Complex Process Management Using Process Libraries and Electronic Handbooks (Where Shakespeare Meets Freud)

We believe that to truly understand one's universe, one must see it thru multiple "eyes " and also have tools to "communicate " these views. To do this, we propose editable and cost-saving process documentation tools for process developers and participants to help them quickly and effectively learn, adapt, test, teach, and work together. These tools may be added to new or existing systems. We illustrate using various NASA processes. In Section 1, we examine common problems that arise in the management of complex distributed processes. In Section 2, we provide an overview of tools that are solutions to these problems. Simply speaking, we regard subprocesses as “plays ” and let organizations put on productions of the “plays”. In Section 3, we provide examples of these tools. In Section 4, we outline some complex distributed processes in the Federal Government that are applications of the methodology. In Section 5, we conclude with some final thoughts. In this paper, we deal with the important problem of managing complex distributed processes involving potentially thousands of participants. An example of such a process is the management of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Flight Projects. NASA Flight Projects are the heart o