Digital Commons Network^™

Risk Identification In Major Weapon Systems Acquisition In The Republic Of China Air Force, Te-Lung Tsai

Theses and Dissertations

This research examined the magnitudes of the performance, supportability, life-cycle cost, schedule, and management risk factors in current Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) weapon systems acquisition programs and analyzed the risk drivers with respect to those risk factors. Mid-to-high level managers in the ROCAF and Chung-Sun Institute of Science and Technology (CSIST) were surveyed to determine the extent to which various risk factors were contributing to program risk. A total of fifty-four (54) managers responded to the survey. The results indicate: high risks to performance, supportability, life cycle cost, and schedule, and moderate risk to management. Risk-drivers that contributed …

An Analysis Of Strategic Planning To Support The United States Special Operations Forces' C3 Interoperability, George M. Pierce Ii

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to analyze the strategic plans of USSOCOM to determine its role in resolving the C3 interoperability issues. A model using strategic controls and Theory of Constraints was used as a standard to evaluate USSOCOM's management plans. A literature search revealed that hardware and new technology were the primary concerns of previous studies. However, the literature did not address whether the lack of a formal strategy contributed to the C3 interoperability problems. Therefore, the determination was to adopt a fresh approach to the C3 interoperability issues and analyze the strategic process. The data analysis of …

The Development Of An Expert System For Hazardous Cargo Compatibility, Douglas A. Furst, Ronald E. Smith

Theses and Dissertations

This research demonstrates the application of expert system technology to automate the aircraft load selection process performed when transporting hazardous cargo. The resulting computer program is an expert system named HAZARD. This system incorporates the regulations governing hazardous cargo compatibility with the heuristics used by experts in loadplanning operations. The impetus to develop such a system is the January 1993 conversion of regulation guidelines for hazardous cargo classification and management in Air Force Regulation 71-4, to a universal international standard. The Cargo Operations Division of Headquarters Air Mobility Command at Scott AFB, was concerned that this change in procedures and …

Issues Affecting Acquisition Strategies For Remedial Action Projects At Installation Restoration Program Sites, John E. Keoshian, William A. Kolakowski

Theses and Dissertations

Most, if not all, of Air Force IRP restoration work is accomplished through contracting avenues. The present system of cleanup and close out of these IRP sites is inefficient, time consuming, and costly. Expedient cleanup of contaminated sites will depend in large part upon on how effectively the USAF manages its restoration contracts. Difficulties are encountered due to differences in interpretation and/or vagueness of contracting and environmental information by all parties involved. Additionally, numerous conflicts arise when different agencies apply different acquisition strategies to similar remedial actions. To compound the problem, there are few definitions and little guidance from the …

Comparative Evaluation Of A Monocular Head Mounted Display Device Versus A Flat Screen Display Device In Presenting Aircraft Maintenance Technical Data, Jeffrey A. Friend, Randy S. Grinstead

Theses and Dissertations

As military developers provide increasingly complex weapon system, it becomes more difficult for maintenance technicians to perform their jobs. One aspect of the technicians' world is the need to access technical information in the performance of their duties. This study investigated two electronic display systems to evaluate which enhanced technician performance more. A Head Mounted Display (HMD) device and a portable hand-held flat-screen computer were evaluated in the performance of two flightline maintenance activities. Although both display systems were fully portable and self contained, only the HMD system allowed continuous access to technical information during task performance. In most cases, …

Prioritizing Pollution Prevention Projects Using The Displaced Ideal Model For The Allocation Of Limited Funds, Scott W. Mcpherson, Debra J. Watts

Theses and Dissertations

This research developed a model to prioritize pollution prevention projects for the distribution of limited financial resources. This model was designed for use at the major command (MAJCOM) level. Each MAJCOM is allowed to select the attributes believed to be most appropriate for evaluating pollution prevention projects. The system also allows the flexibility for MAJCOMs to weight the attributes in accordance with requirements. The model uses "fuzzy logic" and the Displaced Ideal Model (DIM) to prioritize projects that currently do not have an imminent compliance deadline, but are important due to potential noncompliance with future regulations. These projects also are …

Development Of The Air Module For The Work Information Management System. Environmental Subsystem (Wims-Es), Robert A. Cantwell, Jonathan S. Davis

Theses and Dissertations

The primary objective of this research was to develop the air module for the Work Information Management System Environmental Subsystem (WIMSES). The air module will provide Air Force environmental managers with a management information system (MIS) to control the growing amount of air pollution data required to stay in compliance with the newly amended Clean Air Act. To develop the air module, the Air Force's air pollution management requirements were researched first. These requirements were then compared to the capabilities of existing air pollution MISs used in the Department of Defense, the Environmental Protection Agency, and in commercial industry. The …

An Investigation Of The Influence Of Advanced Aircraft Diagnostics On The Technological Sophistication Of Maintenance Personnel, Chris R. Collins, Clete W. Knaub

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to determine what effect automated diagnostic systems will have on the maintenance worker's technological capabilities. Four investigative questions guided the project: 1. What effect has automation of skilled jobs had on workers in the civilian community?; 2. What technological and psychological traits have led to success in past military conflicts?; 3. What types of technological and psychological traits will technicians have who are heavily dependent on diagnostic systems? (For example, to what degree will maintenance technicians be able to improvise when deployed to a combat area?); and, 4. What lessons can Air Force maintenance …

Demonstrating The Effects Of Shop Flow Process Variability On The Air Force Depot Level Reparable Item Pipeline, Marvin A. Arostegui Jr., Jon A. Larvick

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the effects of reducing the mean processing time and variability in the Shop Flow Segment of the Depot Level Reparable Item pipeline. The measure of interest was the average number of units in the pipeline of a particular type of item (referred to as the average pipeline contents). A literature review revealed that process variability in the pipeline has an impact on its effective operation and cost. A simulation model was developed to determine if reducing mean processing time and/or variability in the Shop Flow Segment would result in a reduction in the average pipeline contents. The …

A Methodology For Model Comparison Using The Theater Simulation Of Airbase Resources And All Mobile Tactical Air Force Models, Heston R. Hicks, Lawrence L. Long

Theses and Dissertations

This research compares the Theater Simulation of Airbase Resources (TSAR) model to the sortie generation (SORGEN) module of the AH Mobile Tactical Air Force (AMTAF) model, qualitatively and quantitatively, while concurrently developing and proving a model co methodology. The qualitative analysis compares the models' background and documentation, features and databases, and useability. The quantitative analysis statistically compares the models' estimates of sorties generated. For the quantitative study, eight variables are chosen and assigned high and low values for use in a 2' 1/4 fractional factorial experimental design. Equivalent input databases are developed from a TSAR F-15C database and pilot trials …

A Model-Based Methodology For Evaluating The Unit-Level Air Combat Mission Planning (Acmp) Process, Thomas L. Gaylord, George L. Sowell

Theses and Dissertations

This study modeled the USAF unit-level Air Combat Mission Planning (ACMP) process and developed a methodology for evaluating the effectiveness of changes to the process. The study also reports relevant mission planning lessons learned from Desert Storm and demonstrates application of the developed evaluation methodology. An exploratory multidisciplinary literature review builds a research foundation for the evaluation methodology. Foundation areas reviewed include unit-level operations, command and control, planning, decision theory, decision aiding, and model-based problem solving. The conceptual model of the planning process defines sixteen functions starting from receipt of tasking and concluding with execution departure. For each of the …

An Analysis Of The Air Force Enlisted Performance Feedback System, Dee J. Jackson, Mark A. Ward

Theses and Dissertations

This research evaluated the effectiveness of the enlisted evaluation performance feedback system. The Air Force created the feedback system because many airmen, especially those in lower ranks, did not know or did not understand their duties. Therefore, for the purpose of this study, effectiveness was defined as the degree to which the Air Force model mimicked the ideal feedback model as formulated by the researcher's analysis of the literature. The researchers found evidence that the new Air Force feedback system is an improvement over the old design. Under the old system, the only regulated means of providing feedback was a …

Cost/Schedule Control Systems Criteria: A Reference Guide To C/Scsc Information, Erik G. Cummings, Kirk A. Schneider

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis effort provides a valuable tool for contract performance measurement (CPM) analysts to use both while attending formalized Cost/Schedule Control Systems Criteria (C/SCSC) training, and while on the job. Research indicated a large amount of written material existed on contract performance measurement and the more specific topic of C/SCSC, yet this information was hidden in a wide array of unindexed professional journals, master's thesis, and texts. Further, while many professions have a reference guide of annotated bibliographies, CPM had none. Through an extensive literature review using several search and retrieval methods, the authors were able to amass a bibliography …

Change In Self-Efficacy As A Measure Of Training Effectiveness At Squadron Officer School, Edward J. Berghorn, Michael Lewis

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of the US air Force Squadron Officer School (SOS) training curriculum by measuring students' self-efficacy before and after training. The authors verified through the literature that an individual's personal assessment of his self-efficacy was associated with task understanding and performance. Then self-efficacy questions were generated (for each of the four SOS curriculum areas) for an individual to assess his ability to perform a behavior related to a particular SOS learning objective. Demographic questions were also developed and combined with the self- efficacy questions to form pretest (before SOS training) and …

Development Of A Heuristic Knowledge Base For The Selection Of Applicable Or Relevant And Appropriate Environmental Requirements, Scott J. Borg, Gerald B. Puetz

Theses and Dissertations

Applicable or Relevant and Appropriate Requirements (ARARs) are the basis used in establishing threshold limits for hazardous waste cleanups performed under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCIA). ARARs selections must be applied consistently at numerous cleanup locations concurrently. The purpose of this research was to analyze activities required for the development of a heuristic knowledge base used for selection of The problem domain for the research was limited CERCLA cleanups of contaminated groundwater, through the use of a pump and treat strategy, using air stripping as the as the cleanup technology. The research examined literature concerning the …

An Analysis Of The Potential Use Of Red Horse Capabilities And Training Activities To Perform Or Accelerate Air Force Environmental Cleanups, E. Alexander Stokes Iii, Randy A. Carpenter

Theses and Dissertations

There are more than 4,000 Air Force (AF) sites requiring restoration due to hazardous waste contamination. The AF goal is to completely restore all sites by 2000. One method of achieving this ambitious goal is to use in-house capabilities. This study examined the potential use of RED HORSE capabilities and training activities to assist with cleanup of contaminated sites. RED HORSE capabilities and training requirements were compared to the primary cleanup needs of the AF. One finding of this study suggests cleanup of sites contaminated by volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) is the primary need of the AF. The findings also …

An Investigation Of Integrated Weapon System Management Implementation Issues, Scott A. Dalrymple, Lester F. Pietraszuk

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigated Integrated Weapon System Management implementation issues. Five functional areas were examined: Contracting, Engineering, Financial management, Program Management, and Test Management. Data was collected through interviews. The most significant lessons learned were to establish a direct chain of command and to use TQM principles. Program business practices were changed by increasing Product Center/ALC interaction and implementing a single joint CCB. Program personnel obtained useful guidance from other IWSM programs and from the information products distributed by HQ AFMC. Communication improvements included increased teleconference capability and establishment of a Local Area Network. Cultural differences between centers, insufficient initial guidance, …

An Evaluation Of Schedule Metrics Used Within Aeronautical Systems Center, Robert J. Hayes, Lawrence M. Miller

Theses and Dissertations

This study focused on a selected group of schedule metrics in use at Aeronautical Systems Center (ASC) acquisition program offices. Over 300 metrics were collected from the System Program Offices (SPOs). The metrics data were sorted into the categories of cost, schedule, and performance. In order to narrow the scope of the project, the team decided to focus on schedule metrics. Seven of the most common schedule metrics were selected for evaluation by a group of five experienced acquisition professionals. The group was asked to input the likely behaviors driven by the metrics being addressed by the study. Next, they …

Range Scheduling Automation For The Air Force Satellite Control Network: A Case Study In Computer System Development, Donald J. Aitken, Steven C. Bishop

Theses and Dissertations

This study explored the factors influencing divergent outcomes of two computer system development efforts which were undertaken to fulfill the same requirement for computer automation of a manual resource scheduling process. The first project employed the traditional waterfall approach to system development, but resulted in user rejection and cancellation after considerable resources and effort had been expended. The second project employed prototyping and both the process and the product were well received by the users and ultimately produced an operational system. Analysis yielded eight contributory factors to the failure of the first effort. Three of these were related to the …

Comparison Of Four-Cursor Buttons Vs Joystick To Access Computerized Technical Information From An Integrated Maintenance Information System, Gerald E. Streff, Robert H. Gundel

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis was to evaluate the use of four-cursor buttons versus a joystick device to present technical order information on a portable maintenance aid computer for aircraft technicians in a maintenance environment. Studies to date have verified the superiority of computer-presented technical orders when compared to current paper-based systems; this research investigated the effectiveness of these computer-based systems when technicians used a joystick or four-cursor button to display desired technical information. A comparison was made as to technician performance using a portable maintenance aid at the 4950th Test Wing, WPAFB OH. A total of thirty-two maintenance technicians …

An Assessment Of Afit Sys200, 'Acquisition Planning And Analysis', As A Broadening Course Under Apdp, Daryl J. Hauck, Charles A. Manship

Theses and Dissertations

This study assessed AFIT's SYS200 course, 'Acquisition Planning and Analysis,' to determine whether it serves adequately as a broadening course under the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP). APDP certification requires persons in eight acquisition functional disciplines (Acquisition Logistics, Systems R and D/ Engineering, Program Management, etc.) to complete SYS200. Three complementary measures (assessing knowledge, self- efficacy, and a supervisor assessment) were used to determine whether SYS200 conveyed its curriculum effectively to members of all functional disciplines. The results showed that SYS200 attendance produced substantial increases in acquisition-related knowledge, self-efficacy, and supervisor assessments for all functional disciplines. In all three measures, …

Bs News

Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.

Output Frequency Changes In A Commercial Rubidium Clock Resulting From Magnetic Field And Microwave Power Variations, Edward B. Sarosy

Theses and Dissertations

This report shows the relationship between output frequency shifts and the absorption cell magnetic field during microwave power fluctuations on a commercial rubidium frequency clock. Changes in the clock output frequency relative to the 10 MHz reference were monitored as changes in the absorption cell magnetic field (0.01 to 1.0 Gauss) and changes in the cell's interrogation microwave power were varied from the nominal specification (PO) at four discrete values (+1.3. -1.1, -2.2, -4.OdB). The maximum normalized output frequency shift of 1.4x10^-10 occurred at--4dB. The maximum normalized frequency change for the +1.3 and -1.1 dB data is about 3 …

Analysis Of Standard Type Unit Development, Jeffrey M. Hess, Merry D. Wermund

Theses and Dissertations

This research study examined the standard type unit development process for the Air Force. Current standard type unit development procedures were determined by a literature review. The literature review, with the interviews, provided information regarding the history of, purpose for, and possible alternatives for developing standard type units. A Delphi questionnaire was developed to determine how well the current process works, how standard type units worked for Desert Shield/Storm, and possible ways to improve the development process. This questionnaire was distributed to F-15 units, F-16 units, and major command personnel in Tactical Air Command (now Air Combat Command). All three …

A Comparison Of Aircraft Maintenance Organizational Structures, Wesley C. Davis, Sanford Walker

Theses and Dissertations

This study compares the aircraft maintenance structure being implemented by General Merrill A. McPeak with that of the previous structure typified by TACR 66-5. Historical aircraft data is used to compare organizational structures. Data from the USAF and USN is used to build regression models to determine if organizational structure contributes to combat capability. Statistical tests are used to determine if a significant difference exists between the two organizational structures. Regression analysis and comparison of the results lead the researchers to conclude that a significant difference exists in the performance measures of COMO and Objective Wing organizations. While many reasons …

Modification, Reimplementation And Studies Using The Meisner Model Of The Heart, Ari Zvi Zivotofsky

Theses

The study of left ventricular filling in both the normal and the pathological heart is of great importance. A computer model simulation of the heart with emphasis on mitral flow was designed by Meisner in 1986 and implemented in QuickBASIC. This paper discusses how the original program was altered to be able to perform "Parameter vs. Parameter" runs in which it can be observed how varying an input parameter affects output parameters. The output data is then formatted in such a way that it can be used by QUATTRO PRO, a standard spreadsheet package, to yield graphical outputs.

In addition, …

Remote Driving With Reduced Bandwidth Communication, Fred W. Depiero, Timothy E. Noell, Timothy F. Gee

Electrical Engineering

Oak Ridge National Laboratory has developed a real-time video transmission system for low-bandwidth remote operations. The system supports both continuous transmission of video for remote driving and progressive transmission of still images. Inherent in the system design is a spatiotemporal limitation to the effects of channel errors. The average data rate of the system is 64,000 bits/s, a compression of approximately 1000:1 for the black and white National Television Standard Code video. The image quality of the transmissions is maintained at a level that supports teleoperation of a high-mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle at speeds up to 15 mph on a …

34th Rocky Mountain Conference On Applied Spectroscopy

Rocky Mountain Conference on Magnetic Resonance

Program and registration information for the 34th annual meeting of the Rocky Mountain Conference on Applied Spectroscopy, co-sponsored by the Colorado Section of the American Chemical Society and the Rocky Mountain Section of the Society for Applied Spectroscopy. Held in Denver, Colorado, August 2-6, 1992.

Acuta Enews August 1992, Vol. 21, No. 8

ACUTA Newsletters

In This Issue

FCC gives nod to touch-tone video

President's column

West Chester starting student resale

Security at Yale

ACUTA Calender

Phone taps snare hackers

Design And Performance Of A Bituminous Surface Mixture Containing Bottom Ash Aggregate, David Q. Hunsucker

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

A one-mile experimental bituminous surface overlay was placed in October 1987 on State Route 3 in Lawrence County, Kentucky. The experimental section utilized bottom ash aggregate from the Kentucky Power Company's Big Sandy Power Plant, near Louisa, Kentucky. Bottom ashes are generally angular and have very porous surfaces. Approximately 539 tons of the experimental bituminous surface material, containing 40 percent bottom ash (dry weight), were placed. Reported herein are results of laboratory tests and performance evaluations of the experimental surface mixture.

Performance of the experimental bottom ash surface has been excellent. Skid resistance tests indicate the surface is highly skid …