvantages. Nowadays Databases are computerized. What is a Database Management System? (DBMS) DBMS is a Software Designed to assist in maintaining and utilizing a database. References Wikipedia. (2015) Database [Online] June 2005. Available from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Database [Accessed: 19th June 2015] Evolution of Database Management System In earlier time computers mainly...
Words: 1722 - Pages: 7
...2011 Project Management Institute’s Project of the Year Award Research Paper Naressa Hackney Menser Dr. Jacob Ogunlade CIS 517 Project Management October 16, 2011 The Project Management Institute is one of the world leading non-profit membership association organizations in the world. It specializes in education of project management typically for those who are in the project management profession, but is also useful for any person who works with projects in their career. Project Management Institute (PMI) is a Global advocate for program management which is supported by their globally recognized standards, extensive research programs and credentials. PMI offers professional development through offering project management certification and awards. One award that is offered through PMI is the Project of the Year Award. The Project of the Year Award is a annual award that recognizes the accomplishments of a project and the project team for performing superior work on a project and executing exemplary project management. This awards point out the highlights and achievements of a project that followed PMI standards and demonstrated successes throughout the project. Successes in a project could be that it was finished ahead of schedule or it was completed well under budget. The Project of the Year Award is a global award and is awarded regardless of organizational size or PMI affiliation or membership. The only exemptions for participation in the award is current PMI staff...
Words: 743 - Pages: 3
...Study in Project Management Lynn Crawford, University of Technology, Sydney PMI Proceedings, 1993, pp. 53-59 INTRODUCTION Campaigning for an ocean classic yacht race is a project. The campaign has a starting point, which can be defined, and the end of the race is the end of the project (1). It involves a process, which requires management if the objectives are to be defined and achieved. Unlike many other projects where success may be open to debate and achievement of objectives may be unclear this is a project in which project success or failure is as clear as the race results. As an interesting and atypical project type, it provides excellent opportunities to illustrate, examine, and question the application and operation of the project management framework. The project was successful. The objectives were achieved; the races were won. This paper will briefly present, as a project, the campaign, which culminated in the winning of both the 1992 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and the 1992 Kodak Asia Pacific Ocean Racing Championship. The phases of the project life-cycle-concept, development, execution, and finishing (2); the four basic project management functions-management of scope, quality, time, and cost; and the other essential project management functions-human resource management, communications management, contract/procurement management, and risk management-will be discussed in relation to the project. As a case study, a project management...
Words: 5016 - Pages: 21
...Principles of Business Management Course Number: ACF 171 (4 units) Course Instructor: Inam ur Rahman Course Description: Principles of Business Management is an introduction to the process through which a business coordinates different activities, resources and people to reach its goals. It is designed to give students the basic intellectual tools and aptitudes they need to meet today's business challenges. This basic management course will provide understanding of different functional areas of management. The course explores the application of management theory to practical managerial challenges. These activities include planning, organizing, staffing, leading, and controlling, and involve the effective utilization of the economic resources of land, labor, capital, entrepreneurship, and technology. Special attention will be given to social responsibilities, managerial ethics and importance of leadership in organization. Course Objectives: There are three core objectives of this course: firstly to establish what constitutes a business – different types of businesses and their impact; secondly to develop an understanding about "management" and its functional areas, such as, planning, organizing, leading and controlling; thirdly, to develop certain competencies (managerial skills) such as analyzing, thinking, organizing, communicating, reporting and decisions making skills etc. After successfully completing the requirements of this course, the students will...
Words: 1288 - Pages: 6
...Strategies for Reviving the Japanese Economy Introduction 1. Assessment of the Current Economy The Japanese economy has begun to show some signs of change as the effects of recent large-scale economic packages have gradually helped to stop the severe economic downturn. But despite this progress, private demand as a whole remains stagnant. Therefore, the economic prospects for self-supported recovery are still uncertain once the economic effects of the last packages have phased out. The fundamental problems pertinent to the weak economy are twofold. First, the true adjustment of the burst of the bubble economy is still insufficient. Second, against the background of the sharp decline in the number of births and the rapid aging of the population, the pace of which has not been experienced in other industrialized nations, the "Japanese system"--the engine of the country's astonishing high growth in the postwar era--has turned problematic with regard to economic growth. First, fears about employment prospects, future pension plans, and the sharp rise in government deficits are obviously restraining an economic turnaround. These fears are attributable to eroding sustainability in the Japanese-style wage and employment systems and the generous social security system. To cope with the situation, provisions of renewed safety nets are urgently needed. Furthermore, the rising fiscal deficits are restraining economic upturn by making people serious about future tax hikes...
Words: 2068 - Pages: 9
...: (TCO 1) A centralized database that contains all diagrams, forms and report definitions, data structure, data definitions, process flows and logic, and definitions of other organizational and system components best describes 5. Question : (TCO 3) In which SDLC phase will the analyst study the organization’s current procedures and the information systems used to perform tasks? 6. Question : (TCO 3) Priorities for systems and projects are deliverables for the 7. Question : (TCO 3) A systems development methodology created to radically decrease the time needed to design and implement information systems best describes 8. Question : (TCO 3) The practice of turning over responsibility of some or all of an organization’s information systems applications and operations to an outside firm is referred to as 9. Question : (TCO 3) An organization should acquire software from in-house developers when 10. Question : (TCO 3) Reusing software can MGMT 340 Week 2 : Systems Planning and Selection – Quiz 1. Question : (TCO 2) Which of the following is NOT a project management phase? 2. Question : (TCO 2) Developing an understanding of the content and complexity of the project is the purpose of 3. Question : (TCO 2) During which of the following...
Words: 2935 - Pages: 12
