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Articles 151 - 180 of 195
Full-Text Articles in Engineering
Just In Time Manufacturing: A Migration From Materials Requirements Planning, Scott A. Koehler
Just In Time Manufacturing: A Migration From Materials Requirements Planning, Scott A. Koehler
Theses and Dissertations
Manufacturing planning and control systems play an important role in an organization's effectiveness. Over the past twenty to thirty years, U.S. manufacturing companies have faced increasing competition for market share from Japanese and other Pacific rim countries. This thesis will investigate the evolutionary path followed by manufacturing companies that have implemented various manufacturing planning and control systems. Specifically, Materials Requirements Planning (MRP) and Just In Time (JIT) production will be analyzed. MRP is a means of convening demand for the final product into a requirements schedule for the various components comprising that product. The JIT philosophy calls for continuously improving …
A Performance Analysis Of The Air Force War Time Lean Logistics Pipeline, Craig S. Gaddis, David A. Haase
A Performance Analysis Of The Air Force War Time Lean Logistics Pipeline, Craig S. Gaddis, David A. Haase
Theses and Dissertations
Lean Logistics is an innovative proposal designed to reduce the costs associated with reparable inventory management. The purpose of this thesis is to determine whether a wartime lean logistics pipeline can maintain acceptable aircraft availability rates in response to induced variations of order and ship time (OST) and flying hours for deployed forces. The Dyna-MEIRIC Version 6.4 simulation program was used to evaluate nine different factor-level combinations. The factors, OST and flying hours were varied at three different levels, low, medium, and high. Analysis of the results was accomplished using a two-factor ANOVA. The authors discovered that while increasing OST …
Tracking Air Force Pallets Using Rfid Technology: A Concept Study, Gary A. Gross
Tracking Air Force Pallets Using Rfid Technology: A Concept Study, Gary A. Gross
Theses and Dissertations
The lack of asset visibility experienced at Aerial Ports of Embarkation (APOEs) during Operation Desert Storm is a phenomenon that has occurred in every major conflict for the last 40 years. The costs associated with this lack of control directly relate to the combat readiness and capability of supported units. This study examined the possibility of installing a Radio Frequency Identification (RF-ID) system to track Department of Defense 463L pallets worldwide. Performance characteristics of commercially available RF-ID systems were summarized, and a conceptual Air Mobility Command (AMC) tracking system was presented. For purposes of concept study, Amtech Corporation's Intellitag RT …
A Comparison Of Consistent Versus Inconsistent Scheduling Rules In A Flow Shop Environment, Nicola Gismondi
A Comparison Of Consistent Versus Inconsistent Scheduling Rules In A Flow Shop Environment, Nicola Gismondi
Theses and Dissertations
A consistent scheduling rule is one which will ensure a job's priority (relative to all other job's) will remain constant as it moves from queue to queue in a production system. Previous research concerning flow shop priority scheduling rules focused on comparison of either consistent or inconsistent rules. Conversely, this study sought to provide additional insight by comprising consistent and inconsistent rules in a flow shop environment The Air Force uses both types of rules in maintenance and logistics scheduling. Time and money can be saved if the scheduling managers can better understand the effect of consistency on a system. …
Aligning Demand For Spare Parts With Their Underlying Failure Mode, Steven D. Kephart, Richard C. Roberts
Aligning Demand For Spare Parts With Their Underlying Failure Mode, Steven D. Kephart, Richard C. Roberts
Theses and Dissertations
Current Air Force demand forecasting systems, DO41 and REALM, assume reparable demand is solely flying hour driven. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between demands, flying hours, and number of sorties at the work unit code level and improve reparable demand forecasting. A three phase methodology is used to analyze the demand, flying hour, and sortie relationship. The first phase uses multiple regression to determine a relationship at various work unit code levels. Multiple regression provides limited correlation between demands, flying hours, and sorties. The second phase uses Poisson regression to evaluate the integer, count nature …
The Effect Of Consolidating Two-Level Reparable Inventories On Aggregate Inventory Requirements And Mission Capability, Glenn R. Barney
The Effect Of Consolidating Two-Level Reparable Inventories On Aggregate Inventory Requirements And Mission Capability, Glenn R. Barney
Theses and Dissertations
One of the proposals of Lean Logistics is the relocation of many inventory assets to Intermediate Supply Points (ISPs). This research investigates the effect of consolidating Two Level Maintenance designated reparable asset inventories. The effects of interest are the potential reduction in aggregate inventory requirement and resulting savings and the effect of delayed issue of the assets on mission capability. The metric selected to measure the effect on mission capability for this study is the Not Mission Capable-Supply (NMCS) rate. A spreadsheet analysis of world-wide Two-Level Maintenance designated reparable asset demands over the study period is used to determine the …
A Methodology To Generate Air Force Materiel Command Manpower Reduction Alternatives, Steven T. Bishop
A Methodology To Generate Air Force Materiel Command Manpower Reduction Alternatives, Steven T. Bishop
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study is to generate manpower authorization reduction alternatives for Air Force Materiel Command. The advent of low-cost personal computer software applications, such as Excel, has created an assessable tool with the ability to solve linear programming problems. This research examines the manpower resource reduction process of Air Force Materiel Command and models the Resources Allocation - Integrated Process Team (RA-IPT) decision process. A linear programming model is developed to assign these reduction through a weighted sum. The linear programming model is developed as a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet model, the Exercise Support Program (ESP), using Visual Basic …
Life Cycle Costs Of Alternatives For F-16 Printed Circuit Board Diagnosis Equipment, Kent R. Montgomery, Clifford B. Thorstenson
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 Effect Of Personnel Drawdown Initiatives On Aircrew Experience, Keith L. Hedgepeth, Lennie J. Simpson
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 …
Quality Improvement Analysis Of The Air Force Aircraft Maintenance And Munitions Officers Course, Jeffrey T. Acred, James R. Witter
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
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 …
Developing A Template For Logistics Test And Evaluation, Timothy J. Fennell, Jason S. Mogle
Developing A Template For Logistics Test And Evaluation, Timothy J. Fennell, Jason S. Mogle
Theses and Dissertations
Logistics test and evaluation, performed during the developmental test and evaluation effort, is an integral part of the aircraft acquisition process. However, there has been no standard approach to conducting logistics test and evaluation. This study researched past and present approaches to aircraft logistics test and evaluation to determine the most effective method for future programs. We conducted this study using the Delphi method. We solicited the expert opinions of 32 individuals from the logistics test and evaluation field using two rounds of questions. We then statistically analyzed the data to ultimately develop a logistics test and evaluation template. We …
Benchmarking Customer Service Practices Of Air Cargo Carriers: A Case Study Approach, Patrick D. Lozon, Michael B. Mcdaniel
Benchmarking Customer Service Practices Of Air Cargo Carriers: A Case Study Approach, Patrick D. Lozon, Michael B. Mcdaniel
Theses and Dissertations
This study used the benchmarking process incorporated in a case study approach to determine what the Air Force could learn from the commercial air cargo carriers in regard to customer service practices. The air cargo industry leaders were determined through a previous study to be United Parcel Service, Federal Express, Emery Air Freight, Airborne Freight, DHL Airways, and Burlington Air Express. In addition, the 437th Aerial Port Squadron APS at Charleston AFB South Carolina was the Air Force representative in the benchmarking study. Interviews with air cargo managers were conducted at each carrier’s main hub and at Charleston AFB. The …
Logistics Control Facility: A Normative Model For Total Asset Visibility In The Air Force Logistics System, Eric C. Lorraine, Michael E. Michno
Logistics Control Facility: A Normative Model For Total Asset Visibility In The Air Force Logistics System, Eric C. Lorraine, Michael E. Michno
Theses and Dissertations
Computer simulation was used to evaluate the impact of a Logistics Control Facility LCF with a Total Asset Visibility TAV system on the AF logistics systems ability to support a weapon system. For this study, the B-1B was chosen as the weapon system of interest. Two performance measures, expected fully mission capable rates and expected pipeline quantities, were used to evaluate the simulation results. Two-sample tests were used to compare the current logistics configuration of the B-1B with the same configuration, but with an LCF controlling the movement of assets. The expected FMC rate performance measure showed significant results while …
Organic Maintenance Performance Measurement: A New Approach, John S. Nehr, William G. Queener
Organic Maintenance Performance Measurement: A New Approach, John S. Nehr, William G. Queener
Theses and Dissertations
The growing role of Air Force Air Logistics Centers ALC in complex, multiyear developmental programs increases the need for effective cost and schedule performance measurement. In order to effectively manage these activities, timely and accurate cost and schedule information must be collected and compared with an established baseline. The ALCs need a new management technique which facilitates this type of performance measurement. A proven approach to cost and schedule performance measurement in weapon system acquisitions is Earned Value EV. This approach, required of contractors who are subjected to the CostSchedule Control Systems Criteria CSCSC, allows the program manager to obtain …
A Maintenance Manpower Study Of The Composite Wing At Mountain Home Afb, Stella T. Smith, Cristina C. Vilella
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 …
A Heuristic Approach To Determining Cargo Flow And Scheduling For Air Mobility Command's Channel Cargo System, John Fitzsimmons Jr., John Walker
A Heuristic Approach To Determining Cargo Flow And Scheduling For Air Mobility Command's Channel Cargo System, John Fitzsimmons Jr., John Walker
Theses and Dissertations
This research investigated a heuristic approach to schedule aircraft for the channel cargo system of the Unit States Air Forces Air Mobility Command AMC. Given cargo frequency of visit requirements, a fleet of aircraft, and possible routes, the objective of this research was to develop, implement, and test an iterative procedure to efficiently schedule and load aircraft in order to maximize the flow of cargo through the channel cargo system. Once a level of flow was established, attempts were made to minimize cost in terms of cumulative weighted time-in-system CWTIS. A minimum cost flow heuristic, incorporating a successive shortest path …
An Analysis Of Air Force Acquisition Engineering Officer's Perceptions Of The Adequacy Of Their Preparation For Management, Steven E. Woodruff
An Analysis Of Air Force Acquisition Engineering Officer's Perceptions Of The Adequacy Of Their Preparation For Management, Steven E. Woodruff
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to determine how much time Air Force acquisition engineers spend in performing management functions, how those engineers spend in performing management functions, how those engineers perceive their management training, and which types of training contribute the most to managerial competency. The results from surveys of 215 acquisition engineers assigned to ASCEN, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH and their supervisors revealed that engineers do indeed spend substantial amounts of time performing management functions. Slightly more than half the engineers reported spending at least 50 of an average workday performing management functions. Over 53 of engineers responding to …
Measuring User Satisfaction Of The Electronic Mail System At Air Force Materiel Command Headquarters As An Indicator Of The System's Effectiveness, Randall R. Bradford
Measuring User Satisfaction Of The Electronic Mail System At Air Force Materiel Command Headquarters As An Indicator Of The System's Effectiveness, Randall R. Bradford
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the electronic mail system at the Air Force Materiel Command Headquarters. User satisfaction was measured as an indicator of the systems effectiveness. In order to provide an objective measurement of system effectiveness, the following research questions were addressed: (1) What is system effectiveness in relation to this particular electronic mail system, and how should it be measured? (2) What measurement instruments can be adapted, modified, or created to measure effectiveness as it is defined for problem? (3) If a measurement instrument is administered what do the results of the …
Demonstration Of Improved Software Support Labor Estimation For Air Force Operational Flight Programs Through Functional Orientation, Ronald R. Warner Jr., Darrel L. Wright
Demonstration Of Improved Software Support Labor Estimation For Air Force Operational Flight Programs Through Functional Orientation, Ronald R. Warner Jr., Darrel L. Wright
Theses and Dissertations
This study demonstrated two approaches to improve current software support effort estimation models for aircraft software. Both approaches involved a functional orientation not used by existing models. The first approach demonstrated how to orient a model to reflect the block change cycle modification process and how to represent support effort changes over time in order to improve effort estimation accuracy. Current software models do not reflect the support environment or the temporal characteristics of aircraft software support. The second approach demonstrated how to calibrate a model by properly selecting source data in order to increase accuracy. Support calibration is not …
Scheduling A Medium-Sized Manufacturing Shop: A Simulation Study, Daniel J. Mcfeely
Scheduling A Medium-Sized Manufacturing Shop: A Simulation Study, Daniel J. Mcfeely
Theses and Dissertations
This study examined the application of simple-to-use, low cost scheduling methods to the operating environment of a medium-sized manufacturing shop. Computer simulation was used to evaluate eighteen different scheduling algorithms, each the result of the combination of a loading and a sequencing rule; due date setting was not considered since due dates are exogenously set. The loading rules investigated were Minimum Machine Required, Lowest Average WIP, and Lowest Average Aggregate Priority Level. The sequencing rules investigated were Priority, EDD, FIS, SPT, Slack, and Slack Ratio. The scheduling algorithms were evaluated against performance measures of mean tardiness, mean flowtime, mean percentage …
Repair Process Improvement At The Ogden Air Logistics Center, Landing Gear Division: A Case Study In The Application Of The Theory Of Constraints, David A. Maddox, Susan L. Martz
Repair Process Improvement At The Ogden Air Logistics Center, Landing Gear Division: A Case Study In The Application Of The Theory Of Constraints, David A. Maddox, Susan L. Martz
Theses and Dissertations
This study explored the nature and extent of success that resulted from the implementation of the Theory of Constraints (TOC) in a depot repair environment. The actions taken to implement TOC were determined. Performance measures which defined success were identified and data were collected and summarized to demonstrate performance before and after implementation of TOC concepts. Improvements in flowdays and work-in-process (WIP) were determined to be attributable to the TOC effort. In addition, the unique characteristics of probabalistic repair and supply system variability were noted as those characteristics that posed the greatest challenges to implementing TOC in a remanufacturing environment. …
A Comparison Of The Disaster™ Scheduling Software With A Simultaneous Scheduling Algorithm For Minimizing Maximum Tardiness In Job Shops, Barak J. Carlson, Christopher A. Lettiere
A Comparison Of The Disaster™ Scheduling Software With A Simultaneous Scheduling Algorithm For Minimizing Maximum Tardiness In Job Shops, Barak J. Carlson, Christopher A. Lettiere
Theses and Dissertations
The Theory of Constraints (TOC) is the foundation for a computerized scheduling system called DISASTER. Although this system has proven successful in many manufacturing settings, it has potential limitations due to the sequential heuristic process by which it schedules constraints. The objective of this thesis was to determine the extent to which these limitations impact the due date performance of schedules created by DISASTER. This objective was addressed by developing an algorithm to simultaneously schedule multiple constraints in a job shop environment and provide the optimal schedule for minimized maximum tardiness. This algorithm was used to obtain solutions for a …
An Analysis Of The Effectiveness Of The Air Force Drug Testing Program And Four Potential Modifications, Thomas R. Doster, Hubert A. Ross
An Analysis Of The Effectiveness Of The Air Force Drug Testing Program And Four Potential Modifications, Thomas R. Doster, Hubert A. Ross
Theses and Dissertations
This study evaluated the 1992 USAF Drug Testing Program and potential improvements, based on the number of drug users detected, cost, and legal issues. Four potential improvements were examined: (1) increasing the annual amount of random urinalysis; (2) increasing the proportion of commander-directed testing; (3) using a weighted selection technique, and (4) replacing urinalysis with hair testing. For each improvement, the researchers used test and survey results to estimate the number of drug users detected, a cost formula to estimate any changes in cost, and interviews with legal experts to identify any legal issues associated with implementing the modification. Researchers …
Benchmark Production Scheduling Problems For Job Shops With Interactive Constraints, Stewart W. James, Bruno A. Mediate Jr.
Benchmark Production Scheduling Problems For Job Shops With Interactive Constraints, Stewart W. James, Bruno A. Mediate Jr.
Theses and Dissertations
United States Air Force (USAF) depots have expressed interest in utilizing DISASTER production scheduling software to schedule their maintenance operations. DISASTER attempts to increase system throughput by building effective schedules for system, constraint resources. However, when a system contains multiple, interactive constraints, DISASTER builds the constraint schedules one at a time. Since each successive schedule must adhere to timing restrictions imposed by previous constraint schedules, the quality of the schedules produced by DISASTER is dependent upon the sequence in which the constraints are scheduled. This thesis first developed a set of benchmark problems which provide a diversity of scheduling scenarios. …
Software Cost Estimating Models: A Comparative Study Of What The Models Estimate, George A. Coggins, Roy C. Russell
Software Cost Estimating Models: A Comparative Study Of What The Models Estimate, George A. Coggins, Roy C. Russell
Theses and Dissertations
This effort developed a consolidated document which highlights and examines differences in definitions, assumptions, and methodologies used by the REVIC, SASET, PRICES, and SEER-SEM cost models. The following research questions were investigated: (1) What differences exist between the cost models? (2) How do these differences impact the resulting estimates? (3) To what degree can we explain and adjust for known differences between the cost models? Seven specific areas were addressed: (1) software development phases, (2) development activities and cost elements, (3) source lines of code and language differences, (4) key model attributes and key cost drivers, (5) implications of Project …
Benchmarking Practices Of Air Cargo Carriers: A Case Study Approach, Mila D. Abalateo, Joni R. Lee
Benchmarking Practices Of Air Cargo Carriers: A Case Study Approach, Mila D. Abalateo, Joni R. Lee
Theses and Dissertations
This research effort used the benchmarking process and a case study methodology to determine what the Air Force can learn from commercial air cargo carriers. A literature search showed that the U.S. air cargo industry leaders are United Parcel Service, Federal Express, Emery Air Freight, Airborne Freight, DHL Airways, and Burlington Air Express. In addition, the 436th Aerial Port Squadron at Dover AFB, Delaware was chosen as the Air Force representative in the benchmarking study. Observations of air cargo operations and interviews with operational managers or applicable experts familiar with air cargo operations were conducted at each carrier's hub and …
Predicting The Productive Capacity Of Air Force Aerospace Ground Equipment Personnel Using Aptitude And Experience Measures, Robert S. Faneuff
Predicting The Productive Capacity Of Air Force Aerospace Ground Equipment Personnel Using Aptitude And Experience Measures, Robert S. Faneuff
Theses and Dissertations
This study investigated the effects of mechanical aptitude and job experience on the job performance of 204 Air Force Aerospace Group Equipment (AGE) mechanics. Job performance was expressed as productive capacity (PC), which is derived from estimated performance times on job tasks. PC measures were derived for 50 tasks typically performed by airmen in the specialty. Aptitude measures took the form of Mechanical percentile composite scores on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). A second-order logistic model was used to regress PC on aptitude and experience at the task level and at the overall job, or aggregate, level. Model …
An Analysis Of Tactical Airlifter Characteristics And Their Impact On Theater Airlift System Performance, John J. Koger
An Analysis Of Tactical Airlifter Characteristics And Their Impact On Theater Airlift System Performance, John J. Koger
Theses and Dissertations
This study used computer simulation and Response Surface Technology to determine what tactical airlifter characteristics most impact theater airlift system performance in a Southwest Asia (SWA) scenario. Some Aircraft characteristics were grouped into functional sets, while others were considered individually. After screening one characteristic, reliability, with a two-level factorial experiment, a Box-Behnken design was used to estimate second-order metamodels. A stepwise regression procedure indicated that, if attrition rates are ignored, airlift system performance is most impacted by the aircraft's size, survivability, cruise speed, and ability to operate on short fields. The SWA scenario used in this study covers a large …
Cost Constrained Improvements To The Military Retirement System, Cynthia A. Brown
Cost Constrained Improvements To The Military Retirement System, Cynthia A. Brown
Theses and Dissertations
This research studies possible changes to the current military retirement system. The current military retirement system refers to the system provided under the Military Reform Act of 1986, A new system is proposed which would provide the retiree with four options. Option 1 would provide a pay annuity and medical benefits to the retiree (this is the current system). Option 2 would provide a pay lump sum in place of the, annuity and would offer medical benefits. Option 3 would offer the pay annuity but give a medical lump sum amount in place of the medical benefit. Finally, option 4 …