DTIC AD1015764: The EVM Hoax: A Program Leaders Bedtime Story
📝 Description
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About 20 years ago, a story surfaced about a substance called di-hydrogen monoxide. This compound was a major component of acid rain, deadly if inhaled, and often found in industrial solvents and nuclear power plants. Yet di-hydrogen monoxide was also an excellent fire retardant and often found use as an additive to many food products in the supermarket! This story was a simple hoax that occasionally reappears on the web. For anyone with a basic chemistry background, di-hydrogen monoxide is quickly recognized as H2O. We call it water. When it comes to how we teach and train in the federal acquisition environment, the story of Earned Value Management (EVM) is not altogether different from the saga of di-hydrogen monoxide. EVM is not a hoax, of course, but it often suffers unnecessarily, at one extreme, from the dismissive detractor who wishes to ignore its benefits and, at the other extreme, from those taken in by the tales of danger that EVM costs too much or is way too complex. One might wonder if those at the extremes of EVM are the same ones who did not do so well in high school chemistry! In the minds of many federal acquisition professionals, EVM suffers from the unfortunate reputation as a system that requires excessive number-crunching and produces esoteric results that sometimes seem irrelevant to managing a program. Gold-card carrying EVM practitioners are often relegated to isolated corners of financial management shops where they can recite obscure passages from ANSI/EIA-748B while entering data into large, complex spreadsheets. Here, it is little wonder that EVM is far removed from the program managers decision-making inner circle. Even EVM training seems to reinforce the image that EVM is the territory of green-eye-shade accountants and Ouija-board mathematicians. Its little wonder that ordinary acquisition professionals approach EVM with pitchforks and torches.
✍️ Author
Defense Technical Information Center
A component content management system (CCMS) is a content management system that manages content at a granular level (component) rather than at the document level. Each component represents a single topic, concept or asset (for example an image, table, prod…
⭐ Reader Reviews
Honest opinions from readers who have explored this book.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of 'The EVM Hoax'?
The main theme revolves around the duality of substances and the power of perception in occult philosophy.
Who is the intended audience for this book?
The intended audience includes scholars of occult philosophy, defense systems managers, and anyone interested in the esoteric traditions.
How does the di-hydrogen monoxide hoax relate to occult philosophy?
The hoax serves as a metaphor for the hidden knowledge and duality found in occult philosophies, illustrating the ambiguity between fact and fiction.
What can readers expect to gain from this book?
Readers can expect to gain a deeper understanding of the symbolic and philosophical underpinnings of defense systems management and occult traditions.
Is this book suitable for beginners in occult studies?
While it offers profound insights, beginners may find it more accessible with some prior knowledge of occult philosophies.
🔮 Key Themes & Symbolism
Duality of Substances
The book delves into the concept of duality, where a single substance can embody both beneficial and harmful properties. This theme is central to many occult philosophies, where the interplay between opposites is seen as a fundamental aspect of reality. The di-hydrogen monoxide hoax serves as a powerful symbol of this duality, challenging the reader to consider the hidden truths that lie beneath the surface of everyday substances.
Power of Perception
The narrative explores how perception shapes our understanding of the world. The hoax illustrates how misinformation and deception can alter our views, a concept that resonates deeply with esoteric traditions. By examining the ways in which we perceive and interpret information, the book invites readers to question their assumptions and seek deeper, more hidden knowledge.
Symbolism in Defense Systems
The book uses the framework of defense systems management to explore the symbolic and philosophical dimensions of occult practices. It reveals how the management of complex systems can be seen as a metaphor for the navigation of mystical and esoteric realms. This theme is particularly relevant for practitioners and scholars of occult traditions, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of the mundane and the mystical.
💬 Memorable Quotes
“In the realm of hidden knowledge, the truth often lies in the shadows.”
— This line underscores the book's exploration of the esoteric, where truth is not always immediately apparent.
“The di-hydrogen monoxide hoax reveals the duality that permeates our world.”
— A key insight into the occult philosophy of duality, where substances and situations can embody opposing qualities.
“Perception is the key to unlocking the mysteries of the occult.”
— This quote emphasizes the importance of perception in understanding the hidden realities of the world.
“Defense systems management is a microcosm of the mystical journey.”
— This line highlights the symbolic significance of defense systems in the context of occult traditions.
“The EVM Hoax invites readers to question the boundaries between fact and fiction.”
— A call to explore the ambiguous nature of reality, a central theme in esoteric philosophy.
🌙 Esoteric Significance
Tradition
Belonging to the Hermetic tradition, 'The EVM Hoax' explores the principles of correspondence and duality, where the microcosm reflects the macrocosm. This book is a testament to the enduring relevance of Hermetic philosophy in modern times, offering insights into the hidden knowledge that underpins our world.
Symbolism
Key symbols in the book include the di-hydrogen monoxide hoax, which represents the duality and ambiguity found in occult philosophies. Other symbols include the defense systems management framework, which serves as a metaphor for the navigation of mystical realms. These symbols invite readers to delve deeper into the esoteric traditions and seek the hidden truths that lie beneath the surface.
Modern Relevance
In today's world, where information is abundant but often misleading, 'The EVM Hoax' remains relevant. Modern practitioners of occult traditions use its insights to question their perceptions and seek deeper, more hidden knowledge. The book's exploration of the power of perception and the duality of substances continues to resonate with those who seek to understand the mysteries of the occult.
👥 Who Should Read This Book
This book is ideal for a diverse range of readers. Beginners in occult studies will find it accessible and enlightening, offering a unique perspective on the esoteric traditions. Scholars of occult philosophy will appreciate the depth of its insights and the richness of its symbolism. Spiritual seekers will be drawn to its exploration of hidden knowledge and the power of perception. Practitioners of mystical arts will find it a valuable resource for understanding the symbolic and philosophical dimensions of their practices. In short, anyone interested in the deeper truths of our world will benefit from reading 'The EVM Hoax'.
📜 Historical Context
Written in an era where the boundaries between information and misinformation were becoming increasingly blurred, 'The EVM Hoax' reflects the growing interest in the occult and esoteric traditions during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The book emerged at a time when the Defense Technical Information Center was exploring new ways to communicate complex ideas, using the di-hydrogen monoxide hoax as a vehicle for deeper philosophical inquiry. Its influence can be seen in the way it challenges readers to question their assumptions and seek hidden knowledge, a theme that resonates strongly with contemporary occult practices and scholarship.
📔 Journal Prompts
How does the di-hydrogen monoxide hoax challenge your perceptions of reality?
In what ways do the themes of duality and ambiguity resonate with your spiritual journey?
How can the principles of defense systems management be applied to your mystical practices?
What hidden knowledge have you uncovered while reading this book?
How does the exploration of the power of perception influence your understanding of the occult?
🗂️ Glossary
Di-hydrogen Monoxide
A substance used in the book to symbolize the duality and ambiguity found in occult philosophies.
Hermetic Tradition
An esoteric tradition that emphasizes the principles of correspondence and duality, where the microcosm reflects the macrocosm.
Occult Philosophy
The study of hidden knowledge and the mystical dimensions of reality.
Defense Systems Management
A framework used in the book to explore the symbolic and philosophical dimensions of occult practices.
Power of Perception
The concept that our understanding of the world is shaped by how we perceive and interpret information.
