Paper 13099-75
Paper 13099-75
Tailoring project management for operational ground based observatories
17 June 2024 • 17:30 - 19:00 Japan Standard Time | Room G5, North - 1F
Abstract
There is growing interest by operational ground based observatories to follow formal project management methodologies in order to better plan and execute their projects. But the rigors of industry standards are far too excessive and costly for most of these observatories and their unique infrastructure and instrument upgrade projects. Instead, we suggest extracting the best practices through careful and intentional tailoring of conventional methodologies so as to fit the authentic needs and goals of the observatory without severe transformations of their existing staff, budget, or culture. Only then will the initiative of more formal project management be embraced and the true benefits realized.
Presenter
Laura Funk
Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc. (United States)
Laura Funk is a Sr. Project Manager, adept in PMBOK principles in industry and tailoring such for lean organizations. She has a BS in Mechanical Engineering Technology from UCF. She was a System Integration Engineer for NASA’s Space Shuttle Program and transitioned to project management. She was the first female Certified Payload Move Director, leading integration of satellites to the cargo bay, and received a Silver Snoopy and Space Flight Awards. Laura advanced in the Space & Defense industry and is trained in multiple project management methodologies. Laura joined the Large Binocular Telescope in 2018 as the Program Manager. She developed a simplified PMO and learned the unique culture, challenges, and needs of an operational observatory. Laura joined AURA in 2023 to co-manage the SCORPIO project. Here she observes familiar obstacles encountered when introducing new project management protocols and she aims to help establish a suitable approach for AURA’s NOIRLab.