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Air Force Institute of Technology

Theses/Dissertations

2007

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Articles 1 - 30 of 36

Full-Text Articles in Business

Assessing The Impact Of The Work Environment On Training Trasfer: An Investgation Of The Air Force Acquisition Management Course, Anita C. Springs Jun 2007

Assessing The Impact Of The Work Environment On Training Trasfer: An Investgation Of The Air Force Acquisition Management Course, Anita C. Springs

Theses and Dissertations

This study aims to contribute to the body of knowledge as it pertains to our understanding of the relationship between work environment characteristics that influence training transfer. Specifically, this research will examine if training transfer is influenced by: top management support, supervisor support, peer support, organization learning culture, opportunity to perform, task difficulty, task constraints and acquisition category levels. The research is based on a 134 question survey completed by Air Force Acquisition Managers participating in the Air Force Fundamentals of Acquisition Management (AFFAM) course, and is designed to determine if knowledge, skills and attitudes learned in the instruction setting …

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Contract Delays: The Impact Of Department Of Defense (Dod) Contractors' Wealth, Jacqueline M. Leskowich Apr 2007

Contract Delays: The Impact Of Department Of Defense (Dod) Contractors' Wealth, Jacqueline M. Leskowich

Theses and Dissertations

The monetary incentives used to motivate DoD contractors’ schedule performance on Acquisition Category One programs afford them the opportunity as a whole to earn billions of dollars in addition to their contract award. These incentives are paid 85-90% of the time regardless of schedule performance. While these contractors are paid to avoid delays, there is an indication the delay increases the contractor’s stock value. This research tested the theory that contract delays significantly impact the company’s stock returns. The results found both positive and negative reactions to a firm’s value. Delays caused by budget cuts tend to have a negative …

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In Pursuit Of An Aptitude Test For Potential Cyberspace Warriors, Tiffiny S. Smith Mar 2007

In Pursuit Of An Aptitude Test For Potential Cyberspace Warriors, Tiffiny S. Smith

Theses and Dissertations

The Air Force has officially assumed the cyberspace mission. To perform this mission well, it is important to employ personnel who have the necessary skill sets and motivation to work in a cyberspace environment. The first step in employing the right people is to screen all possible candidates and select those with an aptitude for acquiring the skill sets and with the motivation to perform this work. This thesis attempts to determine the necessary skills and motivations to perform the cyberspace mission and recommends a screening process to select the candidates with the highest probability for success. Since this mission …

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An Analysis Of The Balance Of Management Technical And Leadership Progression Through The Three Usaf Officer Tiers, Matthew J. Heath Van Horn Mar 2007

An Analysis Of The Balance Of Management Technical And Leadership Progression Through The Three Usaf Officer Tiers, Matthew J. Heath Van Horn

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to identify the balance of management, technical and leadership responsibilities learned at each of the three USAF officer tiers. Specifically, this thesis sought to answer research questions addressing the essential learning elements for developing leadership, technical and management knowledge and skills as well as the proportional emphasis of the three areas in each of the three officer tiers. The questions were answered through a comprehensive literature review and a review of current professional military education (PME) syllabi and educational profiles of USAF officers. The research identified that management training does not grow with the …

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Work-Home Conflict: A Study Of The Impact Of Role Conflict On U.S. Air Force Company Grade Officer Turnover Intentions, Gavain M. Mcdonald Mar 2007

Work-Home Conflict: A Study Of The Impact Of Role Conflict On U.S. Air Force Company Grade Officer Turnover Intentions, Gavain M. Mcdonald

Theses and Dissertations

The Air Force is currently undertaking one of the largest manpower transformations since its creation in 1947 through a program entitled Force Shaping. By separating 40,000 active duty members, to include 8,000 Company Grade Officers (CGOs), the Air Force intends to balance the skills of its personnel to meet the requirements of the Global War on Terror. Given these increasing operational commitments, issues impacting personnel retention decisions within a leaner force should command our attention. As personnel resources decrease and operational requirements increase, the likelihood of military members experiencing conflicts between work and home life may also increase. As such, …

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The Perveived Effectiveness Of Mentoring By Company Grade Officers In The United States Air Force, Jason B. Wolff Mar 2007

The Perveived Effectiveness Of Mentoring By Company Grade Officers In The United States Air Force, Jason B. Wolff

Theses and Dissertations

Businesses and organizations are continuously trying to make people more productive by using mentoring. The benefits of mentoring include higher levels of career satisfaction, incomes, promotions, self-efficacy and productivity. Past research has supported two general approaches referred to as informal and formal mentoring. Informal mentoring relationships are spontaneous and occur between two people without the involvement of the organization. Formal relationships are managed and sanctioned by the organization. The United States Air Force has a formal mentoring program. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the perceptions of mentoring effectiveness by company grade officers in the United States Air …

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A Comparative Assessment Of The Knowledge Management Leadership Approaches Within The Department Of Defense, Tommy V.S. Marshall Ii Mar 2007

A Comparative Assessment Of The Knowledge Management Leadership Approaches Within The Department Of Defense, Tommy V.S. Marshall Ii

Theses and Dissertations

Knowledge has superseded traditional corporate assets and has become the strategic resource for competitive advantage. To reap the benefits of knowledge, organizations must harvest and leverage the collective knowledge of the entire workforce. This is achieved through effective knowledge management. KM involves processes to create, to store, and transfer knowledge to accomplish business objectives and to achieve a competitive advantage. The Department of Defense has also recognized the importance of KM and has since mandated the acquiring, refining, and sharing of knowledge. The Departments of the Army, Air Force, and Navy have each undertaken individual KM efforts. This research, guided …

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A Comparative Assessment Of Knowledge Management Education Across The United States Department Of Defense, Gary Lee Wright Mar 2007

A Comparative Assessment Of Knowledge Management Education Across The United States Department Of Defense, Gary Lee Wright

Theses and Dissertations

Knowledge is a critical resource for organizations today, especially to the DoD. When organizations understand what knowledge is, they can begin to draw value from it. Drawing value from knowledge is best accomplished through the processes of knowledge management: knowledge creation, knowledge storage and retrieval, knowledge transfer, and knowledge application (Alavi and Leidner, 2001). Organizations can create an environment in which these processes flourish by ensuring the organization has the elements of a supportive leadership, structure to control and optimize knowledge sharing, technology to facilitate the KM processes, and a commitment to maximize knowledge sharing and continuously improve (Stankosky et …

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Strategic Planning To Conduct Joint Force Network Operations: A Content Analysis Of Netops Organizations Strategic Plans, Antonio J. Scurlock Mar 2007

Strategic Planning To Conduct Joint Force Network Operations: A Content Analysis Of Netops Organizations Strategic Plans, Antonio J. Scurlock

Theses and Dissertations

Within the Joint Force Network Operations (NETOPS) environment, war fighters will treat net-centric adversaries and global information grid defense-in-depth situations as complex, adaptive enclaves that are the product of the dynamic interactions between connected entities and processes. Because of net centricity, no entity or process of the enclave can be considered in isolation; no singular engagement methodology will accurately capture the enclave’s complexity, and an alignment of Department of Defense Combatant Commanders, Services, and Agencies (CC/S/A) strategic planning is pivotal. To achieve and maintain information dominance, Joint Network Operations (NETOPS) organizations need to be strategically aligned. Strategic alignment allows organizations …

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Assessing Perceptions Of Knowledge Management Maturity/Capabilitites: A Case Study Of Saf/Fm, Aaron M. Blair Mar 2007

Assessing Perceptions Of Knowledge Management Maturity/Capabilitites: A Case Study Of Saf/Fm, Aaron M. Blair

Theses and Dissertations

Knowledge is an essential organizational resource that is required at all echelons to accomplish processes, to make decisions, and to improve efficiency and effectiveness. In order to take advantage of the benefits of knowledge, organizations must harvest and leverage the collective knowledge of the entire workforce through effective knowledge management (KM). The Air Force Center of Excellence for Knowledge Management recognized SAF/FM as having an exemplar KM program within the Air Force. This research used the Knowledge Management Capability Assessment (KMCA) framework to assess the overall KM maturity and capabilities of the seemingly mature SAF/FM KM program. The results indicate …

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Internal Versus External For Small Weapons Systems, Joseph S. Elkins Mar 2007

Internal Versus External For Small Weapons Systems, Joseph S. Elkins

Theses and Dissertations

The acquisition method used to gain access to new technologies can heavily influence whether our war fighters have the required tools to fight increasing and constantly shifting global threats (Kessler and others, 2000). The purpose of this study was to investigate the process and results of internal laboratory development, testing and fielding of small weapons systems as compared to traditionally acquired systems which encourage customer pull and contractor development. This research provides insight into how Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) personnel choose an acquisition method, retain personnel capability, and maximize product capability. This study consolidates the opinions of subject matter …

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Sizing Mobility Readiness Spares Packages For Today's Warfighting Units, Christopher M. Beckley Mar 2007

Sizing Mobility Readiness Spares Packages For Today's Warfighting Units, Christopher M. Beckley

Theses and Dissertations

As the Air Force transforms from a garrisoned force into a light expeditionary force, one area for restructuring is the manner in which mobility readiness spares packages (MRSPs) are managed and stocked. For a war tasking, thirty days supply is typically deployed in a MRSP as it is assumed that there will be no re-supply for thirty days. Studies of combat operations from the past decade suggest that thirty days without re-supply is an outdated assumption. The objective of this thesis is to economically build a robust MRSP that is flexible enough to provide adequate support for a variety of …

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The Effects Of Career Broadening On Leadership Development, S. David Walker Mar 2007

The Effects Of Career Broadening On Leadership Development, S. David Walker

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this research was to improve the Air Force’s knowledge of the effects of career broadening jobs on the leadership development of its officer corps. Specifically, the study sought to find significant relationships between incidents of career broadening in the officers’ background and their odds of being selected for promotion and in-residence professional military education (PME). Selection under these two areas is considered recognition of an officer’s ability to handle more responsibility and greater leadership challenges. Therefore, they are logical assessments of an officer’s leadership development. Duty histories of officers who met the Major, Lieutenant Colonel, and Colonel …

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Refinement Of An Instrument To Assess Readiness For Knowledge Management, Landon C. Bailey Mar 2007

Refinement Of An Instrument To Assess Readiness For Knowledge Management, Landon C. Bailey

Theses and Dissertations

Academics and practitioners have described knowledge as a primary source for competitive advantage for organizations; however, many attempts at instituting knowledge management programs to increase organizational competitiveness do not succeed. Instituting knowledge management programs generally requires organizations to make significant changes and the concept of readiness has long been believed to be an important precondition for successful organizational change. By linking previous research in enablers for knowledge management and organizational change, it is possible to adapt an established organizational change readiness instrument to measure readiness for knowledge management. This study culminates in the development and field-testing of the resultant knowledge …

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Forecasting The Kc-135 Cost Per Flying Hour: A Panel Data Analysis, Michael T. Bryant Mar 2007

Forecasting The Kc-135 Cost Per Flying Hour: A Panel Data Analysis, Michael T. Bryant

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis developed models to forecast the KC-135R monthly Consumables (CONS) and Depot Level Reparable (DLR) Cost per Flying Hour (CPFH) for each U.S. Air Force service component. Using data for each operating location from FY1998 to FY2004, the models were constructed using panel data analysis, a form of regression that adds a cross-sectional and time-series dimension. In addition to including factors previously identified as prime contributors to CPFH, the models added new elements that may influence maintenance costs and be of interest to policymakers. These elements included mission capable rates, airframe operating hours, and climatology factors. An interaction variable …

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The Net Effects Of Social Network Density And Organizational Citizenship Behavior On Group Performance, Clifford M. Theony Mar 2007

The Net Effects Of Social Network Density And Organizational Citizenship Behavior On Group Performance, Clifford M. Theony

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to explore the relationship between Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB), social network density, and group performance. Social networks have recently become a key area of interest for researchers in the study of management in organizations. OCB has, likewise, seen a considerable amount of attention in research literature as a direct and indirect contributor to group performance. This field study, conducted at a military training course, attempted to explore the possible net effects of network density and citizenship behaviors on group performance. Longitudinal social network data was used to examine whether there was a relationship between …

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Professionalism In The Air Force: A Comparative Analysis Of Commissioned Officers With Non-Commissioned Officers, Edward K. Boyd Mar 2007

Professionalism In The Air Force: A Comparative Analysis Of Commissioned Officers With Non-Commissioned Officers, Edward K. Boyd

Theses and Dissertations

Decades ago, military sociologists predicted a rising trend among officers away from traditional institutional military values and toward more economically-based occupational values due to the effects of the transition from a conscription-based military to an all-volunteer force. Subsequent empirical research resulted in data that supports such predictions. More recent researchers have suggested that in addition to the all-volunteer force, an increase on technology may also accelerate the trend toward occupationalism and away from traditional institutional military values and the warrior ethos that typically define successful military organizations. The officer corps may be particularly vulnerable to occupationalism due to increased technical …

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Price Vs. Performance: The Value Of Next Generation Fighter Aircraft, John M. Stelly Mar 2007

Price Vs. Performance: The Value Of Next Generation Fighter Aircraft, John M. Stelly

Theses and Dissertations

The United States Department of Defense (DoD) is currently recapitalizing its aging fighter aircraft inventory with the F-22A and F-35. While the DoD may consider cost and performance issues, it does not use a quantitative model that effectively measures the tradeoffs between the two. This thesis constructs a hedonic model of the fighter aircraft market to measure the implicit price on fighter performance characteristics and specifically applies it to next-generation aircraft. Data from 50 aircraft from 1949-present were used to construct two models – one based on procurement costs and one based on research, design, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) costs. …

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Corporate Entrepreneurship Assessment Instrument (Ceai): Refinement And Validation Of A Survey Measure, Michael S. Cates Mar 2007

Corporate Entrepreneurship Assessment Instrument (Ceai): Refinement And Validation Of A Survey Measure, Michael S. Cates

Theses and Dissertations

The study of corporate entrepreneurship has established itself as a valuable area of research for both public and private-sector organizations. The measurement instrument known as the Corporate Entrepreneurship Assessment Index (CEAI) has been designed to tap the climate-related organizational factors that represent and potentially encourage corporate entrepreneurship. This study is an attempt to refine the CEAI. The core constructs of the CEAI are redefined, the items are tested for content validity, the factor structure is analyzed, and the CEAI is correlated to other known measures to validate the CEAI. Through this testing, the CEAI was refined and found to be …

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Management Versus Non-Management Knowledge Transfer From Training To Real Work Environments: A Meta-Analysis, Robert P. Toney Mar 2007

Management Versus Non-Management Knowledge Transfer From Training To Real Work Environments: A Meta-Analysis, Robert P. Toney

Theses and Dissertations

This study reviewed 78 articles from previous research to investigate the effects of factors in the organizational environment on training transfer. A meta-analysis was performed with training transfer as a dependent variable and post-training independent variables of supervisor support, subordinate support, peer support, workplace support/transfer climate, relapse prevention, goal setting, continuous learning culture, task constraints, and frequency of use. In addition, analysis of differences in the relationship of these variables with training transfer based on training type (management versus non-management training) was conducted. Results of the meta-analysis revealed training transfer sample-weighted means effect sizes were largest for relapse prevention (d …

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A Project Manager's Personal Attributes As Predictors For Success, Vhance V. Valencia Mar 2007

A Project Manager's Personal Attributes As Predictors For Success, Vhance V. Valencia

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to determine what personal attributes project managers (PMs) possess which leads them to project management success. Numerous attributes are identified in the literature through a variety of methods, but very few studies relate specific qualities to success. The traits identified in the literature were compiled and condensed into seven distinct skills and attributes: leadership ability, communication skill, decision making skill, administrative skill, coping ability, analytical thinking, and technical competence. A survey method was developed which involved the PM, to measure levels of each attribute, and the PM’s supervisor and project data, to provide a …

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An Evaluation Of Organizational And Experience Factors Affecting The Perceived Transfer Of U.S. Air Force Basic Combat Skills Training, Shirley D. Crow Mar 2007

An Evaluation Of Organizational And Experience Factors Affecting The Perceived Transfer Of U.S. Air Force Basic Combat Skills Training, Shirley D. Crow

Theses and Dissertations

The United States Air Force is in a state of transformation. Due to ongoing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, the focus of Basic Military Training is shifting to basic combat skills, or the skills needed to survive and operate in a hostile environment. In this study, basic combat skills training was evaluated using a number of training factors that potentially affect trainees’ perception of training transfer, or their ability to apply the skills they learned in training on the job or in a hostile environment. The analysis used structural equation modeling to evaluate the paths between each of the factors …

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Identifying Knowledge, Skill, And Ability Requirements For 33sx Officers In Deployed Environments, Douglas M. Simmers Mar 2007

Identifying Knowledge, Skill, And Ability Requirements For 33sx Officers In Deployed Environments, Douglas M. Simmers

Theses and Dissertations

Military operations in the past, present, and future are highly dependent on the timely distribution of accurate information; the only thing really changing is the speed and means of which it is dispersed. As we proceed forward in the information age, technology and the men and women responsible for it will play an ever increasing role in getting the right information in the right place at the right time. As the United States Air Force continues to transform into an ever increasing expeditionary service the knowledge, skills, and abilities of Air Force officers must transform as well to meet the …

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The Effect Of Downsizing On Attrition Rates In The Department Of Defense (Dod), Tina M. Broas Mar 2007

The Effect Of Downsizing On Attrition Rates In The Department Of Defense (Dod), Tina M. Broas

Theses and Dissertations

Downsizing is an organizational activity designed to purposefully reduce the size of the organization by eliminating positions and jobs (Cascio, 1993:96). This business strategy has been used for many years in both the public and private sectors and is expected to continue. Downsizing has been shown to have an affect on the employees the organization retains, often termed survivors, and has been linked to increased turnover and decreased productivity and effectiveness. With the expected continuation of downsizing actions in the Department of Defense (DoD) and the possible affective reactions experienced by survivors, the intent of this research is to identify …

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The Impact Of Human Capital On The Cost Of Air Force Acquisition Programs, Jeffrey C. Feuring Mar 2007

The Impact Of Human Capital On The Cost Of Air Force Acquisition Programs, Jeffrey C. Feuring

Theses and Dissertations

Previous studies have established a link between Human Capital and performance both at the firm and the individual level. These studies have shown that performance can be improved with additional personnel and/or higher education levels. This study attempts to build on this relationship by using the Cobb-Douglas Production function to relate inputs to outputs. The inputs to the function are the number of cost analysts positions, military and civilian, and an education variable for the number of master’s degrees in the field. The measure of output is the average cost overrun of Air Force contracts. A time series regression was …

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An Analysis Of The Military Retirement System: How Does Retirement Return Influence Retention?, Derren P. Burrell Mar 2007

An Analysis Of The Military Retirement System: How Does Retirement Return Influence Retention?, Derren P. Burrell

Theses and Dissertations

The cost of the current Department of Defense (DoD) defined-benefit retirement plan has long been a source of consternation within Congress and the DoD (Freedberg, 1999:35). Billed as being too costly in the private sector, many firms have elected to switch from defined benefit plans to defined contribution plans, most often a 401K retirement plan (Chassen, 1990:18). This thesis attempts to capture the effect of the current military retirement plan on rates of retention. The goal of this study is to be used as a tool should the Department of Defense decide to move from a defined-benefit plan to a …

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Mapping Change Management: A Co-Citation Analysis, Brian R. Low Mar 2007

Mapping Change Management: A Co-Citation Analysis, Brian R. Low

Theses and Dissertations

Today's organizations are continually undergoing changes to make improvements in their efficiency and effectiveness. The ability of organizations to effectively implement and sustain successful change, however, has been limited, with most change initiatives failing to attain the desired success. To counter this trend, researchers across several disciplines have worked to provide practitioners better insight into how to facilitate change within their organizations. This research has resulted in many theories as to what constitutes change and how best to implement it, but it lacks a unifying theory that encompasses all aspects of change research. This effort takes a step toward a …

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Predicting The Effects Of Longitudinal Variables On Cost Schedule Performance, James D. Foreman Mar 2007

Predicting The Effects Of Longitudinal Variables On Cost Schedule Performance, James D. Foreman

Theses and Dissertations

Determining accurate cost and schedule is a crucial step to planning acquisition expenditures but history has shown that estimates are routinely low. Several researchers have attempted to forecast cost and schedule growth; we pick up this stream of research with a new approach. Our data collection and analysis focused on bringing in new data sources and added longitudinal variables to account for changes that took place over time. We assessed cost and schedule parameters for 37 major acquisition programs between Milestones II and III, resulting in 172 input variables and 5 regression models, 2 for schedule slippage and 3 for …

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The Costs Of Not Using Green Design In The Usaf: Would Using Green Building Design Have Resulted In Life Cycle Cost Savings?, John Kimball Osborne Mar 2007

The Costs Of Not Using Green Design In The Usaf: Would Using Green Building Design Have Resulted In Life Cycle Cost Savings?, John Kimball Osborne

Theses and Dissertations

This study’s purpose is to determine if using green building design would have resulted in life cycle costs savings for the United States Air Force. Green designs are those that employ steps to mitigate the impacts facilities have on the environment by using resources more efficiently than conventional design. The prevailing ranking system for green design in the United States is the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system which evaluates facilities on certain characteristics, assigning point values that translate to non-certified, certified, silver, gold, or platinum ratings. The author attempts here to show how previous studies indicated …

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Real Options As A Stragetic Management Framework: A Case Study Of The Operationally Responsive Space Initiative, Robert H. Mitchell Jr. Mar 2007

Real Options As A Stragetic Management Framework: A Case Study Of The Operationally Responsive Space Initiative, Robert H. Mitchell Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to examine the potential for applying the concept of real options to the DoD acquisition system. The key premise of real options is the application of strategic decision making and flexibility in the face of future uncertainties. This thesis sought to answer three research questions, how could real options be applied to the acquisition system, how could the acquisition system benefit, and what are the potential challenges to implementation within the acquisition system. These research questions were addressed through a comprehensive literature and a case study of the Operationally Responsive Space (ORS) initiative. The …

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