Integrating a project manager's development with the delivery of projects

This paper contributes a training model and applications within NASA for an iterative and long-term development of project managers. The iterative project management training model integrates recent project management lessons learned and management techniques and philosophies. The model stipulates that the development of project managers begins with the training of a base of core concepts including: project management process, project management tool, organizational success factors, and organizational goals. These core concepts provide the basis and common language for formal and informal knowledge sharing. This foundation is imparted through training, formal education, and formal/informal systems of mentoring. In addition, the model illustrates an iterative cycle of monitored and progressive project management responsibility that builds on the foundation of formal and informal project management training. The paper concludes by identifying 'training laboratories' within the NASA organization where the model can be applied. By using existing projects as training grounds, the organization reaps the benefits of better project management on current projects.