Heilmeier created a series of questions that he called the “catechism,” which he made the litmus test for any program brought to his office: First what are you trying to do? How is it being done now, and what are the limitations of current practice? What’s new in your approach? Why do you think it can be successful? If you are successful, what difference does it make? How much money does it need, and how long is this going to take? What are the midterm and final exams?
