Research into NASA project management

NASA is synonymous with attention to project management. This recent presentation from the Stevens Institute of Technology describes an approach for classifying projects according to characteristics. Novelty, Complexity, Technology and Pace are proposed classification dimensions. The paper goes on to describe four recent projects and assesses their classification on these dimensions. One recommendation is to develop different project management rules according to the project classification. This is not a new concept - many organisations try to distinguish different flavours of project methodology according to the type (size, risk, strategic goal, etc.). What's interesting about this one is the research aspect.
"Identifying NASA project types