Findings from IAC 2013 Young Professional Workshop: tools and project organization methodologies that can be implemented into the space sector from other industries

Abstract

Applied technologies in space sector are performing complicated and challenging projects in comparison other industries. This complexity in the space sector requires new alternatives for business management and project development. Therefore, management strategies in an organization directly affect the project achievements. Project applications, improvement of economic earnings, relations among people in an organization, mentorships, motivation factors and international activities are other significant issues which are really crucial for space sector. To discuss these important issues, we were one of five groups at International Astronautical Congress, Young Professional Workshop in Beijing, 20th September 2013. Our relevant group topic was "What tools and project organization methodologies have been and can be implemented into the space sector from other industries and the YPs' experience (e.g. software, automotive)?". As a group we have met several times prior to the workshop. Many ideas are emerged in consequence of meetings. Pre-meeting report helped us to prepare individual materials as members thru the workshop. These different reflections were: (1) agile software and engineering issues, (2) process improvement techniques and learning from manufacturing by multiple copies of the same space platform, (3) social activities of organizations for the internal motivation, (4) TRL improvement, (5) project management and system engineering certification the examples from NASA APPEL and Aerospace Corporation, (6) technology transfer among sectors just as military-space and biology-space, (7) Experience assessment of JAXA, (8) software tools that are being used across industries. During the workshop, we simplified these findings and made the final presentation. In addition, preliminary survey questions are listed and determined after the workshop. Finally, common grounds in our final report are summarized as (1) Software development tools, (2) Process improvement techniques, (3) Project management, system engineering education and certification, (4) Company organization structures and (5) Social Activities to improve sector interest. In the final report, group recommendations are given for the each topic and presented to the IAF YP Committee.