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An Examination Of Defense Acquisition Management In The Republic Of China: Comparison With The United States, Ching-Tsung Jen Jun 1997

An Examination Of Defense Acquisition Management In The Republic Of China: Comparison With The United States, Ching-Tsung Jen

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis has explored the current issues of defense acquisition management in the Republic of China (ROC). The purpose of this research was to examine the managerial functions in defense acquisition systems and provide recommendations for further acquisition reform in the ROC. Using the exploratory case study approach, this research took a broad look at the ROC defense acquisition system by comparing it with the U.S. acquisition system. To analyze the difference, five functional indicators were selected. These five indicators which represent the managerial functions during the acquisition process include Policy and Statutes, Acquisition Process, Acquisition Organization, Acquisition Workforce Training …


A Preliminary Study Of Using The Sei's Capability Maturity Model To Set Statistical Control Bounds On Dod Contractor Cost And Schedule Performance, Jeffrey A. Schaefer Dec 1996

A Preliminary Study Of Using The Sei's Capability Maturity Model To Set Statistical Control Bounds On Dod Contractor Cost And Schedule Performance, Jeffrey A. Schaefer

Theses and Dissertations

Current methods for monitoring the performance of Department of Defense (DOD) software development contractors have not been successful in reversing the current trend of over budget and behind schedule software development. The DOD has adopted the Software Engineering Institute's (SEI's) Capability Maturity Model (CMM) as a method of determining the process maturity of a software developer with the idea that a more mature process will lead to improved cost and schedule performance. The goal of this research was to determine if a model based on the CMM rating level of a contractor could be developed and used in conjunction with …


An Exploratory Study Of The Benefits Received By Wright Laboratory (Wl) From Technology Transfer Activities, Clinton J. Braun Sep 1996

An Exploratory Study Of The Benefits Received By Wright Laboratory (Wl) From Technology Transfer Activities, Clinton J. Braun

Theses and Dissertations

The allocation of resources should be a rational decision making process where alternatives can be compared based on their estimated costs and benefits to the organization. In order to justify technology transfer activities, a sound methodology must be developed that will document the benefits derived from transfer activities. The risks or uncertainties associated with those benefits must also be estimated and analyzed. By detailing the costs, benefits, and uncertainties associated with technology transfer activities, decision makers will have a logical framework that can be used to determine the cost effectiveness of technology transfer. Leaders within the technology transfer arena are …


The Utility Of Using A Third Party In Military To Commercial Technology Transfer, David A. Taylor Sep 1996

The Utility Of Using A Third Party In Military To Commercial Technology Transfer, David A. Taylor

Theses and Dissertations

In the wake of the defense drawdown and end of the Cold War, government laboratories are facing a changing mission. It is not only to maintain technology superiority, but also to promote commercialization of their technologies. Although Congress has tried to facilitate technology transfer from the government to the private sector, the transfer process has been inconsistent. The need for assistance has initiated the use of third parties or intermediaries in the technology transfer process. This thesis evaluates the utility of a third party in the technology transfer process. An examination of Wright Technology Network (WTN), a third party, is …


The Implementation Of An Enhanced Activity-Based Costing Model At The Defense Supply Center Columbus, James A. Neice Jr., Vernon L. Scribner Sep 1996

The Implementation Of An Enhanced Activity-Based Costing Model At The Defense Supply Center Columbus, James A. Neice Jr., Vernon L. Scribner

Theses and Dissertations

This research explored the problems with ABC implementation at a government service organization. ABC implementation efforts within other government organizations were examined to determine what caused different organizations to implement ABC. Next a case study analysis was performed, following the implementation of an expanded ABC model within a government service organization. The research used unstructured open-ended interviews, on-site visits, and archival analysis to conduct the case study. The study examined how the organization developed its initial model and subsequently introduced an enhanced model. The enhanced ABC Model had not been implemented at DSCC as of the conclusion of this case …


A Survey Of Activity-Based Costing (Abc) Practices Within The Department Of The Army, Seon-Mook Lee, David S. Ryder Sep 1996

A Survey Of Activity-Based Costing (Abc) Practices Within The Department Of The Army, Seon-Mook Lee, David S. Ryder

Theses and Dissertations

Activity-Based Costing (ABC) does not appear to have been as readily accepted within the Department of the Army as within private industry (Kehoe et al., 1995). Barely able to accomplish their missions at current resource levels, military resource managers know historically that identified efficiencies and savings often are translated into self inflicted budget and manpower cuts. Yet, it is almost universally accepted that the benefits of using Activity-Based Costing are real and obtainable, but not yet worth the effort required with the perceived risk being taken. Current conventional wisdom is for Army Resource Managers to wait and see what benefits …


An Air Force Guide For Effective Meeting Management, Zackery S. Belcher Sep 1995

An Air Force Guide For Effective Meeting Management, Zackery S. Belcher

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to improve the effectiveness of organizational meetings thereby reducing the waste from ineffective meetings. Specifically, this thesis sought to answer three research questions addressing the essential elements for effective meetings, the benefits from productive meetings, and the information and skills critical to conducting meetings. The research questions were essentially answered through a comprehensive literature review and the use of the Delphi Technique. However, the solicitation of meeting materials from 16 Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award winners and 90 Fortune 1,000 firms provided additional information. Seven experts, representing Air Force and industry, participated in two …


The Implementation Of Federal Government Policy In The Reuse Planning Of Military Installations: A Case Study Of Gentile Air Force Station, John L. Hoover Sep 1995

The Implementation Of Federal Government Policy In The Reuse Planning Of Military Installations: A Case Study Of Gentile Air Force Station, John L. Hoover

Theses and Dissertations

Local communities affected by a base closure are uncertain as to their future and look to the federal government for guidance and economic assistance in rebuilding their local economy. The local communities want to close the base with as little federal government interference as possible and convert the base to civilian use with as much federal financial assistance as possible. During 1993-1994 two Air Force Institute of Technology research teams began longitudinal case studies of the base closure and rescue process at Gentile Air Force Station, Ohio to determine the effectiveness of the federal government's current approach. These research teams …


Using Customer Satisfaction For Measuring The Effectiveness Of Integrated Product Teams, Charles H. Embs, James N. Anderson Sep 1995

Using Customer Satisfaction For Measuring The Effectiveness Of Integrated Product Teams, Charles H. Embs, James N. Anderson

Theses and Dissertations

In attempting to develop a performance measurement system for assessing the effectiveness of integrated Product Teams (iPTs), this research focused on the identification of those characteristics that were most important to the customers of Hyrs. Customer satisfaction was selected as the focal point because it is the foundation of the Integrated Weapon System Management (IWSM) philosophy which fostered the IPT approach to conducting business. The customer satisfaction data was gathered from the Quality Air Force self-assessments conducted by the B-1, B-2, F-15, F-16, F-22, and C-17 System Program Offices, as well as interviews conducted by Brigadier General Kenne with several …


Developing An Integrated Model For Measuring Organizational Effectiveness In Light Of The Government Performance And Results Acts Of 1993, Thomas A. Miller Sep 1995

Developing An Integrated Model For Measuring Organizational Effectiveness In Light Of The Government Performance And Results Acts Of 1993, Thomas A. Miller

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis was to review current Systems Program Office (SPO) effectiveness measures in light of the recently implemented Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 (GPRA), and to develop an integrated model of organizational effectiveness SPOs can use to comply with GPRA. Specifically, this thesis attempted to answer three research propositions addressing whether or not: (1) Current effectiveness measures used within SPOs are strictly output goal measures; (2) GPRA, while emphasizing the need for a more 'holistic' approach has not provided a good model to accomplish this; and (3) An integrated model can be developed to meet …


An Analysis Of The Effectiveness Of Records Management, Dale R. Austin, Peter M. Moseley Dec 1994

An Analysis Of The Effectiveness Of Records Management, Dale R. Austin, Peter M. Moseley

Theses and Dissertations

This research was performed for the dual purpose of defining effectiveness as it applies to the field of records management (RM) and studying the impact of Document Librarian (DL) on the productivity of Air Force records managers. The main thrust of the study was to define effectiveness for RM because no standard existed. The definition was generated through a Delphi process with a group of RM experts and took four rounds to achieve acceptable consensus. The Delphi process evaluated major areas which a RM system must perform. DL is a RM software package developed jointly by Air Force Material Command …


An Evaluation Of The Educational Effectiveness Of A Relational Course Compared To Single Topic Courses Offered By The Management Department Of The United States Air Force, Kevin M. Kosefeski Sep 1994

An Evaluation Of The Educational Effectiveness Of A Relational Course Compared To Single Topic Courses Offered By The Management Department Of The United States Air Force, Kevin M. Kosefeski

Theses and Dissertations

This study compares the educational effectiveness of two different methods of teaching three senior-level management courses at the United States Air Force Academy. The first method, known as relational instruction, combined Management Information Systems MIS, Marketing, and Strategic Management into one three hour course worth nine credits. The team of instructors used a variety of delivery methods to present material. The second method of instruction employed single topic courses covering the same three topics as the relational course, taught by single instructors in one hour blocks using mostly lecture to deliver material. The literature review covered Blooms taxonomy of educational …


Demonstration Of A Benchmarking Technique To Compare Graduate Education Level Of Air Force Project Managers And Selected Benchmarking Partners, William D. Beatty, David H. Kelley Sep 1994

Demonstration Of A Benchmarking Technique To Compare Graduate Education Level Of Air Force Project Managers And Selected Benchmarking Partners, William D. Beatty, David H. Kelley

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis demonstrated a benchmarking technique to support determining graduate education requirements for officers in the Acquisition Program Management utilization field. The technique is also applicable to other Air Force career fields. The USAF currently uses the Graduate Education Management System GEMS to quantify officer graduate education requirements. Weaknesses in the GEMS-based process include the inability to address future technologies, vulnerability to inconsistency and change, and confusion of training with education. AFIT developed and recommended an alternative requirements determination approach that relies on benchmarking. This thesis reviewed literature on benchmarking principles. The research methodology developed and implemented benchmarking procedures to …


The Effects Of Three-Dimensional Graphs On Decision Making, Anita E. Latin, Anthony L. Villanueva Sep 1994

The Effects Of Three-Dimensional Graphs On Decision Making, Anita E. Latin, Anthony L. Villanueva

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this thesis was to determine whether or not, and by how much, three-dimensional graphs are more accurate and efficient than two- dimensional graphs and tables when presenting alternatives to decision makers. A graphical experiment was designed using a microcomputer. This experiment presented a business scenario to test Air Force Institute of Technology AFIT Professional Continuing Education PCE students. The experiment attempted to determine how well DoD decision makers accurately and efficiently performed elementary data collection tasks using various graphs or tables. The experiment used a randomized order within-subject factorial design with repeated measures. The factorial experiment was …


Analysis Of The Air Force's Clean Water Act Notice Of Violations As A Managerial Tool In Achieving Compliance, Sandra J. Beneway Aug 1994

Analysis Of The Air Force's Clean Water Act Notice Of Violations As A Managerial Tool In Achieving Compliance, Sandra J. Beneway

Theses and Dissertations

In 1988, the General Accounting Office released the report Water Pollution: Stronger Enforcement Needed to Improve Compliance at Federal Facilities. The report claimed Federal Facilities were in noncompliance of environmental statutes at twice the rate of nonfederal facilities. The Air Force chain of command, from Chief of Staff to Commander and Chief, emphasize environmental compliance is expected at all Air Force Facilities. To enhance the Air Force's Clean Water Compliance Program, past noncompliance violations were compiled and an analysis performed assessing the value of the past violation trends as managerial tools in achieving compliance. The database chosen for the analysis …


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 …


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 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 …


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 …


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 …


Computer Simulation Study Of The Joint Deployment Of The 23rd Wing And 82nd Airborne Division From Pope Air Force Base, John B. Prechtel, Mark S. Wingreen Sep 1993

Computer Simulation Study Of The Joint Deployment Of The 23rd Wing And 82nd Airborne Division From Pope Air Force Base, John B. Prechtel, Mark S. Wingreen

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis produced a model of the Army airdrop segment of the Pope AFB deployment system. The original intent was to model the entire system and simulate the simultaneous deployment of the 23rd Wing and 82nd Airborne Division; however, time constraints and incomplete data forced a reduction in scope. The study provides an excellent foundation for further research into the use of simulation to develop a generalized deployment sizing model. The airdrop segment of the system was modeled using the researcher's personal observations of the system, the expertise of personnel who work within the system, and documentation of the problems …


Customer Service Analysis Of Air Combat Command Vehicle Maintenance Support, Lori M. Bass, Linda J. Dahl Sep 1993

Customer Service Analysis Of Air Combat Command Vehicle Maintenance Support, Lori M. Bass, Linda J. Dahl

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to recommend a more comprehensive set of Vehicle Maintenance performance measures. A survey was used to collect information from Vehicle Maintenance customers from various organizations throughout ACC. The research had four objectives: (1) identify the customer service elements important to Vehicle maintenance customers; (2) identify customer perceptions about how Vehicle Maintenance meets those elements; (3) compare the perceptions of different customer groups; and (4) recommend customer oriented Vehicle Maintenance performance measures. Data analysis revealed that quality and timeliness were the service factors most important to Vehicle Maintenance customers. Analysis also indicated distinct differences between …


Toward Alternative Metrics For Measuring Performance Within Operational Contracting Squadrons: An Application Of Benchmarking Techniques, Mark W. Fahrenkamp, Mark P. Garst Sep 1993

Toward Alternative Metrics For Measuring Performance Within Operational Contracting Squadrons: An Application Of Benchmarking Techniques, Mark W. Fahrenkamp, Mark P. Garst

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to present a performance evaluation system based upon benchmarking techniques as an alternative method of assessing performance within operational contracting squadrons. To fulfill this purpose, the research focused upon four main objectives: (1) determine all the performance factors that currently exist within a typical contracting squadron; (2) determine which of these factors are considered significant for measuring organizational performance, (3) determine whether a benchmark can be established for each performance factor considered to be significant; and (4) determine whether a viable performance evaluation system can be developed based upon benchmarking principles and techniques. To …


An Analysis Of Depot Maintenance Interservicing Source Of Repair Selection And Acquisition Program Incompatibilities, Robert N. Mcgarry, Gregory K. Owens Sep 1992

An Analysis Of Depot Maintenance Interservicing Source Of Repair Selection And Acquisition Program Incompatibilities, Robert N. Mcgarry, Gregory K. Owens

Theses and Dissertations

This study revealed that although the Depot Maintenance Interservicing (DMI) study process has the potential for considerable savings in the Depot Source of Repair (DSOR) decision it has failed to do so. The DMI study process and the acquisition programs are well established. However, there are various incompatibilities between the two which interfere with the interaction between them and prevent a timely decision. We performed an examination of the DMI study process and its impact on six acquisition programs which have either undergone or are presently undergoing the study process. The results of personal interviews with program office and Joint …


Graphic Representation In Managerial Decision Making: The Effect Of Scale Break On The Dependent Axis, Clark R. Carvalho, Michael D. Mcmillan Sep 1992

Graphic Representation In Managerial Decision Making: The Effect Of Scale Break On The Dependent Axis, Clark R. Carvalho, Michael D. Mcmillan

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigated whether a scale break on the dependent axis a affects a decision maker's interpretation of the data presented in the graph. A literature search revealed criteria for constructing high integrity graphs and formatting scale breaks. An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of a scale break on the dependent axis. Graphs following the criteria for high integrity graphs were presented to the control group, while graphs following the criteria for high integrity graphs, with the exception of the scale break, were presented to the experimental group. Using a parametric two-sample t test and a non-parametric Rank …


Applying Commercial Style Acquisition Practices To The Procurement Of Commercially Available Aircraft, Douglas W. Humerick, Steven H. Minnich Sep 1992

Applying Commercial Style Acquisition Practices To The Procurement Of Commercially Available Aircraft, Douglas W. Humerick, Steven H. Minnich

Theses and Dissertations

This study was performed to recommend which commercial acquisition practices should be adopted in government acquisitions of commercially available aircraft. Previous studies, dating to 1972, illustrate the value of adopting commercial style acquisition practices in government acquisitions. Using commercial style acquisition practices can provide the government with lower costs and faster delivery with no sacrifice of quality. As a customer of the aircraft manufacturing community, the government must adapt to global market changes. Procedure reviews and changes must occur on an ongoing basis to take advantage of standard industry practices. Telephone interviews of nineteen top level personnel representing twelve domestic …


The Development Of A Tri-Service Notification System For Type 1 Medical Materiel Complaints, Edmund K. Haraguchi, Christopher J. Harrington Sep 1992

The Development Of A Tri-Service Notification System For Type 1 Medical Materiel Complaints, Edmund K. Haraguchi, Christopher J. Harrington

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the notification process for defective medical materiel within the Department of Defense. The study first evaluated the efficiency of the current notification process for defective medical materiel within the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Second, a streamlined notification process and tri-service Type 1 message for defective medical materiel was developed. Finally, the effectiveness of this tri-service message was evaluated in comparison to the current notification messages used by the three services. Investigations using observational studies revealed duplication of both function and resources among the medical logistics offices of the three services. Through …


A Benchmark Of Vehicle Maintenance Training Between The U.S. Air Force And A Civilian Industry Leader, James J. Meersman, Inez A. Sookma Sep 1992

A Benchmark Of Vehicle Maintenance Training Between The U.S. Air Force And A Civilian Industry Leader, James J. Meersman, Inez A. Sookma

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis compared vehicle maintenance training between the U.S. Air Force (USAF) and a leading civilian training organization, Cuyahoga Valley Joint Vocational School (CVJVS), using benchmarking. First, the study identified the USAF and civilian automotive training industries conduct training. Next, the researchers identified common areas for comparison between training programs. Then, the industry leader's best practice was identified. The best practice at CVJVS as the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) certification process. In applying this practice at Chanute, the researchers identified three deficient areas, or negative gaps. The first gap was in the number of hours of instruction. The …


Public Space Launch Acquisition: A Comparative Case Study, Kenneth R. Leeson, Lee W. Rosen Sep 1992

Public Space Launch Acquisition: A Comparative Case Study, Kenneth R. Leeson, Lee W. Rosen

Theses and Dissertations

This study analyzes three commonly practiced approaches to Government acquisition of space launch services. These approaches are employed by The U.S. Air Force, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the Strategic Defense Initiative Organization. The literature review provides a comprehensive overview of the commercial space launch industry and details critical perspectives on commercial, launch. Launch contracts which were representative of each organization's acquisition procedures were investigated and evaluated along several critical issues and elements of the space launch acquisition process. These issues included payload characteristics, government oversight, contractor incentives, insurance, liability and cost. The critical issues and elements were …