Activity 2 Apollo Program Management Methodology

What style of management was used to set goals for the Apollo program? (P1)

• Waterfall

• Agile

• Management by objectives

• PRINCE2

Answer explanation

Explanation: NASA used management by objectives to set goals for each step.

Source: Management lessons from the Apollo program

Criteria: A.P1 - Explain characteristics of different methodologies

How was authority handled in the Apollo program methodology? (P2)

• Centralized

• Decentralized

• Hierarchical

• Matrixed

Answer explanation

Explanation: Authority was decentralized to centers for flexibility.

Source: Management lessons from the Apollo program

Criteria: A.P2 - Explain project management structures

What was the focus of the Apollo program's management methodology? (D1)

• Detailed planning

• Following processes

• Achieving milestones

• Stakeholder reviews

Answer explanation

Explanation: The focus was on achieving key milestones and objectives.

Source: Lessons from the Apollo Programme

Criteria: A.D1 - Evaluate characteristics of different methodologies

How were contractors managed in the Apollo program? (P2)

• As vendors

• As consultants

• As project managers

• As quality inspectors

Answer explanation

Explanation: Contractors became project managers for their deliverables.

Source: Lessons from the Apollo Programme

Criteria: A.P2 - Explain project management structures

What autonomy was given to NASA centers in the Apollo program? (M1)

• Budget authority

• Hiring authority

• Methodology authority

• Project objective authority

Answer explanation

Explanation: Centers had autonomy on how to achieve their objectives.

Source: How NASA Used Project Management in Apollo

Criteria: A.M1 - Compare characteristics of different methodologies and structures

What did decentralized authority allow in the Apollo program? (M1)

• Stricter control

• Streamlined workflow

• Innovation

• Tighter coupling

Answer explanation

Explanation: Decentralization allowed innovation across teams.

Source: How NASA Used Project Management in Apollo

Criteria: A.M1 - Compare characteristics of different methodologies and structures

What was the main goal of the Apollo program? (P1)

• Orbiting earth
  

• Landing unmanned crafts on moon

• Sending manned mission to moon

• Conducting scientific experiments

Answer explanation

Explanation: Primary goal was landing men on the moon by end of 1960s.

Source: Lessons from the Apollo Programme

Criteria: A.P1 - Explain characteristics of different methodologies

What was the deadline constraint in the Apollo program? (D1)

• Fixed budget

• Defined process

• Specific timeline

• Minimum viable product

Answer explanation

Explanation: The program had a fixed deadline of the 1960s decade.

Source: Lessons from the Apollo Programme

Criteria: A.D1 - Evaluate characteristics of different methodologies

How did the Apollo methodology balance flexibility and purpose? (M1)

• Strict planning for purpose, flexibility in execution

• Flexibility in planning, strict execution

• Clear objectives for purpose, team flexibility

• Management flexibility, controlled team execution

Answer explanation

Explanation: Objectives provided purpose while teams had flexibility.

Source: How NASA Used Project Management in Apollo

Criteria: A.M1 - Compare characteristics of different methodologies and structures

What potential drawback did rigid planning have in the Apollo program? (D1)

• Lack of iteration

• Insufficient collaboration

• Decreased innovation

• Unclear requirements

Answer explanation

Explanation: Rigid planning could have decreased innovation.

Source: Management lessons from the Apollo program

Criteria: A.D1 - Evaluate characteristics of different methodologies