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Information Sharing Within The Coea Process, Constance S. Maginnis, Michael J. Monroe Dec 1993

Information Sharing Within The Coea Process, Constance S. Maginnis, Michael J. Monroe

Theses and Dissertations

In order to meet the challenges of a reduced work force and the changing roles and/or missions of the Air Force in particular, the Cost and Operational Effectiveness Analysis COEA is used in the decision-making of every phase of the acquisition process. The Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense OASD has mandated that COEAs are to be an integral part of the acquisition process. The COEA information gathering or sharing process is not well defined. Areas within the COEA process affected are the coordination of common elements of information required, the data collection, and the generation of possible solutions. …


The Effects Of Violations Of Bar Chart Standards On Managerial Decision Making, Jeanne E. Tennison, Phillip G. Puglisi Dec 1993

The Effects Of Violations Of Bar Chart Standards On Managerial Decision Making, Jeanne E. Tennison, Phillip G. Puglisi

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigated whether a difference in data display, modes or a difference in data trends affected mid-level Air Force managers trend impressions, risk assessments. and loan decisions. By presenting data in four different modes, and by three data trends, a 4 x 3 factorial design experiment was prepared 180 subjects were tested, 15 in each of the twelve treatment cells. Each subject viewed three graphs or tables and made a decision based on the trend observed, their assessment of the trend, and a decision table. At the end of the experiment. they were asked for their impression of the …


An Analysis Of The Root Causes Of Delays And Deficiencies In The Development Of Embedded Software For Air Force Weapon Systems, Jay R. Hopkins, Curtis De Keyrel Dec 1993

An Analysis Of The Root Causes Of Delays And Deficiencies In The Development Of Embedded Software For Air Force Weapon Systems, Jay R. Hopkins, Curtis De Keyrel

Theses and Dissertations

The importance of embedded software, used in every subsystem of ah major weapon systems used by the United States Air Force, has increased drastically over the last decades. However, in spite of the regulations currently in existence, developing and acquiring software which meets the user requirements within the original cost and schedule estimates continues to be difficult. At the same time, the Air Force has pushed to improve the development process with the Total Quality Management TQM program. The primary method used to improve the process has been to create metrics, collect data on these metrics, and then perform a …


Air Force Information Management (Im): A 1993 Snapshot Of Current And Projected Roles Of Enlisted Information Managers, Mary E. Duncan, Ted L. Roberts Dec 1993

Air Force Information Management (Im): A 1993 Snapshot Of Current And Projected Roles Of Enlisted Information Managers, Mary E. Duncan, Ted L. Roberts

Theses and Dissertations

This study provides a preliminary view of the level of familiarity enlisted information managers have of changing roles, responsibilities, and initiatives within the Information Management career field. Using a three-phase investigative methodology that combined e-mail, interviews, and mail surveys, the authors addressed the changing roles and responsibilities of enlisted information managers and their familiarity with these changes. This study found that although individuals agree that the role is changing and expanding, many are performing the traditional administrative taskings. The lower ranks still perceive themselves as clerks, whereas senior enlisted members consider themselves managers. Although the career field name changed to …


Business Process Improvement Applied To Written Temporary Duty Travel Orders Within The United States Air Force, Philip W. Mcdowell, David W. Morgan Dec 1993

Business Process Improvement Applied To Written Temporary Duty Travel Orders Within The United States Air Force, Philip W. Mcdowell, David W. Morgan

Theses and Dissertations

This study analyzed the process currently endemic to the activity of producing written TDY orders. Business Process Improvement BPI methodology using IDEF ICAM Integrated Computer Aided Manufacturing Definition and Activity Based Costing methods were used for this study. The objectives of the written TDY order activity were determined as identifying the travelers and verifying authenticity of the travel requirement and subsequent entitlements. Processing the TDY information, generating the TDY order, and processing the TDY order showed activities that add no value or limited value for either the traveler or the government. The activity costs incurred to produce a written TDY …


Information Requirements For The Air Force Institute Of Technology Under A Fee-For-Service Concept, Jerry A. Cole, Patricia C. Cruz Dec 1993

Information Requirements For The Air Force Institute Of Technology Under A Fee-For-Service Concept, Jerry A. Cole, Patricia C. Cruz

Theses and Dissertations

Due to the current shift in national defense strategy, the DoD is going to have to perform new roles and missions with major reductions in resources. One of the major initiatives committed to achieving savings is Corporate Information Management, a broad program designed to help the DoD operate more efficiently by application of successful private sector business practices and better application of information technology. To meet the challenge of operating in a business-like environment AFIT must be able to maximize its competitiveness to provide customers with the quality and types of services they desire. To accomplish this task, information technology …


Measuring User Satisfaction Of The Electronic Mail System At Air Force Materiel Command Headquarters As An Indicator Of The System's Effectiveness, Randall R. Bradford Dec 1993

Measuring User Satisfaction Of The Electronic Mail System At Air Force Materiel Command Headquarters As An Indicator Of The System's Effectiveness, Randall R. Bradford

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the electronic mail system at the Air Force Materiel Command Headquarters. User satisfaction was measured as an indicator of the systems effectiveness. In order to provide an objective measurement of system effectiveness, the following research questions were addressed: (1) What is system effectiveness in relation to this particular electronic mail system, and how should it be measured? (2) What measurement instruments can be adapted, modified, or created to measure effectiveness as it is defined for problem? (3) If a measurement instrument is administered what do the results of the …


Plan For Implementation Of Total Quality Management In The Republic Of China Air Force, Meng-Chun Chao Dec 1993

Plan For Implementation Of Total Quality Management In The Republic Of China Air Force, Meng-Chun Chao

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to build a plan for implementation of Total Quality Management in the Republic of China Air Force. The primary TQM elements are reviewed through definitions, advantages, principles, tools and techniques, education and training, and continuous improvement. In order to establish a TQM plan, the related experience of quality improvement in the U.S. DOD are referenced. The characteristics of ROCAF related to TQM are analyzed and related culture issues are mentioned. The implementation plan includes four parts, top management orientation, TQM structure establishment, empowerment, and continuous improvement. A Chinese view of TQM continuous improvement models …


An Investigation Of The Defense Logistics Agency's Dedicated Truck Program, Theresa O. Cantrell, Walter Van Daele Dec 1993

An Investigation Of The Defense Logistics Agency's Dedicated Truck Program, Theresa O. Cantrell, Walter Van Daele

Theses and Dissertations

In 1990, the Department of Defense purchased medical materiel from the Defense Logistics Agency totaling approximately 1 billion dollars. Congress has directed the Department of Defense to examine civilian health-care practices to reduce the costs. Just-in-Time inventory management is one of those practices. Research on Just-in-Time inventory for military facilities raised several concerns about its capability to support the military mission. However, there are many facets of Just-in-Time management that can be adopted without compromise of wartime capabilities. This research identifies the results of the change in the Defense Logistics Agencys policy on delivery of medical materiel to Department of …


Demonstration Of Improved Software Support Labor Estimation For Air Force Operational Flight Programs Through Functional Orientation, Ronald R. Warner Jr., Darrel L. Wright Dec 1993

Demonstration Of Improved Software Support Labor Estimation For Air Force Operational Flight Programs Through Functional Orientation, Ronald R. Warner Jr., Darrel L. Wright

Theses and Dissertations

This study demonstrated two approaches to improve current software support effort estimation models for aircraft software. Both approaches involved a functional orientation not used by existing models. The first approach demonstrated how to orient a model to reflect the block change cycle modification process and how to represent support effort changes over time in order to improve effort estimation accuracy. Current software models do not reflect the support environment or the temporal characteristics of aircraft software support. The second approach demonstrated how to calibrate a model by properly selecting source data in order to increase accuracy. Support calibration is not …


An Analysis Of The Records Management Process To Determine The Impact Of Automation On Productivity, David A. Gaines, Trevor J. Nelson Dec 1993

An Analysis Of The Records Management Process To Determine The Impact Of Automation On Productivity, David A. Gaines, Trevor J. Nelson

Theses and Dissertations

This research was performed to study the effects of automation on Air Force records management productivity prior to widespread implementation of Document Librarian. Document Librarian is a software tool developed for Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command HQ AFMC to manage records in accordance with Air Force, Federal, and National Archives and Records Administration NARA regulations, and is currently undergoing developmental testing. One organization was used as a case study to determine the effects of Document Librarian on the organizations records management productivity. A records management process model was constructed and used to define the relevant tasks and outputs of their …


A Comparison Of Users' And Providers' Perceptions Of Critical Spacelift Vehicle Characteristics And Capabilities, Dawson S. Oslund, Mark M. Shafer Sep 1993

A Comparison Of Users' And Providers' Perceptions Of Critical Spacelift Vehicle Characteristics And Capabilities, Dawson S. Oslund, Mark M. Shafer

Theses and Dissertations

This study compares spacelift vehicle users' and providers' perceptions of critical spacelift vehicle characteristics and capabilities. The researchers conducted a mail survey of military, commercial, and civil spacelift vehicle users and providers to determine a criticality rating for each of the 22 characteristics and capabilities identified through a literature review. Primary results of the study indicate: (1) the three most critical characteristics and capabilities are reliability, launch cost, and resilience; (2) the three least critical characteristics and capabilities are man-rateable, reusability, and gross lift-off weight; (3) only launch cost has a significantly different mean 'criticality rating among spacelift vehicle users …


The Future Sbss: Migration Of Sbss Functions From A Mainframe Environment To A Disturbed Pc-Based Lan Environment, William D. Rath, Scott A. Vesper Sep 1993

The Future Sbss: Migration Of Sbss Functions From A Mainframe Environment To A Disturbed Pc-Based Lan Environment, William D. Rath, Scott A. Vesper

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis was to determine the technical feasibility of a PC-based Standard Base Supply System (SBSS). The SBSS is currently run in a mainframe environment; however, the current hardware contract will be reviewed in 1997. At that time, a decision as to what hardware implementation best serves Base Supply needs must be made. This document evaluates various possible PC- based SBSS Local Area Network (LAN) architectures, as well as provides an initial direction for implementation. The current mainframe-based Regional SBSS implementation serves multiple bases via long haul networks and may not effectively satisfy Air Force/base level requirements. …


A Case Study Of Factors Affecting Continuous Improvement In Dod Activities Operating Under Total Quality Management, Mark E. Gabriel, Theodore E. Manis Sep 1993

A Case Study Of Factors Affecting Continuous Improvement In Dod Activities Operating Under Total Quality Management, Mark E. Gabriel, Theodore E. Manis

Theses and Dissertations

This study looked at factors affecting the success or failure of continuous improvement initiatives in Department of Defense (DOD) activities to determine whether these activities were continuously improving and to identify factors effecting their efforts. Initially a list of relevant factors was compiled from the criteria for various quality awards and from factors cited in the literature. This list was synthesized into seven factors mentioned most often as critical to quality management and continuous improvement. Interviews were then conducted with representatives of the three commands included in the study. Each command provided information on a successful initiative and on an …


A Benchmark Of Tractor Trailer Operator Training Between The United States Army's 37th Transportation Command And A Selected Civilian Industry Leader, Stephen J. Mayhew, Joel T. Peterson Sep 1993

A Benchmark Of Tractor Trailer Operator Training Between The United States Army's 37th Transportation Command And A Selected Civilian Industry Leader, Stephen J. Mayhew, Joel T. Peterson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose or this research was to determine differences between the Army's 37th Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) TRACTOR TRAILER (T/T) driver training program and a selected civilian industry leader's training program in order to identify practices which could improve 37th TRANSCOM's training program. In order to make this comparison, the researchers used a benchmarking methodology to compare T/T training programs of 37th TRANSCOM and Eaton Roadranger Training Institute. Major findings were identified in five areas. There were negative gaps in the four benchmark areas of minimum age requirement, course content, prior driving experience required of instructors, and mock-up training aids. One …


A Study Of Black Officer Candidate Attrition In The United States Air Force, Rodney D. Carroll, Philbert A. Cole Jr. Sep 1993

A Study Of Black Officer Candidate Attrition In The United States Air Force, Rodney D. Carroll, Philbert A. Cole Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the correlation between measures of academic achievement and success in the Air Force commissioning process. The correlation between area of high school attendance and success was also examined. Any significant differences in the correlations for black officer candidates and other officer candidates were determined. An extensive literature review revealed that no similar Air Force study had ever been conducted. Discriminant function analysis was performed on a sample of approximately 14,600 U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) cadets and 6,500 Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) cadets. The researchers found that measures of past academic success were only …


A Study Of The Development Of Planning, Programming And Budgeting System (Ppbs) In The United States Department Of Defense, Sakir S. Kantik Sep 1993

A Study Of The Development Of Planning, Programming And Budgeting System (Ppbs) In The United States Department Of Defense, Sakir S. Kantik

Theses and Dissertations

Having served as the United States Defense Department (DoD)'s primary resource allocation and decision-making process for more than 30 years, Planning-Programming-Budgeting System (PPBS) has kept going its evolution since it was first introduced in 1961. Accordingly, this study examined the development of PPBS in the U.S. DoD from its beginning to the recent past, that is to 1986, focusing on its basic purposes, how it has been modified and to assess the various expert observations made about the system. As originally conceived, the budget process was divided into three phases: Planning, Programming and Budgeting. The Planning phase was concerned with …


Scheduling A Medium-Sized Manufacturing Shop: A Simulation Study, Daniel J. Mcfeely Sep 1993

Scheduling A Medium-Sized Manufacturing Shop: A Simulation Study, Daniel J. Mcfeely

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the application of simple-to-use, low cost scheduling methods to the operating environment of a medium-sized manufacturing shop. Computer simulation was used to evaluate eighteen different scheduling algorithms, each the result of the combination of a loading and a sequencing rule; due date setting was not considered since due dates are exogenously set. The loading rules investigated were Minimum Machine Required, Lowest Average WIP, and Lowest Average Aggregate Priority Level. The sequencing rules investigated were Priority, EDD, FIS, SPT, Slack, and Slack Ratio. The scheduling algorithms were evaluated against performance measures of mean tardiness, mean flowtime, mean percentage …


Cost Estimating Cases: Educational Tools For Cost Analysts, Kerrie G. Schieman, James R. Passaro Sep 1993

Cost Estimating Cases: Educational Tools For Cost Analysts, Kerrie G. Schieman, James R. Passaro

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this research effort was to develop educational cases that would bridge the gap between the theory and principles of cost estimating currently taught in the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) Graduate Cost Analysis (GCA) curriculum and the real world of cost estimating in the acquisition arena. To achieve these goals, the following research objectives were investigated (1) Identify cost estimating skills that graduates of the AFIT GCA curriculum are expected to possess. (2) Assess the relative importance of the identified cost estimating skills. (3) Select weapon system scenarios that are relevant, interesting, and facilitate student performance …


An Evaluation Of Individual Empowerment And Self-Efficacy On Sexual Harrassment In The Work Environment, Rebecca A. Gebhard, Edgar J. Labenne Sep 1993

An Evaluation Of Individual Empowerment And Self-Efficacy On Sexual Harrassment In The Work Environment, Rebecca A. Gebhard, Edgar J. Labenne

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis was to develop an instrument that would measure an individual's ability to define sexual harassment and address gender discrimination. In addition, the thesis determines the relationship of empowerment, self-efficacy, and training as it affects the awareness of harassment. Extensive statistical analysis was performed on the instrument and sample data. The importance of developing this instrument is evident in its ability to create regression models to predict the existence of empowerment and self-efficacy which could be useful to improve morale and productivity. This thesis provides a history of sexual harassment from the difficulty in defining terminology, …


Measuring Productive Efficiency In Air Force Operational Contracting Squadrons: An Application Of Data Envelopment Analysis, Dennis W. Groseclose, Douglas E. James Sep 1993

Measuring Productive Efficiency In Air Force Operational Contracting Squadrons: An Application Of Data Envelopment Analysis, Dennis W. Groseclose, Douglas E. James

Theses and Dissertations

In an effort to improve the management feedback in operational contracting squadrons, this research concentrated on the development of an alternate method to measure operational contracting performance. Specifically, the research investigated the use of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to measure the productive efficiency of 45 operational contracting squadrons. Operational contracting managers were surveyed to identify critical resources to and outputs from the contracting process. Based on this survey, four inputs and five outputs were included in the DEA model. The DEA was executed for each contracting squadron under study. The DEA output provided improved performance measurement and feedback information. DEA …


Computerized Vehicle Routing Programs And Their Effect On Vehicle Utilization In The Air Force, Rex E. Adee, William G. Howard Sep 1993

Computerized Vehicle Routing Programs And Their Effect On Vehicle Utilization In The Air Force, Rex E. Adee, William G. Howard

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to determine if a commercial computerized vehicle routing program improves vehicle utilization for an Air Force base transportation organization. First, the researchers investigate current routing procedures of Air Force base transportation organizations. Second, researchers identify a commercial computerized vehicle routing program that enables the authors to conduct a comparison of vehicle utilization rates between an Air Force base transportation organization and commercial computerized vehicle routing programs. The study reveals that implementing a computerized vehicle routing program in place of a manual routing procedure does not improve vehicle utilization. However, the study reveals some limitations …


The Development Of An Instrument To Measure Fourteen Theoretical Factors For The Attribution Of Charisma, Tyler J. Bach, Michael J. Labosky Sep 1993

The Development Of An Instrument To Measure Fourteen Theoretical Factors For The Attribution Of Charisma, Tyler J. Bach, Michael J. Labosky

Theses and Dissertations

This study attempted to validate Hicks' (1991) findings of 11 factors which could be used to measure the attribution of charisma. Three new factors were added and their validity measured. The instrument measured whether followers differentiated between charismatic and non-charismatic leaders in terms of these factors. We tested if the subjects responded differently to the attribution of charisma based on gender or whether or not they had someone in mind as they completed the instrument. Cronbach's Alpha was used to measure the validity of the 14 factors land to compare them to previous findings. All 14 factors were validated, some …


A Study Of Theoretical Models For Managing Technology Change And A Comparison To A Radio Frequency Identification Implementation, Mark S. Reboulet, Phillip L. Robinson Sep 1993

A Study Of Theoretical Models For Managing Technology Change And A Comparison To A Radio Frequency Identification Implementation, Mark S. Reboulet, Phillip L. Robinson

Theses and Dissertations

This research developed an aggregate model for technological implementation in organizations. The aggregate model drew information from various theoretical models and aggregated those elements that were common to several of the models. Those elements included: information availability, anticipated profitability, probability of success, user attitudes, political attitudes, external pressure, teamwork, strategic planning, resource availability, and training. Individuals involved at various organizational levels of a Radio Frequency Identification implementation were interviewed to see if the aggregate model could be useful to managers. The researchers found evidence that each of the elements of the aggregate model could be beneficial to managers considering implementing …


A Study Of The Establishment Of Cost And Schedule Variance Thresholds On Department Of Defense Major Program Contracts, Tuan A. Hoang, Steven M. Quick Sep 1993

A Study Of The Establishment Of Cost And Schedule Variance Thresholds On Department Of Defense Major Program Contracts, Tuan A. Hoang, Steven M. Quick

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examined to what extent theoretical threshold models are used to establish cost and schedule variance thresholds on Department of Defense (DoD) major program contracts and identified how these thresholds are actually established. First, numerous theoretical methods for establishing variance threshold including the accounting approach, the statistical process control approach, and the Dyckman and Kaplan models were investigated and assessed. Interviews were then conducted with a sample of DoD and civilian defense contractor personnel who had first-hand knowledge of the establishment of cost and schedule variance thresholds. Findings indicated that none of these methods was being used. Repeatedly, interviewees …


Empowerment: Dimensions And Strategies In The U.S Air Force, Karen M. Corrente, Adelaida Lopez Sep 1993

Empowerment: Dimensions And Strategies In The U.S Air Force, Karen M. Corrente, Adelaida Lopez

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this research was to develop an instrument capable of measuring empowerment, and provide recommended general strategies on how to create an empowered organization. This goal was accomplished by developing a pilot questionnaire based on seven dimensions of empowerment discussed in Major Wayne G. Stone's unpublished article Empowerment: Keeping the Promise of the Total Quality Revolution. Each dimension of empowerment was subdivided into measurement parameters, with behavioral statements developed to describe these parameters. The pilot questionnaire was completed by 278 Air Force-related personnel with mainly acquisition-oriented backgrounds. Results indicated six factors of empowerment exist which were translated into …


Assessment Of The Effectiveness Of The United States Air Force And Selected Unit Vision Statements, Joseph N. Gomes, Quinn A. Gummel Sep 1993

Assessment Of The Effectiveness Of The United States Air Force And Selected Unit Vision Statements, Joseph N. Gomes, Quinn A. Gummel

Theses and Dissertations

This study assessed the Air Force and subordinate unit vision statements to determine how effectively current Air Force efforts provide vision for Air Force personnel. There were two main parts to the research: a literature review, and a field study of various Air Force units to assess the effectiveness of the Air Force visioning process. A review of the literature revealed the definition, and role, of vision statements, and identified five essential elements for effective vision statements. The elements of effective vision statements were found to be: a clear image of a future end state; a realistic and attainable goal; …


An Investigation Into The Effects Of Process Variation In The Base Processing Segment Of The Depot-Level Reparable Pipeline, Harold D. Hites, Mark Schultz Sep 1993

An Investigation Into The Effects Of Process Variation In The Base Processing Segment Of The Depot-Level Reparable Pipeline, Harold D. Hites, Mark Schultz

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to identify and provide pipeline managers with the knowledge and tools necessary for reducing process variation associated with retrograde asset flow time. Several Air Force studies have been devoted to researching portions of the pipeline process. Our study continues this trend of investigations by studying the Base Processing Segment. This study demonstrates the potential for analyzing the Base Processing Segment of the depot-level reparable pipeline using Statistical Process Control. Retrograde asset flow time data collection methods and current management practices were examined. Control charts were used in the passive mode to analyze and determine …


A Test Of The Theory Of Reasoned Action At The Group Level Of Analysis, Thomas A. Fitch, Edward A. Mccarty Sep 1993

A Test Of The Theory Of Reasoned Action At The Group Level Of Analysis, Thomas A. Fitch, Edward A. Mccarty

Theses and Dissertations

A vast array of studies exist which have sought to explore the relationships between behavioral intentions, job satisfaction, turnover and performance at the individual level of analysis. Recent efforts to move to the group level of analysis have shown some promise, but few exist. The crux of the issue under consideration here was whether or not there was utility in treating attitude-intention-behavior linkages as group level phenomena. Both Schneider (1987) and George (1990' contend that, while individual analysis cannot be discounted as a means of understanding behavior, there is also value in examining group-level phenomena. The purpose of this study …


The Impact Of Goal Setting And Empowerment On Governmental Matrix Organizations, Stephen R. Corey, Patricea W. Hogan Sep 1993

The Impact Of Goal Setting And Empowerment On Governmental Matrix Organizations, Stephen R. Corey, Patricea W. Hogan

Theses and Dissertations

The matrix management concept is currently in use by many DoD organizations. Theories of goal setting and empowerment seem to align with some of the responsibilities assumed by matrix project managers. The research problem was to determine whether will-functioning government matrix organizations owe their effectiveness to a project-oriented matrix organization structure, or to good goal setting and empowerment practices by managers. Interviews were conducted at three SPOs at WPAFB and at DLA's DESC and DCSC. Qualitative analysis, including dendrograms and matrix displays were utilized. Conclusions include the following points: Goal Setting is not prominent, but may not be critical in …