The Manhattan Project

The Manhattan Project was one of the most ambitious scientific efforts in the history. It out shadowed anything previously undertaken: a crew of over 100 000; 37 installations in 13 states (some, like Hanford complex, the size of a small tows); more than a dozen of university laboratories from New York to California, and a secret compound on a desert mesa in New Mexico were involved (Stoff, Fanton & Williams, 1991). The Manhattan Project was, among other things, a …

…goal effectively and quickly. This mega project was a group effort rather than the efforts of a single individual, but certain individuals did make a difference. Brilliant project management by Groves and Oppenheimer talents were important contributing factors to the Manhattan Project success, and should not be underestimated. Among the other lessons learned from that project is that inspired by their leaders, talented individuals can make historic advances and exhibit phenomenal collaboration and focused energy.