NASA Management Challenges: Human Capital and Other Critical Areas Need to be Addressed
Abstract
This document discusses the major management challenges and program risks facing the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Right now, NASA is at a critical juncture. Clearly, since its inception, NASA has advanced space exploration and scientific knowledge and accomplished unparalleled feats of engineering. But NASA is now facing difficulties, particularly in terms of maintaining a skilled workforce, controlling costs, and providing effective oversight for important projects. Such problems have been debilitating to important space missions. For example, substantial space station cost growth, which NASA became aware of in early 2001, has resulted in cutbacks in construction, the number of crew members, and scientific research, and, in turn, raised concern about the viability of the program and has negatively impacted the agency's credibility with the Congress. Recognizing the need for change, NASA's new Administrator, Sean O'Keefe, has recently articulated a new vision for NASA-one that is science-driven, not destination driven. To put NASA on a better footing to fulfill this vision, the agency is taking on a major transformation aimed at eliminating stovepipes, becoming more integrated and results oriented, and reducing risks while working more economically, efficiently and effectively. Although NASA is in the very early stages of this translation%, it is already undertaking initiatives to reshape and strengthen its workforce, including developing a strategic human capital plan and an agencywide workforce planning and analysis system. This subcommittee is also considering legislation proposed by NASA that would provide the agency with an assortment of tools and authorities to facilitate its efforts to recruit and retain skilled personnel and reshape its workforce.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 18, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA404576
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office