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Articles 1 - 30 of 30
Full-Text Articles in Business
Innovative Data-Driven Demand Estimation Strategies In Revenue Management, Sanghoon Cho
Innovative Data-Driven Demand Estimation Strategies In Revenue Management, Sanghoon Cho
Theses and Dissertations
Understanding customers’ choice behavior and decision-making process is crucial in many industries, including hotels, airlines, and retail, as it allows firms to offer the right product to the right customer. This has resulted in a growing focus on accurately estimating customer demand for a product or service in the revenue management space, which can serve as a valuable input to optimal pricing, inventory, and assortment decisions. However, much of the existing work in the literature has not been able to comprehensively address some common challenges that are observed in practice: unobservable no-purchases, heterogeneous customer preferences, and the impact of factors …
The X-Factor Of C-Suite Executives, Sheila T. Tan
The X-Factor Of C-Suite Executives, Sheila T. Tan
Theses and Dissertations
Organizations rely on C-level executives to make strategic decisions that will impact stakeholders and business performance. These executives are judged based on employee satisfaction, market share, and bottom lines. Some of them perform well at one point but eventually make disastrous decisions. There is still a gap in knowledge on what elements make them decide how they do and what can be done before they are installed to the highest post. This paper investigated common mindsets and belief structures, which will be referred to in this paper as the X-factor, of C-level executives based on the Matrix model as a …
Team Building Challenges And Opportunities After A Public Agency Merger, Andrea A. Severson
Team Building Challenges And Opportunities After A Public Agency Merger, Andrea A. Severson
Theses and Dissertations
This study used a mixed-method design to gather data about team building after a public agency merger. This study found that teamwork, role clarity, and clear decision processes were the most important factors impacting goal accomplishment post-merger. Prioritizing team building before, during, and after a public agency merger can address some of the most common challenges presented by a merger or acquisition.
Essays On Financial Decision Making, Corey A. Shank
Essays On Financial Decision Making, Corey A. Shank
Theses and Dissertations
Individuals make financial decisions daily, yet the literature on the mechanisms that drive financial decisions is limited. This dissertation looks to examine how physical characteristics, and personality subconsciously influence financial decision making by conducting an experiment. Furthermore, this dissertation examines biased decision making in the betting market by using data from covers.com. First, this dissertation finds that the cognitive impairments associated with having a higher body mass index is positively related to poor financial decision making and being more likely to commit the present bias, and distorting probabilities. Second, this dissertation finds that business students are more apt to fit …
To Grow Or Not To Grow: Socio-Cognitive Determinants Of Small And Medium Firm Growth And Threshold Mentality, David A. Alvarado
To Grow Or Not To Grow: Socio-Cognitive Determinants Of Small And Medium Firm Growth And Threshold Mentality, David A. Alvarado
Theses and Dissertations
Small business owners (entrepreneurs) are heterogeneous in their motivations and goals, with some seeking to expand firm scope, size, and purpose, and others seeking stability. The small and medium firm growth literature indicates that growth intention varies, but why does it vary so much, and so often? Why do some firms have a threshold mentality, represented by a stability intention, while others have a growth intention? To explore these questions, this dissertation empirically examines the socio-cognitive determinants of small and medium firm growth intentions. Participants included owner/managers of independent Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) decision-making authority for their firms. 159 …
Decision Making In The Backcountry While Carrying A Cellular Phone, Quinn S. Linford
Decision Making In The Backcountry While Carrying A Cellular Phone, Quinn S. Linford
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to gain understanding about the influence of technology, specifically cellular phones, on decision making during potentially risky situations in the backcountry. Previous research in this area is contradictory and some studies indicate technology is influencing people to take more risks while others suggest it is not. Further confounding the relationship is the fact that previous studies have found people may be taking more risk in the presence of technology were based largely on respondent perceptions, not observation data. The current study used a scenario-based decision model to examine the difference in decision making between …
Factors Influencing Skill Retention In Multi-Skilled Air Force Aircraft Maintainers, Jessica A. Salgado
Factors Influencing Skill Retention In Multi-Skilled Air Force Aircraft Maintainers, Jessica A. Salgado
Theses and Dissertations
The 2013 National Defense Authorization Act allows the Air Force Air Logistics Complexes (ALCs) to promote workers proficient in more than one trade by one pay grade. Multi-skilling is the term used to describe workers trained in more than one job. The United States Air Force wants to utilize multi-skilling at these ALCS, but the effects of implementation are still unknown. This research focuses on the identification of skill retention influences to better understand this multi-skilling through the use of a human subjects experiment at two Air Force bases. We examine the retention of aircraft mechanics’ skill to evaluate the …
Pragmatic Divestment Of Kc-135 Navigators In The Special Operations Air Refueling Mission, Andrew P. Nation
Pragmatic Divestment Of Kc-135 Navigators In The Special Operations Air Refueling Mission, Andrew P. Nation
Theses and Dissertations
In the late 1990s, the Air Force eliminated over 200 KC-135 navigators, leaving 50 remaining for the aircraft's most complex Special Operations Air Refueling (SOAR) mission. As the Air Force unveils the KC-46 Pegasus, this mission will continue but without a position for the navigator. Instead, navigators will undergo divestment as the SOAR mission transfers to the KC-46. Current plans indicate navigators will not only remain as the KC-46 arrives, but inbound navigators will continue arriving until 2018. This thesis applies the Delphi method, a process eliciting analysis anonymously from a panel of experts, in order to examine the elements …
Korean Domestic Third Party Logistics Providers: Research For A Global Market, Daewon Kim
Korean Domestic Third Party Logistics Providers: Research For A Global Market, Daewon Kim
Theses and Dissertations
The objective of this thesis is to contribute to the globalization of Korean domestic third party logistics companies. This is accomplished through a benchmarking model for globalization based on a comparative analysis of domestic and global third party logistics provider (3PLs) companies. The research performed a SWOT analysis to identify the capabilities required by Korean domestic 3PLs to become global 3PLs. The research investigated the following areas: 1) global service, 2) infrastructure, 3) supply chain management (SCM) services, and 4) information technology (promptness, visibility). This was accomplished by an extensive literature review, case analysis of logistics companies, and telephone interviews …
Value-Driven Enterprise Architecture Evaluation For The Joint Force Protection Advanced Security System, Craig E. Mills
Value-Driven Enterprise Architecture Evaluation For The Joint Force Protection Advanced Security System, Craig E. Mills
Theses and Dissertations
The U.S. military has placed a strong focus on the importance of operating in a joint environment, where capabilities and missions are shared between service components. Protecting U.S. forces is a major consideration in the joint environment. The Joint Force Protection Advanced Security System (JFPASS) architecture has been created to fill a critical gap in Joint Force Protection guidance for systems acquisition. The systems engineering (SE) field has made wide use of system architectures to represent complex systems. As fundamental SE principles become more widespread, analysis tools provide an objective method for the evaluation of the resulting architectural products. This …
The Effect Of Values On System Development Project Outcomes, Daniel B. Ward
The Effect Of Values On System Development Project Outcomes, Daniel B. Ward
Theses and Dissertations
In order to understand why organizations make certain decisions and target certain outcomes, it is useful to understand their priorities and preferences, commonly referred to as “values.” This research explores the relationship between the technical values held by system development teams and the operational effectiveness of the systems those teams produce. Specifically, it examines the impact of a value set called FIST (Fast, Inexpensive, Simple, Tiny) on DoD and NASA system development projects, and investigates the correlation between the FIST values and operational outcomes. The findings show that the FIST value set enhances project stability, increases the project leader’s control …
Value-Driven Enterprise Architecture Score: Evaluation Applied To Joint Force Protection Future State Design, Larry D. Cotton, Gary A. Haase
Value-Driven Enterprise Architecture Score: Evaluation Applied To Joint Force Protection Future State Design, Larry D. Cotton, Gary A. Haase
Theses and Dissertations
This research presents a methodology to evaluate the quality of a system's architecture using principles drawn from Value-Focused Thinking (VFT) and resulting in a Value-Driven Enterprise Architecture Score (VDEA-Score). This is an overall numerical architecture quality score useful to a system's management team to identify the advantages and disadvantages of a system design and associated architecture documentation or to track its quality across discrete evaluation epochs. This effort determined which aspects of the architecture are most valuable to the stakeholder in the areas of (1) the system effectiveness values (quality of the instantiated system being represented and its ability to …
High Performance Individuals And How They Manage Their Personal Knowledge For Decision-Making: An Exploratory Study Of Us Air Force Leaders, Kenneth M. Ivey
High Performance Individuals And How They Manage Their Personal Knowledge For Decision-Making: An Exploratory Study Of Us Air Force Leaders, Kenneth M. Ivey
Theses and Dissertations
The ability of Colonels, Generals, and Chiefs to effectively manage their personal knowledge may lead to better decisions; however, the Air Force does not have an understanding of how these high performance leaders manage their personal knowledge. This research used a multiple-case study methodology to explore how USAF leaders manage their personal knowledge when making routine and novel decisions. Viewing personal knowledge management as it related to sociotechnical theory provided the basis to determine how the need to accomplish the tasks associated with personal knowledge management impacted the people, technology, organizational structure, and the tasks associated with managing personal knowledge. …
Using Prospect Theory To Investigate Decision-Making Bias Within An Information Security Context, Neil J. Schroeder
Using Prospect Theory To Investigate Decision-Making Bias Within An Information Security Context, Neil J. Schroeder
Theses and Dissertations
Information security is an issue that has increased in importance over the past decade. In this time both practitioner and academic circles have researched and developed practices and process to more effectively handle information security. Even with growth in these areas there has been little research conducted into how decision makers actually behave. This is problematic because decision makers in the Department of Defense have been observed exhibiting risk seeking behavior when making information security decisions that seemingly violate accepted norms. There are presently no models in the literature that provide sufficient insight into this phenomenon. This study used Prospect …
Decision Analysis Method For Air Mobility Beddown Planning Scenarios, Jacob M. Salmond
Decision Analysis Method For Air Mobility Beddown Planning Scenarios, Jacob M. Salmond
Theses and Dissertations
Currently at Air Mobility Command, Plans and Programming, Requirements Division (AMC/A75R), infrastructure requirements for a proposed permanent beddown location are accomplished through corporate knowledge and manual lookup. With the loss of corporate knowledge in the foreseeable future, AMC/A75R is would like to capture this knowledge base in an information system. This research developed a spreadsheet analysis tool that takes hard requirements and compares them with existing capabilities at a given location. Through gap analysis, the tool produced infrastructure requirement shortfalls and associated costs to satisfy the shortfalls.
Assessing The Usefulness Of The Decision Framework For Identifying And Selecting Knowledge Management Projects, Kevin G. Budai
Assessing The Usefulness Of The Decision Framework For Identifying And Selecting Knowledge Management Projects, Kevin G. Budai
Theses and Dissertations
Knowledge management (KM) is becoming recognized as a valuable tool for the Department of Defense (DoD) in its effort to maintain a competitive, strategic advantage against its enemies in a new threat environment. Decision superiority is the ultimate end result and is only possible through the effective and efficient use of its chief key resource--knowledge. As the Air Force seeks to transform the way it does business the concept of knowledge management has made its way to the forefront of both the Air Force's Information Strategy and Information Resource Flight Plan. This research assesses the usefulness of a knowledge management …
Decision Analysis With Value Focused Thinking As A Methodology To Assess Air Force Officer Retention Alternatives, Sang-Ho Moon
Decision Analysis With Value Focused Thinking As A Methodology To Assess Air Force Officer Retention Alternatives, Sang-Ho Moon
Theses and Dissertations
Many countries realize the importance of the retention of qualified military personnel, and have tried to solve this problem using various methods. Nevertheless, the effects of those methods have not been determined or proven yet. The military retention problem is closely related to each individual's separation decision from the military. The characteristics of this decision are multi-objective and highly subjective. Accordingly, the effectiveness of various methods is heavily dependant on the value set of each individual. Decision Analysis (DA) using Value Focused Thinking (VFT) can be an excellent process to deal with this decision. Also, the data can reflect the …
Perceptions Vs Reality: A Longitudinal Experiment In Influence Judgment Performance, Monti L. Knode
Perceptions Vs Reality: A Longitudinal Experiment In Influence Judgment Performance, Monti L. Knode
Theses and Dissertations
Government reliance on computer-mediated information has transformed it from "enabler" to "target" which now demands the detection of manipulated and deceptive measures a primary security objective. As people are not inherently good performers at detecting deceptive communications, this study draws on interpersonal deception theory (Burgoon, 1986) and social cognitive theory (Bandura, 1986) to measure personal perceptions that influence decisions operationalized as the successful detection of a deceptive measure. Department of Defense personnel (N--119) participated in a longitudinal experiment that measured detection performance before and after training and feedback treatments. Self-efficacy and perceived training effectiveness emerged as dominant factors in predicting …
Logistics Transformation: Centralizing Air Force Logistics Information Command And Control, Darrell O. Burghard
Logistics Transformation: Centralizing Air Force Logistics Information Command And Control, Darrell O. Burghard
Theses and Dissertations
Current Air Force logistics information systems do not provide Air Force leaders and single managers a real-time sole-source logistics information system able to assess current capabilities and identify potential future problem items prior to becoming systemic problem parts. Centralizing information may provide improved command and control and support of the warfighter by reducing the time it takes to track down and identify information. Using a Value Focused Thinking approach, this thesis explored how the Air Force can improve the accessibility of Air Force logistics information. This study began at the behest of the AFMC LG/CD in an effort to determine …
An Analysis Of The Interaction Between The J3 And J4 War Planning Staffs During The Phases Of Crisis Action Planning, Michael J. Colvard
An Analysis Of The Interaction Between The J3 And J4 War Planning Staffs During The Phases Of Crisis Action Planning, Michael J. Colvard
Theses and Dissertations
A principal operational concept of Joint Vision 2020 is that of Focused Logistics, which promotes a merger of information and logistics technologies. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's Advanced Logistics Project (ALP) supports this concept of Focused Logistics and seeks to leverage information technologies to obtain control over the logistics pipeline. The current campaign planning process is limited by the information made available to the decision-makers. In order for ALP to assist the decision-maker in selecting a single optimal deployment plan, the founding assumptions of alternatives considered must be valid. Logistical issues are major constraints in the war planning process. …
Analysis And Evaluation Of The Macroscopic Organizational Structure Of Red Horse, Lance D. Clark
Analysis And Evaluation Of The Macroscopic Organizational Structure Of Red Horse, Lance D. Clark
Theses and Dissertations
The primary contingency engineering capability within the United States Air Force is provided by Rapid Engineer Deployable, Heavy Operations Readiness Squadron, Engineer (RED HORSE). This thesis examines the macroscopic organizational structure of RED HORSE; that is, the manner in which RED HORSE resources (personnel and equipment) are organized collectively, above the unit (squadron or flight) level. It builds on the findings of the Air Combat Command - sponsored RED HORSE 2010 Strategic Study, and focuses on issues of geographic location and chain of command above the unit level, as the study found these two topics were found to be vital …
A Quantitative Decision Support Model To Aid Selection Of Combat Aircraft Force Mixes For Contingency Deployment, Paul G. Filcek
A Quantitative Decision Support Model To Aid Selection Of Combat Aircraft Force Mixes For Contingency Deployment, Paul G. Filcek
Theses and Dissertations
Selection of combat aircraft during crisis action planning can be of critical importance. In determining the value of force mixes, it is proposed that one can evaluate extrinsic and intrinsic value separately. Intrinsic value is the designed capability of a weapons platform to accomplish a specified aerospace mission. Extrinsic value is the expected appropriateness of such platforms, given the environmental characteristics in which they must operate. This research develops a decision support tool for planners in determining the extrinsic value of force mixes, which then expedites the selection of best overall force mixes. The research included: content analysis of official …
Impact Of Facilitator Co-Location And Alignment On The Efficacy Of Group Support Systems Employed In A Distributed Setting, Jeffrey A. Lea
Impact Of Facilitator Co-Location And Alignment On The Efficacy Of Group Support Systems Employed In A Distributed Setting, Jeffrey A. Lea
Theses and Dissertations
Group Support Systems (GSSs) are a combination of hardware, software, and human facilitation designed and employed to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of decision making groups. Engineers at the Sustainment Logistics Branch of the Air Force Research Laboratory have recently proposed employing the technology in a distributed setting to conjoin geographically separated members of decision making groups in order to facilitate the reengineering of logistics processes in an any place/any time environment To date GSSs have been studied and employed primarily in the same time/same place setting. Consequently, little is known or understood of the effects that use of these …
Building A Conceptual Model To Define The F-22 Supply Support Decision Process, Steven P. James
Building A Conceptual Model To Define The F-22 Supply Support Decision Process, Steven P. James
Theses and Dissertations
The Air Force requires a method to determine the most effective and efficient means of supply support for new weapon system acquisitions. This study is a qualitative research effort that examines this requirement in an environment that embraces interim contractor support for the F-22. A series of six propositions are suggested to incorporate in the supply support decision-making process. A conceptual model is developed from these propositions to describe the process for determining the optimal timeframe for making long term supply support decisions. A systems approach to project management is used as the vehicle for this process, and the F-22 …
Determining The Characteristics Of The Air Force Telecommuting Program, Joseph L. Wolfkiel
Determining The Characteristics Of The Air Force Telecommuting Program, Joseph L. Wolfkiel
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis explores advantages and disadvantages to be realized from telecommuting, along with developing a linear regression model that identifies factors correlated with preference for telecommuting among Air Force personnel. This thesis uses a stated preference model derived from existing telecommuting research to characterize the factors impacting the preference for civilian, officer, and enlisted Air Force personnel. The regression models developed showed that factors affecting telecommuting preference were different among different sub-samples. Two factors were universal across the sample. Those were "Amount of Telecommuting Job Allows," and "Allow More Work Done." These two factors gave R-squared values of over .39 …
The One With The Most Information Wins? The Quest For Information Superiority, Stacy M. Clements
The One With The Most Information Wins? The Quest For Information Superiority, Stacy M. Clements
Theses and Dissertations
The escalation of interest in information as a corporate resource is reflected in the military's quest for information superiority. A volume of directives, articles, and doctrine is appearing to meet the unique challenges presented by information as a resource. Discussions of how to achieve information superiority have given rise to investigations of such related concepts as information warfare and information operations, with associated taxonomies and ideas of how to use information capabilities for attack and defense. This thesis examines information superiority and the related concepts, and examines current information technology initiatives in order to discern the characteristics which can aid …
A Comparison Of The Decision Quality Of Group Decisions Made In A Face-To-Face Environment With Decisions Made Using A Distributed Group Decision Support System, Hope D. Cullen
Theses and Dissertations
The Air Force is increasingly turning to a team approach for decision making. When team members are geographically separated it can be expensive for them to meet in a traditional face to face setting. Group Decision Support Systems (GDSS), designed to help groups make decisions, may be able to support these groups in a distributed mode. The assertion of this thesis is that a GDSS can indeed support such distributed processes and that these processes will be of higher quality than decisions made in a face to face environment. This study explores decision quality in terms of quality of the …
Group Decision Support Systems (Gdss) And Influence Modes: A Comparative Field Study Between Gdss Mediated Groups And Non-Gdss Mediated Groups, L. Grant Bridgewater
Group Decision Support Systems (Gdss) And Influence Modes: A Comparative Field Study Between Gdss Mediated Groups And Non-Gdss Mediated Groups, L. Grant Bridgewater
Theses and Dissertations
This study examined the effect of Group Decision Support System (GDSS) technology on perceived influence modes. The researcher measured perceived influence modes in two group treatments: GDSS groups and non-GDSS (N-GDSS) mediated groups. Actual groups in both treatments performed judgmental tasks of their own choosing. Group members then completed a survey which measured their perceptions regarding five influence sources: expert influence, influence from legitimate authority, referent influence, reward influence, and coercive influence. The survey also measured the extent to which members perceived an "opportunity to influence" other group members. For each variable measured in both treatment groups, mean scores were …
A Decision Analysis Model For Allocating The Military Family Housing Investment Budget, Timothy G. Imdieke
A Decision Analysis Model For Allocating The Military Family Housing Investment Budget, Timothy G. Imdieke
Theses and Dissertations
Allocating resources is a difficult task when resources fall considerably short of the requirements, and there are many different opinions on what requirements should have priority. The Air Staff Housing Division must decide how to allocate a $25OM/year budget to best achieve the Air Force goals for military family housing. The decision is complex because requirements are much larger than the available resources, and there are many conflicting objectives to consider. This research uses value-focused thinking and multi-attribute utility theory to develop a decision analysis model to assist the decision maker in selecting a budget strategy. A deterministic analysis (using …
Organizational Support Of Internet Technology Infusion: An Exploratory Analysis., Anthony J. Davis
Organizational Support Of Internet Technology Infusion: An Exploratory Analysis., Anthony J. Davis
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis identifies managerial, organizational, and individual attributes which influence Internet technology infusion. Infusion can be defined as the incorporation of a technology into an organization's key processes. As infusion increases, the extended, integrative and emergent use of the technology increases, leading to increased leveraging of the technology. A survey was distributed to 1100 Air Force members throughout four Major Commands, divided into 600 officers and 500 enlisted. The analysis used Structural Equation Modeling to test models relating managerial, organizational and individual constructs as positive influences on infusion. Findings in the officer group indicate executive involvement and participation, policy, receptivity …