Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Media Use And Performance In Air Force Organizations: Testing The Value Of Media Richness Theory, Lawrence D. Harrison Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

Communication is a critical factor in any organization. The choices Air Force members make when communicating have a direct impact on mission accomplishment. Media Richness Theory (MRT) recognizes that communication needs, and the ability of various media to support them, are influenced by a number of factors involving the message content, situational elements, and its symbolic aspects. The theory predicts employees who use more appropriate communication media face to face conversation, telephone, e-mail, and written correspondence as predicted by the theory, will be more effective performers. The ability of MRT to explain supervisory performance ratings for a group of junior …

An Investigation Of The Relationship Between Perception Levels Of Prime Beef Training And Readiness Task Confidence, D. Wade Lawrence

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examined the readiness training perception levels and task self-confidence of CE Prime BEEF personnel, and investigated the relationships between these two constructs. A heuristic model was developed which hypothesized that since previous research has shown that perception of training affects self-efficacy, and that self-efficacy affects performance, it may be inferred that training perception ultimately affects task performance. Surveys were sent to the target population to gather demographic data, perceptions of Prime BEEF readiness training and task confidence in both self and unit. Despite an improvement in perceptions over the past 12 years, results showed somewhat mediocre perception levels …

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 …

Usaf Pilot Perceptions Of Workload Assessment In A Combat Or High-Threat Environment, Kadircan Kottas

Theses and Dissertations

This study analyzed the self-reported survey responses of 219 Air Force Pilots concerning their perceptions of workload assessment in a combat or a high threat environment. The first objective of this study was to determine and compare the combat workload factors of varying importance in combat workload assessment by aircraft and mission type flown. The second objective was to examine the pilots' perception of combat mission inflight workload. A stepwise regression model to predict the pilots' perceptions of inflight workload using pilots' characteristics data was explored. Research conclusion varied among aircraft types. Combat workload items indicated as distractingly important were …

Department Of Defense Hazardous Waste Site Remediation Issues In The Republic Of Korea, Edwin H. Oshiba

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to provide information to DoD decision makers regarding factors influencing hazardous waste site remediation policy for South Korea. This study addressed: International agreements and U.S. and South Korean laws and policies relevant to hazardous waste sites; objectives of DoD environmental policy makers; extent and effects of soil and groundwater contamination; cleanup precedents set in other foreign countries; availability of resources and technical capabilities to investigate and remediate hazardous waste sites in South Korea; and opportunities for cooperation between the U.S. and South Korean military with regard to hazardous waste site remediation. Data were collected …

An Analysis Of The Effectiveness Of Online Peer Feedback At The United States Air Force Academy, Annette M. Driscoll

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the effectiveness of the Air Force Academy's Department of English local area network peer feedback system. Four main questions were examined. These questions explored a) whether students reported improvement in their writing, b) whether students reported that feedback is worthwhile, c) whether students reported that LAN sessions increase enjoyment of writing, and d) what types of feedback the students 1) received and 2) found most helpful. Three groups were studied. Forty-six students received feedback online, fifty students received feedback face to face, and thirty-three students did not receive feedback. Comparisons were made for the questions mentioned above …

Assessment Of Customer Perceptions Of The Hazardous Materials Pharmacy, Sean M. O'Brien

Theses and Dissertations

The Air Force began operations of a Hazardous Material Pharmacy (HMP) in the late 80s. This thesis identifies causes of positive and negative perceptions of the HMP among its customers. Focus groups were used to determine customer perceptions. Several Total Quality Management (TQM) tools were used in this analysis. Brainstorming was used to generate customer perceptions. Affinity diagrams were used to group data into meaningful categories. Interrelationship digraphs were used to determine influence among causes of perception and to rank the causes of perception. This study showed that lack of clear policy and support of the HMP were the leading …

An Analysis Of Unclassified Current And Pending Air Force Information Warfare And Information Operations Doctrine And Policy, Kenneth V. Peifer

Theses and Dissertations

This study focused on determining if unclassified current and pending Air Force information warfare and information operations doctrine and policy is moving in the direction it should in terms of being complete, consistent and cohesive based on what has been mandated and studied about information warfare. A model of unclassified current and pending Air Force information warfare and information operations doctrine and policy was examined through criterion-based congruence analysis to make this determination. Investigative questions were developed in reference to the current state of unclassified Air Force information warfare and information operations doctrine and policy. Secondary data analysis was conducted …

An Analysis Of The Use Of Social Processes During Computer Use, Shawna R. Wimpy

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the claim that people use social processes relating to other humans when interacting with computers. A laboratory study (n = 38) manipulated two team factors, identity and interdependence and a stereotype activation effect to two labels, generalist and specialist. Subjects for this study were military members or civilians working for the military. The results show that none of the subjects reported being influenced by team or stereotype manipulations as given in self-reports. Incongruent to these findings, the behavioral data demonstrated that subjects were influenced by stereotype labels. There were no interaction effects between team factors and stereotype …

Subjective Quality Of Experience With The Internet: Accounting For Temporal Changes In User Acceptance Of Information Technology, Jason M. Turner

Theses and Dissertations

Contemporary information technology (IT) related research has focused on use as a key dependent measure for valuing IT. By understanding the determinants of IT use, we gain descriptive information about successful IT, and prescriptive information for better deploying IT resources. Although there are several competing theories regarding IT use, research findings often cite their inability to account for temporal changes in usage behaviors. This thesis introduces quality of experience as a potential moderator between the determinants of use and actual usage behaviors. A pilot survey concerning Internet usage generated potentially relevant items which were later refined into a questionnaire assessing …

Assessing The Social Preference For Historic Preservation Of United States Air Force Facilities, Patrick R. Breaux

Theses and Dissertations

The Air Force is required to inform the public and solicit their comments when proposing actions to historic facilities. However, the Department of Defense has been criticized for the lack of consistent and adequate public involvement in this process. This research effort developed a hierarchy to capture public's general preferences for historic preservation treatments. This information could be utilized as an early input to the decision making process. Expert participants provided inputs regarding the building characteristics which influence historic preservation decisions, the objectives of preservation, and the treatments which are applied to historic buildings. Focus group discussions were conducted with …

The Relation Between The Writing System And The Use Of Metaphor In English And Chinese, Kang Yuen Ma

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents evidence that there is a positive correlation between the rich visual elements in the Chinese writing system and its users' frequent use of visual imagery (specifically 'image-mappings') in composing metaphors and naming objects. In early 1997, Chinese and English questionnaires were distributed to Chine-speakers and English-speakers in the USA and Hong Kong, in which they were requested to compose twenty novel metaphors with given words and to name three rocks given the rocks' descriptions and drawings. Statistical findings from the 335 questionnaires returned show that among all participants, those who answered their questionnaires in Chinese, those who …

A Study Of The Viability Of African American Adoption Recruitment Videotapes As A Promotional Tool For The One Church, One Child Of Pennsylvania, Incorporated Recruitment Campaign, Renee B. Gettys

Theses and Dissertations

Recognizing the enormous number of African American children in foster care in Pennsylvania, members of the Pennsylvania African American clergy, led by Reverend William B. Moore and the Honorable John F. White, Jr., Secretary of Public Welfare met with Governor Robert Casey in 1987.

This successful meeting resulted in the development of the One Church, One Child of Pennsylvania, Incorporated in 1987. The program is a branch of the national One Church, One Child organization, founded by Father George Clements in Chicago, 1970.

One Church, One Child of PA, Inc. is a non profit corporation in partnership with the Department …

Formation Of U.S. Security Assistance Policy: 1947-1959, Gregory S. Mazul

Theses and Dissertations

Security assistance has played a vital role in the formation of foreign policy objectives throughout United States history. It is generally accepted that a formal security assistance program was initiated in the U.S. following the conclusion of World War II with the signing of the Greek Turkish Aid Bill. From this point forward the U.S. would embark on a global attempt to shape the world political environment to suit our own national objectives and priorities. The period between 1947 and 1959 offers a unique look at the formative years of our national security assistance program both in terms of world …

Visitor Evaluation: An Exploratory Study For The Usaf Museum, William J. Wosilius

Theses and Dissertations

Research was conducted to determine a viable museum visitor evaluation method for use at the USAF Museum, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH. A 44 item questionnaire was developed, tested, and administered to 288 visitors to measure attitudes and collect information regarding the USAF Museum visitor base. Constructs in the questionnaire included: motivation for visiting, evaluation of the museum experience, transportation issues, general awareness of museum services, and demographic information. Analysis of the data indicated that enthusiasm for aviation and aviation history were the primary motivating factors and that advertising had little or no effect on visitation. In addition, the USAF Museum was …

An Investigation Of Prioritizing Research Topics In Professional Communication, Richard G. Buschagen

Theses and Dissertations

This research explored which areas and methods of research need to be identified and developed to most effectively communicate business and technical information. The research was sparked by the current literature which indicates that a gap exists between academicians, who do most of the research, and practitioners, who utilize the research results. This effort was intended to address possible causes of this problem by establishing the importance of nine research topic areas, six data collection methods/sources, and three data analysis methods for both academicians and researchers and other demographic characteristics. The research concludes that the participants generally agreed on which …

International Armaments Cooperation In The Post-Cold War Era, Paul L. Hartman

Theses and Dissertations

During the height of the Cold War, the United States Department of Defense had a focused acquisition effort to produce major weapons systems. These weapons systems were developed as single service acquisition efforts. Their high costs were justified by their sophisticated technology, which enabled the U.S. military to gain and maintain air and ground combat superiority. Such acquisition practices significantly increased the defense budget, which peaked in 1985 at $414 billion. However, with the collapse of the Soviet Union and an absence of a single galvanizing threat to global security, the U.S. has been forced to drastically cut defense spending. …

The Influence Of Foreign Culture On Air Force Contingency Contracting Operations, Christian M. Ruefer

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract Contingency Contracting Officers (CCOs) are increasingly finding themselves an integral part of overseas deployments, purchasing in theater whatever the combat forces cannot bring with them. As a result, CCOs must deal directly with businesses and the individuals who operate them in the deployed location. Cultural differences between the CCO and suppliers can become an issue not encountered in stateside operations. This thesis was designed to explore the possible impact of culture on the deployed CCO's ability to do their job. There were four objectives of this study. First, those tasks CCOs must accomplish in order to perform their job …

Aerial Port Location Study, Levenchi L. Dingle

Theses and Dissertations

This study performed an investigation on determining the appropriate number and locations of continental United States aerial ports. To accomplish this a linear programming formulation was adapted with the optimizing function based on trading off the cost of shipping cargo against port operating costs. Cargo would travel from CONUS origin, through aerial port of embarkation (APOE), to aerial port of debarkation (APOD) at minimum cost to the DoD. The need for the study was precipitated by continued reductions in the military budget, consolidation of defense depots, and the reduction in the number of personnel stationed overseas. Cargo movement data was …

The Determinants Of The Housing Choices Of Military Families: Implications For Military Policy, William R. Forster

Theses and Dissertations

The Department of Defense (DOD) currently spends $8.2 billion dollars a year on military housing and housing allowances and yet there is no empirical model of the housing choices that military families make. This thesis creates a model of the housing choices of military families and then uses the model to predict the effects that changes in several policies would have on the housing decisions of military families. The changes in housing choices are then combined with current 1997 force structure data to predict both the monetary costs and benefits of each policy change. Data from the 1992 Surveys of …

The Impact Of The Packard Commission's Recommendations On Reducing Cost Overruns In Major Defense Acquisition Programs, David A. Searle

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines the impact that recommendations made by the President's Blue Ribbon Commission on Defense Management, informally known as the Packard Commission, had on reducing cost overruns in major DoD acquisition programs. Cost overruns are a recurring problem in the DoD, and the study of possible effects resulting from the implementation of acquisition reform efforts such as the Packard Commission study could alter this trend. In this era of acquisition reform and downsizing it's important that policy makers understand the effects past and current policies have had and are having on reducing the ever present problem of cost overruns. …

Economic Analysis For An F-22 Organic Vs. Contractor Aircraft Battle Damage Repair Ownership Decision, John A. Kitchens

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) is a viable alternative to Combat Logistics Support Squadrons (CLSSs) for providing F-22 Aircraft Battle Damage Repair (ABDR). Legalities, practicalities, and cost-effectiveness were key ownership concerns. United States Code, Office of Management and Budget, Department of Defense (DoD), and United States Air Force (USAF) requirements were reviewed to address legal and policy issues and whether F-22 ABDR is military essential. The Army's Logistics Civil Augmentation Program (LOCCAP) award fee history was used to assess the potential performance of F-22 ABDR CLS personnel. F-117 ABDR team requirements and …

Reversing Language Shift: Can Kwak'wala Be Revived?, Stan J. Anonby

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis deals with the subject of reversing language shift, which comes under the rubric of language rivival. The particular situation and problems encountered by the endangered Kwak'wala language will be described in chapter one. Each community in which the language is spoken will be examined and individual language revival efforts will be discussed. The second chapter will look at different methods and procedures used in various language projects thoughout the world. In particular, it will examine some language projects which are (or were ) in a similar situation to Kwak'wala. It will also come to some conclusions regarding what …

Guide To Web Site Promotion: How Companies Can Draw More Qualified Traffic To Their World Wide Web Sites, Donald L. Dunnington

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to compile techniques available to public relations practitioners to promote World Wide Web sites to a targeted business-to-business audience, Without an active promotion program, using a variety of online and offline media, companies are unlikely to draw sufficient qualified traffic to their web sites to justify the cost of a site. Web technology is changing so fast, and content and usage are growing so quickly, that the only way to keep up is through use of online resources. Finding the resources specifically focused on web site promotion can be daunting, however, without guidance as …

A Study Of Empowered Employees At Two Sears, Roebuck And Company Department Stores, Wellington Watts

Theses and Dissertations

This study analyzed and compared the results of two surveys. The first survey of 40 empowered employees was conducted at the Sears department store in Deptford, New Jersey. The second survey of 40 empowered employees was conducted at the Sears department store in Alexandria, Virginia.

Both surveys tried to determine if being empowered helped employees feel valued by the company. The surveys also tried to determine if being empowered helped employees improve customer service and if managers upheld their obligations to let employees solve customer problems.

The survey results showed that empowered employees at both stores felt they were better …

Telecommuting (And Its Effect On Productivity And Morale), Shown M. Swangin-Horton

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the type of effect telecommuting would have on employee morale and productivity. The sample population consisted of one hundred companies and corporations from seven eastern states.

The study indicates that telecommuting had a positive effect on respondents, as their morale and productivity increased. However, some expressed concern about resentment from on site employees and resistance from management regarding the program.

The researcher concluded that with economic, social and environmental concerns, telecommuting can be considered a feasible work solution.

A Study Of Political Campaign Communication Tactics, Janine M. Aruanno

Theses and Dissertations

This study identified issues and campaign elements important to registered voters in Atlantic County during the 1995 general election. In addition, it measured the importance of issues versus party affiliation and character.

The researcher surveyed 197 registered voters in New Jersey's second legislative district. The survey queried voters about their campaign and candidate preferences in the race for the New Jersey State Assembly.

The study determined the importance of several campaign elements: channels, messages, party affiliation and voting records, Additionally, the research showed which issues sparked interest in voters.

Finally, the research determined that party affiliation and effective campaigning are …

The Impact Of Intranets On College And University Public Relations Professionals, Daniel Murphy

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis was to determine the impact of intranets with regard to the future job responsibilities and functions of public relations professionals in the field of higher education.

The hypothesis of this paper was that as more and more colleges and universities begin embracing intranets as a communication tool, the issue of information management will arise. The question of who or what department will be responsible for the information that is placed on an educational institution's intranet will be consistent and problematic.

College and university public relations professionals need to be aware of the problems, opportunities, changes …

Interdisciplinary Public Relations: A Curriculum For Undergraduate Study At Oakwood College, Patrice Thomas Conwell

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this project was to create a public relations curriculum for undergraduate study to prepare students as effective practitioners and communicators in the 21st century.

Public relations education has changed over the years to meet the needs and trends of the industry, and today is no exception. The continued rise of Integrated Marketing Communications, and the desire to strengthen the counseling and management functions of public relations make it necessary to evaluate undergraduate curricula to ensure students are being properly prepared to enter the workforce.

The undergraduate curricula of 11 schools were analyzed and compared for subject matter …

Seashore Tourism Brochures And Advertising: Characteristics Of Effectiveness, Andrew Cripps

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to identify the visual design elements that contribute to the effectiveness of seashore tourism brochures and print advertising.

For the first part of the study, the researcher interviewed seven tourism communications professionals for resorts from Cape Cod, Mass., to Virginia Beach, Va. The researcher asked them to indicate the most effective elements in the following categories: brochure format, color tones, overall tone, use of text, style of text, use of photos and the elements within those photographs.

The researcher also conducted a survey of a non-random sample of 31 potential seashore resort visitors. The …