1、Lessons Learned Entry: 1406Lesson Info:a71 Lesson Number: 1406a71 Lesson Date: 2004-05-07a71 Submitting Organization: LARCa71 Submitted by: Daniel E. Yuchnovicz/NASA Engineering and Safety CenterSubject: Need for Increased Use of Formal Engineering Reports Abstract: The NASA Engineering and Safety C
2、enter (NESC) has found that much of the technical data gathered during performance of Independent Technical Assessments is available only as Power Point presentations and not as formal technical reports. Engineering organizations should use reports to document technical results. In addition, emphasi
3、s should always be on the content not format, regardless of whether PowerPoint or an engineering report is used for communication.Description of Driving Event: The NESC performs independent testing and analyses of technical issues. Reliable and credible data must be collected from the programs and p
4、rojects in order to perform independent and expert technical analyses. In several cases the NESC has found it difficult to collect the data in a reliable and credible format.Lesson(s) Learned: Much of the technical data collected by the NESC typically comes in the form of Power Point charts that att
5、empt to convey the results of an engineering study. Many times the charts are the only documentation of an engineering study or analysis. Technical data in this format can be plagued with problems of misunderstanding, unintentional misrepresentation and inconsistency as was pointed out in the Columb
6、ia Accident Investigation Report (Volume 1 Pg.182, para. 7.3 and pg.191), and confirmed by the NESC experience contained in this Lesson Learned. The lack of disciplined, formally documented technical information increases the difficulty of performing an expert independent analysis or evaluation in a
7、 timely manner. The data/information can be lost forever if not properly captured at the time of the analysis. Provided by IHSNot for ResaleNo reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS-,-,-Recommendation(s): Agency engineering organizations should use formal technical reports to
8、document the results of engineering studies and analyses. Undoubtedly emphasis should always be on content regardless of whether PowerPoint or an engineering report is used for communication. Engineering studies and analyses should be documented in the NASA TM format. Journal paper formats, e.g., Am
9、erican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), should be acceptable for reports when time is of the essence. These formats help to reinforce the discipline and rigor needed to develop reliable and credible data. PowerPoint is a tool that should be limited in use to top-level presentations
10、including status reporting and briefings, and should include a disclaimer that the charts are for status only. Evidence of Recurrence Control Effectiveness: N/ADocuments Related to Lesson: N/AMission Directorate(s): a71 Exploration Systemsa71 Sciencea71 Space Operationsa71 Aeronautics ResearchAdditi
11、onal Key Phrase(s): a71 Policy & Planninga71 Program and Project ManagementAdditional Info: Provided by IHSNot for ResaleNo reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS-,-,-Approval Info: a71 Approval Date: 2004-05-20a71 Approval Name: Leslie Johnsona71 Approval Organization: LARCa71 Approval Phone Number: 757-864-9409Provided by IHSNot for ResaleNo reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS-,-,-
