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Faster, Better, Cheaper Howard E. McCurdy (American University)

Faster, Better, Cheaper By Howard E. McCurdy (American University)

Faster, Better, Cheaper by Howard E. McCurdy (American University)


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Summary

While the technological innovation and space exploration approach that McCurdy describes is still controversial, the historical perspective on its disappointments and triumphs points to ways of developing faster, better, and cheaperas a management manifesto.

Faster, Better, Cheaper Summary

Faster, Better, Cheaper: Low-Cost Innovation in the U.S. Space Program by Howard E. McCurdy (American University)

In Faster, Better, Cheaper: Low-Cost Innovation in the U.S. Space Program, Howard E. McCurdy examines NASA's recent efforts to save money while improving mission frequency and performance. McCurdy details the sixteen missions undertaken during the 1990s-including an orbit of the moon, deployment of three space telescopes, four Earth-orbiting satellites, two rendezvous with comets and asteroids, and a test of an ion propulsion engine-which cost less than the sum traditionally spent on a single, conventionally planned planetary mission. He shows how these missions employed smaller spacecraft and cheaper technology to undertake less complex and more specific tasks in outer space. While the technological innovation and space exploration approach that McCurdy describes is still controversial, the historical perspective on its disappointments and triumphs points to ways of developing faster, better, and cheaper as a management manifesto.

Faster, Better, Cheaper Reviews

This excellent summary of an important part of NASA's history is recommended for all readers. Choice Readers interested in either the management or economics of complex organizations will find a wealth of material in this well-written exposition. Fans of space travel, like the author himself, will also enjoy the behind-the-scenes look at NASA's operation. -- Michael N. Geselowitz Enterprise and Society An excellent overview of Goldin's initiative and of the scholarly literature that bears on the topic. Technology and Culture It is an engaging story, and the book itself is small enough for bedtime reading. Satellite Evolution Group 2007

About Howard E. McCurdy (American University)

Howard E. McCurdy is a professor in the School of Public Affairs at American University.

Table of Contents

Contents: List of Boxes Acknowledgments 1 - The Reform 2 - The Nature of the Challenge 3 - Cost Control 4 - The Philosophy 5 - Mars Pathfinder 6 - Organization 7 - Technology 8 - Risk and Reliability 9 - Future Implications Notes Index

Additional information

NLS9780801877490
9780801877490
0801877490
Faster, Better, Cheaper: Low-Cost Innovation in the U.S. Space Program by Howard E. McCurdy (American University)
New
Paperback
Johns Hopkins University Press
2003-12-24
192
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
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