JPL Unified Methodology Process (JUMP) is an effort to establish a common frame of reference across OCIO (Office of Chief Information Officer) and EBIS (Enterprise Business Information Services Division). The iterative approach to project management is more powerful and efficient, enables better reviews, and incurs lower overhead costs. JUMP is a tailored version of rational unified process (RUP) and the iterative process. This process is flexible, scalable, and manageable.
ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) principles were incorporated in with the process. JUMP sits within the ITIL Service Design Lifecycle. All JUMP artifacts, collected together, constitute the Service Design Package (SDP) ITIL artifact. JUMP is required for all development projects. JUMP provides an easy-to-follow framework and checklists, as well as documentation with templates and guidelines for meeting milestones. The required artifacts also ensure agreement with customers and service providers.
There are four phases in the JUMP process: Inception Phase, Elaboration Phase, Construction Phase, and Transition Phase. Each phase has a list of requirements, checklists, and artifacts that are produced, and a review before proceeding to the next phase. The goal of the Inception Phase is to create excitement for implementing the project. The goal of Elaboration is to flesh out the details, and an analysis is done to determine what it will take to achieve the vision and meet the success criteria. The Construction Phase is to build it. It emphasizes managing resources and controlling operations to optimize costs, schedule, and quality. The Transition Phase is to hand off to operations, deployment, and configuration.
The critical idea in JUMP is iterative development: successively adding to and refining a system through multiple iterations using feedback and adaption. All decisions and artifacts are reviewed and signed off before JUMP commitment reviews.
JUMP is a unique rapid development framework, complete with checklists, schedules, and supporting procedures. It is centered around the popular Unified Process for software development, which is used to provide NASA with new and/or innovative IT software products such as mobile applications or the NASA Engineering Network system.
This work was done by Michael Stefanini, Linda Q. Maleki and Cindy Q. Trinh of Caltech for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
The software used in this innovation is available for commercial licensing. Please contact Dan Broderick at
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
JPL Unified Methodology Process (JUMP)
(reference NPO48401) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document is a Technical Support Package for the JPL Unified Methodology Process (JUMP), identified as NPO-48401, and is part of NASA's Commercial Technology Program. It aims to disseminate information regarding aerospace-related developments that have potential applications beyond their original context, encompassing technological, scientific, and commercial domains.
The document emphasizes the importance of technology transfer, which is a key focus of NASA's efforts to make innovative technologies accessible for broader use. It provides contact information for the Innovative Technology Assets Management at JPL, located in Pasadena, California, for those seeking further assistance or information regarding research and technology in this area. The email provided is iaoffice@jpl.nasa.gov.
A notable disclaimer in the document states that neither the United States Government nor any representatives assume liability for the use of the information contained within, nor do they guarantee that such use will be free from privately owned rights. The mention of trade names or manufacturers is for identification purposes only and does not imply official endorsement by NASA.
The document also touches on the integration of tools and systems, such as the BuildIT Tools, which facilitate document tracking and ensure a consistent directory structure across various sites. These tools are designed to integrate with Office applications and provide full workflow and reporting capabilities, enhancing project management and oversight.
Additionally, there is a focus on upper management's visibility into the overall project portfolio, indicating a structured approach to project oversight and resource management. The document suggests a desire to modernize processes, as indicated by the intention to convert all Word templates to online forms, reflecting a shift towards more efficient and accessible digital solutions.
Overall, the Technical Support Package serves as a resource for understanding the JUMP methodology and its implications for technology transfer, project management, and the integration of innovative tools within NASA's framework. It highlights the agency's commitment to advancing aerospace technology and making it available for wider applications, thereby fostering innovation and collaboration across various sectors.
