The Mars Pathfinder Approach to Faster-Better-Cheaper by Price Pritchett

by Price Pritchett

A rapid read handbook

Genres: Business

Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[寿理 宮本 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This reminds me of The Best Story Wins: a deconstruction of certain events and how to apply the lessons learned to a broader reach. Unlike Pixar, who can literally make up anything, this focuses more on problem solving to accomplish more/faster/better/cheaper.

This is also much shorter than Luhn's book, probably because it's ONLY looking at the Mars Pathfinder, vs. Luhn's own experience combined with Pixar's. Even then, there are a lot of double-spaced sections, like it's trying to meet a page count or adjust to keep the chapter layouts similar (chapter title spread, double-spaced lesson summary, interview with photo).

I do like the anecdote about, when a project was ending, the staff were approached about trying a different project in a new area of study for them, rather than being let go just because the original job was finished. Not that my own job would ever come to an end (unless people stop coming into the country entirely, which I don't imagine happening despite certain xenophobic parties), but I've certainly been asked to move around to different areas rather than being one-note for my entire tenure. I didn't like it at first, but it's definitely a better approach, since I now have a better understanding of the entire "portfolio" of work we perform.

Of course, my spouse pointed out that this book is almost entirely an advertisement to generate more funding, which I discovered upon reaching the order form:



Can you imagine buying TEN THOUSAND OR MORE of ONE BOOK??? That had better be SOME convention!

Anyway, I guess it's fine for a money grab, but I prefer Luhn's a little more.

[Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

The fundamental concepts were interesting but for me it felt a little preachy. Didn't find it engaging. It was a skimmer for me.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book, a nice short read, was given to me by my leader at work. Several months before I went to work there, they built an entire movement around this book. Along with stories from project managers working on the Mars Pathfinder mission in the 90's, the book presented several keys to achieving goals "faster, better, and cheaper." While I understand it's purpose and think it did a fine job, I would have enjoyed more details on some of the Pathfinder stories.

[Conrad Zero · Rating 5 out of 5]

OR... How NASA/JPL booked a trip to Mars for less than the budget of WaterWorld. Motivating business theory surrounding the Mars Pathfinder mission and the team philosophy of Faster-Better-Cheaper.

Recommended for any space geeks, manufacturing management, or indie filmmakers.

[Dean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome!

[toxygen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some of the chapters were thoughtful, but the majority was more like motivation lecture with not much specific information. Short and easy read. Amazing pictures from project development included.