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Air Force Institute of Technology

Theses/Dissertations

1994

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Full-Text Articles in Business

Evaluation Of An Air Force Information Resources Management (Irm) Overview Course, Joseph L. Cox, Brenda R. Forcht Dec 1994

Evaluation Of An Air Force Information Resources Management (Irm) Overview Course, Joseph L. Cox, Brenda R. Forcht

Theses and Dissertations

The federal government has passed laws and issued directives recognizing that information is a valuable national resource. To help assure that Air Force information managers are capable of implementing policy in support of such laws and directives, the Secretary of the Air Force's Directorate of Information Management (SAF-AAI) directed a team from the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) to design and construct an exportable course to provide an overview of information resources management (IRM) concepts and principles. Such an IRM overview course was completed in the Summer of 1994. The authors evaluated this course quantitatively and qualitatively. During a …

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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 …

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A Model For Merging Information Systems: A Case Study Of The Air Force Material Command Merger, John A. Ellis, Matthew T. Pirko Dec 1994

A Model For Merging Information Systems: A Case Study Of The Air Force Material Command Merger, John A. Ellis, Matthew T. Pirko

Theses and Dissertations

As the Department of Defense continues to shrink, downsizing and rightsizing are terms that often indicate that changes are inevitable to many military units and organizations, some of these changes result in organizational mergers. One of the critical areas for such mergers lies within getting the information systems of the premerger organizations to work together. This thesis presents a model for merging information systems as part of an organizational merger. The proposed model, synthesized from existing technical and non- technical models and guidelines, addresses five key areas for consideration for a successful information systems merger. Those areas are: (1) Organizational …

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Life Cycle Costs Of Alternatives For F-16 Printed Circuit Board Diagnosis Equipment, Kent R. Montgomery, Clifford B. Thorstenson Dec 1994

Life Cycle Costs Of Alternatives For F-16 Printed Circuit Board Diagnosis Equipment, Kent R. Montgomery, Clifford B. Thorstenson

Theses and Dissertations

This study analyzes two alternatives for printed circuit board (PCB) diagnosis for the F-16 depot PCB repair shop from a life cycle cost (LCC) perspective. Alternative 1 assumes the use of the current F-16 automatic test equipment (ATE) while Alternative 2 augments the current ATE with infrared imaging test equipment. Infrared imaging is a developed technology that is currently available to the Air Force in a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) form. Using the Cost Analysis and Strategy Assessment (CASA) Life Cycle Cost (LCC) Model and data from the DL41 database on F-16 PCBs this study determined that over the current expected life …

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An Analysis Of The Extent To Which Humor Is Accepted And Employed In The Workplace For The Enhancement Of Productivity And Creativity, Jonathan R. Specht, Paul D. Tobin Dec 1994

An Analysis Of The Extent To Which Humor Is Accepted And Employed In The Workplace For The Enhancement Of Productivity And Creativity, Jonathan R. Specht, Paul D. Tobin

Theses and Dissertations

Today's business literature is filled with discussions of the many benefits humor can bring to the work environment. Two of these purported benefits, namely, the enhancement of workplace productivity and the enhancement of workplace creativity, have attracted the attention of modern managers challenged with keeping their organizations competitive despite dwindling financial and human resources. Unfortunately, little research has been done to date which actually demonstrates a link between the existence of workplace humor and improved levels of productivity and creativity. Without this demonstration of causality, most managers are reluctant to invest corporate resources in pursuit of workplace humor despite its …

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Factors In Human-Computer Interface Design (A Pilot Study), Susan Stewart Dec 1994

Factors In Human-Computer Interface Design (A Pilot Study), Susan Stewart

Theses and Dissertations

The DoD has budgeted over $9.8 billion for 1995 for information technology, yet many government office workers let their existing systems sit idle. This thesis explores why these computers are sitting idle. This researcher's initial hypothesis was that certain features of the human-computer interface can positively or negatively affect efficiency, retention, and satisfaction level of workers. Although some research is being done in this area, interfaces continue to be of poor quality, especially in the DoD, where long procurement cycles, forced purchases, and limited budgets result in out-of-date software. Intuitively most programmers know the human-computer interface impacts on a person's …

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A Methodology For Establishing Maximum Aircraft Combat Turn Rates, James R. Dudley, Michael J. Novotny Sep 1994

A Methodology For Establishing Maximum Aircraft Combat Turn Rates, James R. Dudley, Michael J. Novotny

Theses and Dissertations

The Air Force relies on the Status of Reports and Training System SORTS as an indicator of unit readiness. Unit Capability Levels C-Levels reported in SORTS are determined through measurements of on-hand resources and computer estimates of unit capabilities. Aircraft maximum turn rate, defined as the maximum number of sorties an aircraft can fly in a 24-hour period, is an input parameter to the assessment model. The methods used today produce maximum turn rates with unverifiable accuracy. Unit capabilities required to generate aircraft sorties are documented and their relationship to maximum turn rate established in this study. A unit capabilities …

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A Study Of Physical Inventory Methodologies For The Wright-Patterson Afb Medical Center Supply Activity, Steven M. Elkins, Scott A. Parks Sep 1994

A Study Of Physical Inventory Methodologies For The Wright-Patterson Afb Medical Center Supply Activity, Steven M. Elkins, Scott A. Parks

Theses and Dissertations

This study evaluates current and alternative physical inventory methodologies for the Wright-Patterson Medical Center Supply Activity. Four potential physical inventory alternatives were examined 1 100 percent annual physical inventory 2 statistical sampling, 3 continuous cyclic and 4 stratified cyclic. For each alternative the researchers used historical data and a site survey to estimate the effect on physical inventory costs and impact on customer service. The researchers found that statistical sampling was the most economically feasible alternative for the Wright-Patterson Medical Center. However, the method of stratified cyclic produced less extreme scores in both physical inventory cost and customer service parameters …

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An Analysis Of The Effects Of Lean Logistics On The Current Air Force Reparable Pipeline: A Simulation Study, Tracey L. Hill, William N. Walker Sep 1994

An Analysis Of The Effects Of Lean Logistics On The Current Air Force Reparable Pipeline: A Simulation Study, Tracey L. Hill, William N. Walker

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigates the effect of Lean Logistics proposals on the current Air Force repairables pipeline. Lean Logistics proposes reducing reparable asset levels at operating bases, reducing transportation time between bases and depots, and reducing depot repair times. Computer simulation is used as a tool to perform a 3X3X3 full factorial experiment to determine the effects of the Lean Logistics proposals on fully mission capable aircraft and transportation cost. Results indicate that lean Logistics outperforms the current repairables pipeline in term of fully mission capable aircraft. A cost benefit analysis is performed to determine the trade offs between transportation costs …

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An Investigation Of Integrated Product Development: A Case Study Of An F-22 Prime Contractor, Stephanie Lopez Sep 1994

An Investigation Of Integrated Product Development: A Case Study Of An F-22 Prime Contractor, Stephanie Lopez

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigates the effects of implementating the Integrated Product Development IPD philosophy in a major acquisition program, specifically an F-22 Advanced Tactical-Fighter Prime Contractors IPD implementation The population of the study consists of employees of the prime contractor working directly with IPTs on the F-22 program. A survey with closed- ended questions and open-ended statements was used to collect data. The survey was pretested on F-22 SPO personnel to increase survey reliability. Survey results indicate that this prime contractor is having difficulty implementing IPTs. The IPT structure in this company does not seem to have improved the ability of …

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The Certification Program, Training, And Competencies--An Examination Of The Air Force Contracting Work Force's Response To The Sufficiency Of Professional Training, Patty L. Jones, Suzanne Staugler Sep 1994

The Certification Program, Training, And Competencies--An Examination Of The Air Force Contracting Work Force's Response To The Sufficiency Of Professional Training, Patty L. Jones, Suzanne Staugler

Theses and Dissertations

This study determined to what extent AF contracting personnel training needs are sufficiently being satisfied by the current DoD training as outlined in DoD 5000,52M. A convenience sample was employed. 499 surveys were administered to Professional Continuing Education students for various level I through III courses. 320 surveys were used for the data base, achieving a 64.1 response rate. The results of this study show that the training requirements were viewed as sufficiently ensuring that the AF has a mission ready professional work force by slightly more than half of the respondents. However, the training component was ranked as the …

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Evaluation Of The Pre-Milestone I Acquisition Logistics Process At The Aeronautical Systems Center, Charleen A. Szczepanski Sep 1994

Evaluation Of The Pre-Milestone I Acquisition Logistics Process At The Aeronautical Systems Center, Charleen A. Szczepanski

Theses and Dissertations

Due to changes in the national security environment, the Department of Defense has revised its approach to acquisition. There will be greater emphasis on research, development, and advanced technologies. The Department of Defense will concentrate on upgrading current systems using rollover of new technologies from development programs that have advanced to a certain point but not into production. The people working in acquisition must hold skills in planning and developing new technologies prior to pre-Milestone 1. A major concern is the training, education, and professional development of the defense acquisition work force. The data contained in this study was generated …

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Cost And Schedule Benchmarks For Defense Acquisition Contracts, Glenn W. Buchfeller, Donald E. Kehl Sep 1994

Cost And Schedule Benchmarks For Defense Acquisition Contracts, Glenn W. Buchfeller, Donald E. Kehl

Theses and Dissertations

Managers of Department of Defense programs would benefit from having cost and schedule benchmarks that are based on the historical performance of similar programs. This research generated cost and schedule variance in percent benchmarks for 48 collectively exhaustive and mutually exclusive categories of DoD contracts. The ANOVA nested design methodology was used to compare these cost and schedule benchmarks across related categories of contracts to determine if the benchmarks were statistically significantly different. Such statistical difference would ensure program managers had a very specific tool tailored to their unique needs. Due to some relatively small sample sizes in the study, …

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Mitigating The Effects Of Manpower Reductions At A Central Issue Facility By Improving The Allocation Of Servers: A Simulation Study, Michael K. Garrity, Christopher J. Wicker Sep 1994

Mitigating The Effects Of Manpower Reductions At A Central Issue Facility By Improving The Allocation Of Servers: A Simulation Study, Michael K. Garrity, Christopher J. Wicker

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to determine a preferred server allocation and a preferred customer batch size for processing customers at an Army Central Issue Facility CIF under various manpower levels. The CIF is a retail warehouse which issues tactical clothing and equipment to individual soldiers. It is facing potential manpower reductions from the current level of 19 servers. The CIF exhibits flow shop characteristics. An assembly line balancing approach was used with the objective of reducing the customers average time-in-system. Five server allocation heuristics and three customer batch sizes were examined. The evaluation tool was a computer simulation …

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Review Of Factors Impacting Cost Benefit Analysis (Cba) For Implementing Improvements To The Air Force Technical Order System, Susan J. Bergin, Terry A. Parsons Sep 1994

Review Of Factors Impacting Cost Benefit Analysis (Cba) For Implementing Improvements To The Air Force Technical Order System, Susan J. Bergin, Terry A. Parsons

Theses and Dissertations

This research focused on developing a Cost Benefit Analysis process for Program Managers to implement when deciding what technical order format-- paper, computerized or automated--to purchase. Factors which determined the outcome are costs life cycle cost considering technical order format qualitative issues characteristics which are benefits of a technical order format and system responsiveness time required to develop or modify a technical order in each format. A literature review revealed problems with the paper technical order format, management infrastructure, quantitative cost estimates for different formats, and different techniques which could be used for a cost benefit analysis. Structured interviews were …

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An Analysis Of Iso 9000'S Applicability To Worldwide Warehouse Quality Assurance, Anthony T. Dyess, Henry E. E. Stish Sep 1994

An Analysis Of Iso 9000'S Applicability To Worldwide Warehouse Quality Assurance, Anthony T. Dyess, Henry E. E. Stish

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the applicability of ISO 9000, a world-wide quality standard, to the quality assurance procedures being built into a new Foreign Military Sales FMS program. This new program, the Worldwide Warehouse, is an Air Force Security Assistance Center AFSAC attempt to assist FMS customers in reducing excess materiel inventories. Areas of investigation include ISO 9000s international acceptance, its ability to ensure quality products, and a case study of SHARE, a NATO initiative which employs ISO 9000 in quality assurance and is dramatically similar to the Worldwide Warehouse. The researchers conduct an exploratory study using a literature review and …

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The Role Of The Federal Government In The Civilian Conversion Of Military Installations: A Case Study Of Gentile Air Force Station, Jodie L. Eshbach, Calvin S. Hall Sep 1994

The Role Of The Federal Government In The Civilian Conversion Of Military Installations: A Case Study Of Gentile Air Force Station, Jodie L. Eshbach, Calvin S. Hall

Theses and Dissertations

In 1988, the Department of Defense DOD began a massive series of military base closures. Communities affected by these closures must contend with regulations of numerous agencies which impact the closure process. Since 1961, DODs Office of Economic Adjustment OEA has assisted communities in their attempts to recover from effects of base closures. In the 1980s and 1990s, the governments level of involvement increased it added the Air Force Base Conversion Agency AFBCA and the Base Transition Office BTO to assist communities recovery efforts. Through a review of historical data, a case study of the conversion activities at Gentile Air …

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An Analysis Of The Impact Of Integrated Weapon System Management (Iwsm) Upon The Support Equipment Acquisition Process (Covering The Period From Submittal Of Serd* Through The Preparation Of The Statement Of Work), Betty J. Coronado, Jane M. Kwiecinski Sep 1994

An Analysis Of The Impact Of Integrated Weapon System Management (Iwsm) Upon The Support Equipment Acquisition Process (Covering The Period From Submittal Of Serd* Through The Preparation Of The Statement Of Work), Betty J. Coronado, Jane M. Kwiecinski

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the impact of the implementation of Integrated Weapon System Management (IWSM) on the support equipment acquisition process. The literature search revealed that IWSM is the latest of many Air Force attempts to ensure all aspects of a weapon systems life cycle are considered when acquisition decisions are made. Areas of interest included organizational structure inter-functional relationships procedural changes and procedural guidance and automated tools used. Two years after IWSM implementation, interviews were conducted with twenty-four people in various functional disciplines in four System Program Offices and included both Aerospace System Center (ASC) and Air Logistics Center (ALC) …

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An Automated Cost Uncertainty Program, Dale N. Fletcher Sep 1994

An Automated Cost Uncertainty Program, Dale N. Fletcher

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to develop a menu driven, computer program that implemented methodologies for cost uncertainty analysis. Cost uncertainties have been quantified using either simulation techniques or through heuristic means. Simulation techniques require time to run the required number of iterations. Current computer based heuristic methods do not check correlation matrices for consistency nor do they enable the analyst to perform queries. This research resulted in the development of an automated heuristic cost uncertainty program which alleviates the limitations of current computer programs. The program contains a file editor for creating and modifying data files, a cost …

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Measuring Customer Satisfaction: Practices Of Leading Military And Commercial Service Organizations, Daniel M. Hodgkiss, Manuel F. Casipit Sep 1994

Measuring Customer Satisfaction: Practices Of Leading Military And Commercial Service Organizations, Daniel M. Hodgkiss, Manuel F. Casipit

Theses and Dissertations

This research effort studied the customer satisfaction programs of six quality award winning service organizations in the military and commercial sectors. The purpose of the study was to assess the applicability of a general set of guidelines on measuring customer satisfaction for service organizations. This study discusses customer satisfaction, the importance of measuring customer satisfaction, guidelines regarding customer satisfaction, and the common practices of award winning service organizations. This study found that the common practices among service organizations provide support for the establishment of a general set of guidelines for measuring customer satisfaction. Universally applicable guidelines are listed and situationally …

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An Analysis Of The Effect Of Personnel Drawdown Initiatives On Aircrew Experience, Keith L. Hedgepeth, Lennie J. Simpson Sep 1994

An Analysis Of The Effect Of Personnel Drawdown Initiatives On Aircrew Experience, Keith L. Hedgepeth, Lennie J. Simpson

Theses and Dissertations

This study analyzes the effects of personnel reduction initiatives on aircrew experience levels of Air Force pilots and navigators. Four key measures of experience were defined, including total flight hours, flying hours in Primary Assigned Aircraft PAA, total hours at time of upgrade to instructor, and total PAA hours at time of upgrade to instructor. Three objectives were established for this study. These objectives measured the degree of change in overall aircrew experience for pilots and navigators in six major weapon systems, to determine if changes in aircrew experience varied by weapon system, and if changes in aircrew experience varied …

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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 …

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The Effect Of Violations Of The Constant Demand Assumption On The Defense Logistic Agency Requirements Model, William S. Long, Douglas H. Engberson Sep 1994

The Effect Of Violations Of The Constant Demand Assumption On The Defense Logistic Agency Requirements Model, William S. Long, Douglas H. Engberson

Theses and Dissertations

This project determined the impact of stationary but non-continuous demand levied in a multi-echelon system. Specifically discussed is how this lumpy demand affected the Defense Logistics Agency, Defense Electronics Supply Center in its computed inventory levels and total variable costs. To determine the impact of lumpy demand, data was extracted from the Defense Logistics Agency, Defense Electronics Supply Center Dayton, Ohio. Based on patterns of demand and distributions, the authors constructed a SLAM 2 model that depicted lumpy orders being received at the Defense Logistics Agency. The SLAM 2 model was constructed for the proposed system and simulation runs were …

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A Meta-Analytic Study Of Downsizing: Behaviors And Attitudes Prevalent Among Supervisors, Donald A. O'Hare, Carmine F. Vilardi Sep 1994

A Meta-Analytic Study Of Downsizing: Behaviors And Attitudes Prevalent Among Supervisors, Donald A. O'Hare, Carmine F. Vilardi

Theses and Dissertations

Current research into the effect of downsizing, restructuring, and force reduction on employees has approached the issue many possible vantage points it has focused on the victims, the survivors, and sometimes both. Researchers in management science and psychology explain responses we can expect from survivors of such a corporate upheaval. These effects are of particular interest to supervisors, because they will inevitably face a workforce, at least partially staffed with such survivors. To clarify possible attitudes and behaviors in tomorrow’s work environment, our study tied together, through meta- analysis, results of studies on survivors of a downsized organization. The completed …

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Worldwide Warehouse: A Customer Perspective, Hugo A. Quintero, Carlos A. Valadares Sep 1994

Worldwide Warehouse: A Customer Perspective, Hugo A. Quintero, Carlos A. Valadares

Theses and Dissertations

Under a global climate of increasing economic difficulties and declining defense budget, every opportunity for better use of available resources must be explored. The Worldwide Warehouse WWW Program is being developed as a solution for the excess inventory problem experienced by the Foreign Military Sales FMS countries. The rationale behind the program includes the idea of releasing resources tied to inactive inventory so those resources can be used to improve support and readiness of active inventory. The purpose of this study us to determine to what extent the WWW Program, as initially defined, is perceived by its intended customer the …

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A Maintenance Manpower Study Of The Composite Wing At Mountain Home Afb, Stella T. Smith, Cristina C. Vilella Sep 1994

A Maintenance Manpower Study Of The Composite Wing At Mountain Home Afb, Stella T. Smith, Cristina C. Vilella

Theses and Dissertations

In response to changes in threats, the Air Force has reorganized several flying units into composite wings. They are intended to provide a flexible, rapid deployment force. This study focused on the impact of the composite wing organizational structure on the determination of maintenance manpower authorizations at Mountain Home AFB, the Air Forces first air intervention wing. An opinion survey of maintenance and manpower experts was used to identify factors that are important in the determination of maintenance manpower authorization levels. Statistical analysis identified important-factors and indicated differences in opinion between maintenance and manpower specialists. Factors specific to the composite …

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Development Of A Comprehensive Base-Level Environmental Training Program For Total Environmental Compliance, William M. Barrett Jr Sep 1994

Development Of A Comprehensive Base-Level Environmental Training Program For Total Environmental Compliance, William M. Barrett Jr

Theses and Dissertations

The leadership of the Air Force has established a goal of total environmental compliance because it is the right and necessary thing to do. Commitment to this goal can be accomplished through strong leadership, however, achieving this goal can only be accomplished through effective training. The lack of consistent guidance for developing and executing comprehensive base- level environmental training programs has forced bases to develop these training programs by whatever means available to them. This has resulted in a broad variation in the thoroughness of base-level training programs throughout the Air Force. This research effort investigates the relationship between the …

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Quality Improvement Analysis Of The Air Force Aircraft Maintenance And Munitions Officers Course, Jeffrey T. Acred, James R. Witter Sep 1994

Quality Improvement Analysis Of The Air Force Aircraft Maintenance And Munitions Officers Course, Jeffrey T. Acred, James R. Witter

Theses and Dissertations

Previous research concerning aircraft maintenance officer training focused on the content of the training curriculum of the Aircraft Maintenance and Munitions Officers Course AMMOC. Conversely, this study sought improvement in aircraft maintenance officer training by evaluating the guidance and support provided to AMMOC. Two methods were employed for identifying such opportunities. First, a descriptive model of the training system supporting AMMOC was developed and analyzed. Second, feedback was solicited from AMMOC instructors through the use of a two-round Delphi. The Delphi was employed to develop a consensus among the instructors regarding what improvement opportunities existed and potential means for taking …

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Cost Management Competencies For Department Of Defense Program Managers, Brent R. Baxter, Kurt R. Bolin Sep 1994

Cost Management Competencies For Department Of Defense Program Managers, Brent R. Baxter, Kurt R. Bolin

Theses and Dissertations

The magnitude of money involved in the acquisition of defense systems and the public scrutiny resulting from cost overruns and program failures make cost management competence critical to program success. This research examined the cost management competencies required of defense program managers. A cost management competency model was developed from a foundation of past research. The model was evaluated through a mail survey of 682 intermediate and senior level military program managers in Air Force Materiel Command. The results provided by the 330 respondents indicate that 29 of the 47 competencies in the model were valuable to the program managers. …

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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 …

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