Using the management team approach on a knowledge-based systems project: capitalizing on individuals' expertise

Abstract

The Advanced Automation Methodology Project (AAMP), at NASA's Johnson Space Center, is described. The AAMP will develop two independent knowledge-based system applications, identify system features required to incorporate artificial intelligence upgrades to several US Space Station Freedom systems in the future, and produce an engineering methodology for artificial intelligence system development in the Space Station Freedom program. The AAMP is composed of four teams: the management team, two development teams, and an independent test and verification team. By distributing project management responsibilities among the various management team members, the AAMP has realized several benefits. First, the diverse opinions and experience of the team often help focus management attention on the project's most critical areas. Second, this distributed approach allows team members to participate in the AAMP without having to dedicate full time to the project. Finally, by distributing management responsibilities, the AAMP has capitalized on each member's expertise.<>