This paper evaluates, by reviewing individual journal articles, the correctness of Joe Kilminster's decision to launch the "Challenger" space ship on its mission, which ended in disaster.
Abstract This paper explains that NASA managers were informed, adequately and promptly, about the unsuitability of the approved design of shuttle rocket boosters when used under temperatures below 40 F per the contract signed with Morton-Thiokol; but NASA authorities were subject to severe economic and political pressures and schedule backlogs. The author states that, instead of upholding his superior's decision, his fellow professionals? technical findings and recommendations, and observing his profession's code of ethics, Joe Kilminster subjected himself to the pressure of NASA and recommended the launch, despite the negative input of his engineers. The paper concludes that Kilminster is morally accountable and culpable for the disaster, directly risking the lives of seven persons by ignoring his own knowledge as an expert engineer and the strong recommendations of his subordinate professionals
Table of Contents
Introduction
Review of Literature
M. M. Jennings, "Summary of the Challenger Episode"
Gordon Stubley, "Engineer and Integrity"
Diane Vaughan, "The Challenger Launch Decision"
National Society of Professional Engineers, "Code of Ethics for Engineers"
Texas A & M University, Departments of Philosophy and of Mechanical Engineering, "The Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster"
Findings, Conclusions, and Recommendations
From the Paper "Joe Kilminster, an engineer, and the Vice President or Space Booster Programs at Thiokol, was one of four management signatories who approved the launch and the author of the written recommendation that it was all right for the shuttle to fly. Thiokol's contract with the NASA provided that shuttles with boosters, like the Challenger, would function properly only within the range of 40 to 90 F. Its engineers also formalized their objection to such launch the day before the disaster."
Abstract This paper seeks to explore various challenges that faced program manager Gary Allison in the management of Orion Shield Project. Some of these issues are technical, ethical, legal or contractual in nature. The Orion Shield Project was an undertaking to improve the structural capabilities of NASA's launch rocket booster known as the Shuttle Launch Booster. The paper is a study of the activities undertaken by Gary as a product manager in charge of phase one of the Orion Shield project.
From the Paper "According to Meredith, J. R, Samuel J. M, Samuel J. M, Jr (2005, p. 465), the wrong direction and failure of the Orion Shield project could be attributed to the wrong choice of the project manager. Gary was more interested and confident with his work as an engineer and not a project manager. His desire to experiment with his MBA coupled with Henry Larsen's insistence drove him to take up the management of this project. Because he was very new to project management, It was incorrect for Henry Larsen to let Gary be solely in charge of this project, the best way could have been to assign another more experienced project manager to work hand in hand with Gary or better still he could have allowed a more experienced project manager to lead the project while Gary worked as an assistant to the experienced project manager. Henry Larsen's motive could also be read in his choice of having Gary as the project manager, he needed a new inexperienced manager who could be easily manipulated to promote his unethical management standards."
The history of rocketry from concept to modern day space travel. Researches the rocket engine's international development and significance in the space program.
2,940 words (approx. 11.8 pages), 4 sources, 1999, $ 86.95
Abstract This research paper investigates the science of rocketry starting with the original concept, up to the present day space program. Developments in Germany, Russia, and the U.S. are detailed, along with the ways in which rockets have been used both on earth and in space. Most of the paper will deal with the development of the rocket engine up to its present day standards and its history in space flight.
From the paper:
"The notion of flying has fascinated people since the beginning of history, and most likely since the beginning of time. With the development of astronomy, man shifted that dream to another realm: outer space. Robert H. Goddard, a physicist of the early 1900?s, once told a story in his autobiography of how he was inspired to follow the dream of space flight. He recalls once when he was 17 years old; he was trimming branches in a cherry tree, and looked out at the sprawling country landscape. He imagined how fabulous it would be to soar upward into space, watching the earth receding below him. ?I was a different boy when I descended the ladder,? Goddard states, ?Life had now a purpose for me.?
Abstract This paper explores the remedies, uses, and history of the herb Ginkgo Biloba. It details it's medical application in mental alertness cases associated with Alzheimer's. The paper shows it usefulness but also includes the myth's associated with the herb such as its ability to improve intelligence and sexual preference.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. What is it?
3. History
4. Brain Booster?
5. Conclusion
6. Outline
From the Paper "As the medical community continues to make advances it seems that we are moving back to the traditional and natural remedies much more often than we have in the past. Herbs and other natural remedies have made a come back and they are stronger than ever. While the medical field and media play out debates concerning many pharmaceuticals the herbs step up to the plate. One popular natural remedy is Ginkgo Biloba. This natural answer to many problems has captured the attention of laymen and doctors alike. Study after study is being conducted on the product as they discover new and innovative potential uses for it. While it may not be the cure all that snake oil was promised to be in the days of the old west, it seems to have enough different types of uses to make it worth a closer look."
Abstract The space shuttle is the world's first reusable spacecraft. With today's technology, shuttles are capable of withstanding the vacuums of space, the difficulty of re-entry and cosmic and solar radiation. The paper shows that while some scientists believe the space industry will never become commercialized due to the shuttle's outdated complexities, shuttles of today may commercialize the space industry with an old rocket technology that has not been fully realized. Solid rocket engines, an old, yet reliable, space technology, are safe, low cost, provide a high thrust and may be the key to space industry commercialization.
From the Paper "Solid fuel rocket engines are an old technology. While they have changed since their inventions of early China, their simple and non-complicated design remains in tact. It is due to that design that the engines and rockets have remained stable throughout centuries. They are safe, encompassing easy to handle materials, and allowing for long-term storage. They are reliable, consisting of non-machine related parts to limit the possibilities of mechanical failure. They are cost effective, due to their reusability as well as their materials, made from low cost resources."
Abstract This paper will focus on the forecast for the housing industry in America. By understanding the situations of the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center, we can see how this has affected the housing market, and what is being done to help booster the sales of housing. By learning about the present conditions in the economy, we can see how this is affected by the general scope of spending that is currently being made in United States economy. These factors will be discussed within this study on the future of housing markets.
Abstract This paper explains that the main hypothesis of this study is, while arts education in New Jersey is getting as much attention as it ever has, the state of New Jersey arts education has no effect either on school improvement initiatives related to arts education or on calculation of students' GPAs. The author further hypothesized that, while arts educators in New Jersey may well be feeling some dampening effects, financially or through curriculum demands, of NCLB, school districts typically do not receive funds from any outside sources, including parents groups, Booster Clubs, or local businesses to fund arts education programs. The paper includes the complete questionnaire developed by the U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, to be send to a sample consisting of 50% or more of the 604 New Jersey arts superintendents across virtually every school district in the state of New Jersey.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Restatement of Hypothesis
Sample description
Instrument
Data analysis
The Complete Questionnaire
From the Paper "The standards came into being as a result of a reform effort generated in the 1980s, emerging in several states and gaining nationwide visibility with the publication of A Nation at Risk in 19783. As a result, six national educational goals were announced in 1990. Later, with the passage of the Goals 2000: Educate America Act, the goals were written into law, naming the arts as an essential academic subject as important to education as language, mathematics, history, civics and government, geography, the sciences and foreign language ability."
Abstract Diphtheria is an infectious disease caused by corynebacterium diphtheriae bacterium. This paper examines the history of this disease and its clinical features. It also shows how diphtheria can be prevented and treated.
Paper Outline:
Introduction
Clinical Features
Oral Manifestations
Prevention
Treatment
Conclusion
From the Paper "Avoiding contact with known diphtheria patients and maintaining a healthy immune system are the most important steps in preventing the disease after vaccination. In the United States, diphtheria is considerably more common among Native Americans and the homeless, suggesting that socioeconomic status, high standard of living and good healthcare play an important role in preventing contraction of the disease."
Abstract This paper discusses the history and development of Los Angeles, California. It looks at Los Angeles' population boom in the 1870s and the 1880s. It discusses how new settlers were recruited and what kind of people came to the area and why. The paper then discusses the role of the railroads and boosterism in settling the region with Anglo-Americans.
From the Paper "As an increased number of people journeyed to Los Angeles, they seemed to travel in their own communities and stay in diverse areas neighboring the Los Angeles basin. For example, Mormons developed in San Bernardino and Germans advanced in Anaheim for agricultural success. Groups of people implemented their old home culture or ideas to their new city they now live in. In 1870 settlers became conscious of the honey industry because the foothills were ruled with bee-ranching homesteads. An additional method that was used for purposes of attracting persons to Los Angeles was by spreading a rumor that the air of Los Angeles was superior for one's health."
Abstract In this essay, the writer notes that as the January college football bowl season begins, talk will inevitably resurface about the millions of dollars in appearance fees that universities are paid to play in these games, and how none of that money makes its way to the players. The writer points out that the issue of paying Division I college athletes has been discussed for years, and seems to come to the forefront of national sports and higher education dialogue when big-money games like football bowls are played, or when players are sanctioned for illegally taking money from boosters. The writer maintains that as long as college sports continue to bring in big money, the notion of paying college athletes will persist. The writer concludes that the goal of college athletics should not be to provide modest compensation to athletes for four years - it should be to allow young people to pursue their degrees while playing sports.
Outline:
Athletics are not Cash Cows
Making Scholarships More Meaningful
Conclusion
From the Paper "One of the problems with the argument for paying student athletes is that a key tenet of the argument -- that universities make millions off of their athletics programs -- is not universally true. In fact, many schools have growing deficits. Big-time sports schools such as the University of Michigan or Ohio State may make millions from their football teams and basketball teams, but for every Michigan there is a Middle Tennessee State or a Florida International, whose football team posted a record of 0-12 this year. There are many football and basketball teams that do not sell out their arenas or receive lucrative television or radio contracts, and paying their athletes would be a significant burden. Even a small stipend for all athletes would add to these growing financial deficits."
