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Publications
  • May 2012
  • Case
  • HBS Case Collection

Columbia's Final Mission (Abridged) (A)

By: Amy C. Edmondson and Kerry Herman
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:22
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Abstract

This case documents decision-making processes, organizational culture, and other contributors to NASA's failed Columbia mission in 2003. Addresses the question of how organizations should deal with "ambiguous threats" - weak signals of potential crisis - and explores why ambiguous threats are so challenging to manage.

Keywords

Cognitive Biases; Teams; Organizational Learning; Ambiguous Threat; Leadership; Organizational Culture; Decision Making; Failure; Crisis Management; Aerospace Industry

Citation

Edmondson, Amy C., and Kerry Herman. "Columbia's Final Mission (Abridged) (A)." Harvard Business School Case 612-095, May 2012.

About The Author

Amy C. Edmondson

Technology and Operations Management
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