Business Commons^™

Airbus A320/321 Quick Change Market Analysis - A Case Study, Till Christian Mommsen

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The purpose of this thesis is to evaluate and compare the Boeing B737 QC to the Airbus A320/321 QC aircraft, and to determine their relative market within a sample airline. The technical design of the two Airbus aircraft in a mixed QC operation were considered with respect to the requirements of a particular airline. Direct operating costs and payload range data for all three aircraft were calculated.

To evaluate the competitiveness of the A320/321 QC under actual conditions, a linear programming fleet planning model was developed that considers more than the direct operating costs of a particular aircraft. The cost …

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of poor quality, especially in the DoD, where long procurement cycles, forced purchases, and limited budgets result in out-of-date software.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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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. …

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 …

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 …

The Projected Effects Of A Paperless Information System On The Productivity Of The Air Force Institute Of Technology Evaluations And Admissions Division, Richard A. Bihary, Roy C. Shrader

Theses and Dissertations

The Air Force Institute of Technology Admissions/Registrar Directorate (AFIT/RR) has a need to improve and expand services using a smaller operating budget. One promising solution is to eliminate the paperwork required to perform the AFIT/RR functions. To assist AFIT/RR managers in evaluating alternatives, this thesis determines the nature and extent to which a paperless information system affects the productivity of the Air Force Institute of Technology Evaluations and Admissions Division (AFIT/RRE). The DoD definitions of productivity are used in this thesis. Based on these definitions, the hours per unit of work (HPU) is chosen as the measure of productivity. Baseline …

Using Parametric Cost Models To Estimate Engineering And Installation Costs Of Selected Electronic Communications Systems, John L. Bosworth Ii, Ronald J. Wiechmann

Theses and Dissertations

This study developed a set of cost driver definitions for use by the Communications. Systems Center CSC, headquartered at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma. CSC is responsible for the engineering and installation of a dozen types of ground-based electronic communication and navigation systems, ranging from mobile radio systems to base telephone switches and air traffic control systems. Under changes brought about by the implementation of the Defense Business Operating Fund DBOF, the Communications System Center is searching out new customers and new cost estimating methodologies to improve customer service. The definitions were used to gather historical data of equipment, engineering, and installation …

A Case Study Of The Base-Closure Community Initial Redevelopment Process, Stephen R. Cliatt, Gregory A. Stanley

Theses and Dissertations

In 1990, Public Law 101-510 created the independent, five-year Defense Base Realignment and Closure Commission BRAC. This law provided for the Commission to meet in 1991, 1993, and 1995. The 1993 Commission recommended transfer of the Defense Electronic Supply Center DESC, a Defense Logistics Agency inventory control point, to Columbus, Ohio. This action resulted in an Air Force decision to close Gentile AFS, Kettering, Ohio. A case study of the closure and initial redevelopment of Gentile AFS was undertaken to construct a framework to be used by future redevelopment policy makers affected by a defense base closure. This framework covers …

Strategic Planning Within Air Force Materiel Command: A Focus On External Stakeholders' Involvement, David B. Coomer, Mary E. Moynihan

Theses and Dissertations

This research study used case and cross-case analyses to determine what Air Force Materiel Command can learn from leading business practices to produce maximum stakeholder involvement in their strategic planning process. A literature review revealed five essential elements of stakeholder involvement establishment of communication processes for multiple stakeholders, appropriate interaction policies, active CEO involvement, measurement processes, and balanced stakeholder strategies. These elements were incorporated into a model to provide a benchmark against which to evaluate AFMCs stakeholder awareness programs. The six stakeholder awareness programs selected for study were identified through a process of interviews with AFMCs senior-level strategic planners. The …

A Delphi Study Of Performance Appraisal Practices Of Malcolm Baldrige Award Winning Organizations, Daniel J. Courtois, David L. Yockey

Theses and Dissertations

Total Quality (TQ) is a philosophy that is currently being incorporated by organizations throughout America. TQ philosophers maintain that Total Quality can be achieved only if organizations change their cultures, including the traditional view toward the role of the performance appraisal. Theses experts maintain that the traditional performance appraisal does not promote process improvement, empowerment and team building as TQ prescribes. This thesis is a Delphi study of the performance appraisal practices of Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award winning companies. The study attempts to describe the performance appraisal practices of 10 companies who have successfully implemented TQ. The existence of …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

An Assessment Of Forecasting Methods: Cooperative Logistics Supply Support Arrangement (Clssa) Investment Items, Jeffrey S. Grafton, Earl W. Sollmann

Theses and Dissertations

The United States (US) promotes collective security in the Free World via the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. FMS customers prefer to acquire weapon system logistic support through FMS rather than by direct commercial vendor support. Ninety-seven percent of the follow-on logistics requirements are submitted via a special program called Cooperative Logistics Supply Support Arrangement CLSSA. CLSSA, while sound in theory, has been a poor performer. The USAF must modify the CLSSA program or risk losing future FMS to competing nations. Modifying CLSSA to utilize an automated forecasting process will greatly improve customer service. Efficient and timely logistic support is …

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, …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Cost-Schedule Control Systems Criteria Interpretation Differences Between The Dod And Its Contractors, Brian E. Hoffmann Ii, Johnny Wilson

Theses and Dissertations

This study attempted to identify the major interpretive differences of the Cost/Schedule Control Systems Criteria (C/SCSC) between Department of Defense DoD and contractor performance management professionals, and to understand why these differences occurred. As the study progressed, its focus shifted to an evaluation of the Interpretive Guide, an Air Force Institute of Technology AFIT published document used to assist in the understanding of the criteria elements. The objective of the evaluation was to determine if the Interpretive Guide’s explanations of the criteria elements were in consonance with the intent of the criteria and with current practice in the field of …

An Assessment Of Factors That Affect The Employment Of Alternative Dispute Resolution Techniques To Resolve Contract Disputes, Jeffrey T. Journey, Bradley T. Riddle

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the factors which potentially influence contracting and legal professionals’ decisions to employ Alternative Dispute Resolution ADR techniques to resolve contract disputes. A literature review revealed that unawareness, excessive oversight, lack of management support, over-regulation, and interdisciplinary conflict on acquisition teams are or have been the most prominent factors discouraging the use of ADR. An additional background investigation determined that the United States Army, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Navy had extensive experience and expertise regarding ADR use. Therefore, surveys over 250 were administered to various contracting and legal offices throughout these agencies, of which 57 …

Defective Pricing: An Analysis Of Factors Affecting Sustention Rates And Disposition Times, Tracey D. Kop

Theses and Dissertations

Defective pricing occurs when contractors fail to disclose current, accurate, and complete cost or pricing data in their proposals. Failure to submit valid data entitles the government to a refund in the amount of overpayment. With the current backlog of overage defective pricing cases and the continuing decline in sustention rates, a better understanding of the factors affecting timely and successful recoupment of defective pricing funds is needed. This research identifies factors which significantly affect sustention rates and disposition times and presents models to predict both rates and times. Factors were identified through a literature review and interviews with defective …