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Air Force Institute of Technology

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An Evaluation Of The Implementation Of Two-Levels Of Maintenance At Strategic Air Command Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Bases, Alan H. Russell Sep 1991

An Evaluation Of The Implementation Of Two-Levels Of Maintenance At Strategic Air Command Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Bases, Alan H. Russell

Theses and Dissertations

As a result of the 1979 Defense Management Review, Headquarters, Strategic Air Command has initiated programs of alternative levels of maintenance in order to trim excess costs. This study investigates the suitability of the SAC program which changed selected base-level strategic missile maintenance tasks from three to two-levels of maintenance. Using an opinion oriented questionnaire, this research surveyed a sample of missile maintenance personnel on their perceptions of the SAC program which implemented an alternative to intermediate-level maintenance. Analysis of survey results show respondents tended to believe the SAC program has not added benefit to their mission effectiveness. Other studies …


The Disaster™ Scheduling System: A Review And Case Analysis, Jefferson L. Severs Sep 1991

The Disaster™ Scheduling System: A Review And Case Analysis, Jefferson L. Severs

Theses and Dissertations

This research examined the capabilities of a new scheduling system, called DISASTER, based on the theory of constraints. Use of this system may be beneficial to the Department of Defense, particularly Air Force Logistics Command maintenance organizations. The research begins with a review of literature pertaining to manufacturing planning and control systems, including material requirements planning (MRP), manufacturing resource planning (MRP II), AFLC's Depot Maintenance Management Information System (DMMIS), just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing, and the theory of constraints (drum-buffer-rope scheduling) . The research then examined the logic and operation of the DISASTER system. Next, the research examined the implementation of DISASTER …


A Method For The Optimal Disposition Of Surplus Air Force Motor Vehicles, Valerie A. Tredway Sep 1991

A Method For The Optimal Disposition Of Surplus Air Force Motor Vehicles, Valerie A. Tredway

Theses and Dissertations

This study developed a disposition method to enable major commands to increase the value of their vehicle fleets by optimally replacing less valuable fleet vehicles with more valuable surplus vehicles. The value of an optimal vehicle disposition method is especially significant in light of the decline in the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) budget and base closures scheduled through fiscal year 1994. The Air Force currently spends approximately $240 million per year for vehicle replacement to maintain its motor vehicle fleet. It is advantageous, therefore, to consider replacing older vehicles in the fleet with newer surplus vehicles made available through …


Potential Improvements In The Logistics Acquisition Process Of The European Fighter Aircraft: An Italian Perspective, Pierluigi Ciardelli Sep 1991

Potential Improvements In The Logistics Acquisition Process Of The European Fighter Aircraft: An Italian Perspective, Pierluigi Ciardelli

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis was aimed at developing recommendations to improve the implementation of the Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) concept and the application of the Logistics Support Analysis (LSA) tasks during the current acquisition of the European Fighter Aircraft (EFA) by the Italian Air Force (IAF). The research was conducted through a wide overview of the ILS philosophy and implementation, specifically focusing on the USAF experience in acquisition logistics and the lessons learned from the European TORNADO program in the area of support. Although a successful model ready to be introduced in the IAF was not found, some recommendations for the EFA …


Application Of The Deming Management Method To Implement Total Quality Management In The Dod, Shawn P. Lyman Sep 1991

Application Of The Deming Management Method To Implement Total Quality Management In The Dod, Shawn P. Lyman

Theses and Dissertations

This study looked for DOD logistics organizations using the Deming management method to implement TQM. A total of 21 organizations were identified that claim to be following Deming. These organizations were then questioned on what they are dong to implement the Deming philosophy. Each organization is presented and their program discussed. The techniques being used in the different TQM programs were then classified and presented according to each of the 14 points.


Development Of An Operationally-Oriented Measure Of Sustainability, Moira D. Williams Sep 1991

Development Of An Operationally-Oriented Measure Of Sustainability, Moira D. Williams

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis proposes a framework for evaluating sustainability in the Air Force and for determining an appropriate measure of effectiveness that is both meaningful in a military sense and useful in planning and programming decisions. Following a literature review of organizational performance measures and strategy formulation, Michael Porter's Competitive Analysis model for strategy selection was presented. This model was then used to evaluate case studies in which organizations faced strategic decisions and to suggest measures by which these organizations could determine their effectiveness. The model was then shown to be applicable to the Air Force, and recommendations on implementing such …


Performance Assessment Of The Spare Parts For The Activation Of Relocated Systems (Spares) Forecasting Model, Paul L. Bunker Sep 1991

Performance Assessment Of The Spare Parts For The Activation Of Relocated Systems (Spares) Forecasting Model, Paul L. Bunker

Theses and Dissertations

This research assessed the performance of the Spare Parts for the Activation of Relocated Systems (SPARES) forecast model used to develop the spares requirements forecast for the August 1988 activation of the 174TFW at Syracuse ANGB NY. SPARES was developed by the Air Force Logistics Management Center in August 1988 to replace existing Standard Base Supply System (SBSS) forecasting procedures. SPARES uses mission change data (MCD) from five similar-size source bases to determine the probability of future demand (PFD) for items at the gaining base. Before implementing SPARES in the SBSS, forecast performance must be measured and model weaknesses identified …


Ramp-To-Ramp Transfers Of Foreign Military Sales Aircraft And Related Logistics Problems, Lewis J. Edwards Sep 1991

Ramp-To-Ramp Transfers Of Foreign Military Sales Aircraft And Related Logistics Problems, Lewis J. Edwards

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examined the concept of 'ramp-to-ramp' aircraft transfers in the Foreign Military Sales Program. Avoidance of storage costs was the major benefit of this concept, and the lack of support equipment and spare parts are the major drawbacks. Planning and coordination, logistical problems, and conflicting USAF regulations, programs, and policies were examined to determine the effect each had on the 'ramp-to-ramp' transfer of the last remaining F-5 aircraft to FMS countries. A study of background papers, electronic messages, minutes from meetings, and published articles was used to develop an understanding of the organization and planning process involved with the …


A Validity Study On The Air Force Institute Of Technology Student Selection Criteria For Resident Master's Degree Programs, Daniel R. Sny Sep 1991

A Validity Study On The Air Force Institute Of Technology Student Selection Criteria For Resident Master's Degree Programs, Daniel R. Sny

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis was to determine the validity of the selection procedures that AFIT (Air Force Institute of Technology) uses for admission to their resident graduate programs by discovering if the variables considered by the AFIT registrar's office can predict success at AFIT. The study was based on a collection of 4507 academic records of US military officers, foreign officers, and civilians who attended as AFIT students between 1975-1987. The academic records provided the predictor variables to include each graduate student's undergraduate GPA, standardized test scores, and demographics. Through correlation analysis, this study examined the relationships between the …


A Cross-Sectional Investigation Of The Effects Of Regional Labor Market Conditions On The Reenlistment Decisions Of Air Force Enlistees, Deanna L. Cooper Sep 1991

A Cross-Sectional Investigation Of The Effects Of Regional Labor Market Conditions On The Reenlistment Decisions Of Air Force Enlistees, Deanna L. Cooper

Theses and Dissertations

A great deal of literature measuring the relationship between labor market perceptions and voluntary employee turnover exists. However, literature measuring the relationship between general labor market conditions and voluntary employee turnover is scarce. Moreover, to date only one article has included both labor market perceptions and general labor market conditions in testing a voluntary turnover model. This thesis provides a second test of a proposed voluntary turnover model that incorporates both labor market perceptions and general labor market conditions. Using survey data collected by Flores in 1984 and reenlistment data collected by Hoene in 1986, a cross-sectional investigation of the …


A Review Of Selected Usaf Life Cycle Costing Models, Mark G. Twomey Sep 1991

A Review Of Selected Usaf Life Cycle Costing Models, Mark G. Twomey

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the history of the development of life cycle costing (LCC) in the DOD and USAF, and reviewed 11 'mainstream' LCC models currently being used by the Air Force including the LSC, LCCH, ZCORE, CASA, PRICE H, PRICE HL, PRICE M, PRICE S, MLCC, Dyna-METRIC, and LCOM models. A literature search revealed that the last comprehensive reviews of LCC modeling in the USAF were conducted in the 1970s by the Joint AFSC/AFLC Commanders' Working Group on LCC and Rand. LCC's initial development, in the 1960s, was prompted by rapid increases in operating and support (O and S) costs …


A Policy Analysis Of Using Unit Costs As A Means Of Performance Measurement In The Air Force Science And Technology Program, Michael P. Avery Sep 1991

A Policy Analysis Of Using Unit Costs As A Means Of Performance Measurement In The Air Force Science And Technology Program, Michael P. Avery

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates the possible use of unit costs as a means of performance measurement in the Air Force Science and Technology (S and T) program. Using a policy analysis methodology, the author breaks the analysis into four phases. The first phase called understanding the problem and incorporates the theory of management control systems, budgets, resource management systems, and identifies what the S and T program encompasses. The second phase is called developing policy options and identifies three distinctly different policies that satisfy the need for getting performance information into the hands of decision-makers. The third phase is called determining …


Efficient Aircrew Scheduling In An Operational Test And Evaluation Organization, Charles P. Modrich Sep 1991

Efficient Aircrew Scheduling In An Operational Test And Evaluation Organization, Charles P. Modrich

Theses and Dissertations

The original intent of this research was to locate or develop tools which would improve the efficiency of the aircrew scheduling process in the 4950 Test Wing. However, late in the research it became apparent that several factors observed by the researcher complicate the implementation of more efficient methods. Therefore, the focus of the research became the documentation of those factors. A case study methodology was used in answering the investigative questions. This was an exploratory study conducted in a field setting environment. Direct observation and the use of structural interviews with scheduling personnel were the methods of data collection. …


An Analysis Of Air Force Management Career Development Based On Timing Of Skills Needs And Effectiveness Of Development Methods, Sebastiano Deliso Sep 1991

An Analysis Of Air Force Management Career Development Based On Timing Of Skills Needs And Effectiveness Of Development Methods, Sebastiano Deliso

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to analyze the association between the perceived importance of management skills and management level; also to assess the most effective means of developing each of those management skills. Data collection involved a two step process. First, a literature search was conducted to compile a list of common management skills and development methods. Second, from this knowledge a survey instrument was created and distributed. Data analysis included three basic methodologies: (1) non-parametric statistics, (2) frequency distribution analysis, and (3) qualitative analysis. The results indicate a high degree of association between perceived skills importance and management …


Comparison Of The Operational Characteristics Of The Theory Of Constraints And Just-In-Time Scheduling Methodologies, Lynn A. Sines Sep 1991

Comparison Of The Operational Characteristics Of The Theory Of Constraints And Just-In-Time Scheduling Methodologies, Lynn A. Sines

Theses and Dissertations

This study compared the characteristics of scheduling using two approaches: Just-in-Time (JIT) and the Theory of Constraints (TOC). Computer simulation was used to evaluate changes in the throughput of the system due to system variability and varying work-in-process (WIP) levels. The independent variables were processing time, probability of failure, and WIP level. The literature search revealed that these variables impacted performance of JIT systems. Simulation models of three different production systems were developed to determine if the TOC scheduled system would provide greater or equivalent throughput for equivalent levels of WIP, and to determine if the system production flow path …


An Examination Of The Assumptions Behind Attempts To 'Civilianize' Dod's Acquisition Process, Rolland J. Gagnon Sep 1991

An Examination Of The Assumptions Behind Attempts To 'Civilianize' Dod's Acquisition Process, Rolland J. Gagnon

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the validity of a number of assumptions underlying Congressional proposals to form an elite civilian acquisition corps. Specific assumptions examined were (1) civilian personnel in DoD procurement have longer average tenure in specific program positions than their military counterparts, (2) a more centralized civilian acquisition agency (modeled after agencies found in Western European countries) would be more efficient and effective than DoD's current decentralized system, and (3) tenure is positively correlated with organizational effectiveness. A literature review of the latter two issues failed to support these assumptions. Tenure data collected from personnel assigned to Aeronautical Systems Division …


The Advanced Tactical Fighter Early, Structured, And Continuous User- Interface Process: A System Program Office/User Team-Building Concept, Robert K. Barry Sep 1991

The Advanced Tactical Fighter Early, Structured, And Continuous User- Interface Process: A System Program Office/User Team-Building Concept, Robert K. Barry

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to develop an acquisition management tool that would improve the working relationship between the System Program Office (SPO) and the User during the Demonstration and Validation phase. It accomplished this by documented the Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) Early, Structured, and Continuous (ESC) user-interface process in a draft handbook. This handbook was also developed to support a continuing Command-wide effort to improve the acquisition process. The study found that the ATF ESC process was also developed in response to senior Air Force management guidance, lessons learned, and ATF SPO management direction. The ATF ESC process …


An Analysis Of The Benefits Of Operational Experience Acquired By Air Force Systems Command (Afsc) Officers Through The Broadening Experience Tour (Best) Program, Andrew A. Abraham Sep 1991

An Analysis Of The Benefits Of Operational Experience Acquired By Air Force Systems Command (Afsc) Officers Through The Broadening Experience Tour (Best) Program, Andrew A. Abraham

Theses and Dissertations

This research effort was conducted to study the effects that operational experience acquired through the Broadening Experience Tour (BEST) program has on the ability of scientific and development engineering (S and DE) officers to develop useful operator-oriented systems. A review of the related literature revealed that although the Air Force encourages S and DE officers to acquire operational experience, there is no empirical evidence of the reported benefits of this experience. A cross sectional study was undertaken to measure the difference in self reported competency between samples of S and DE officers with and without operational experience. A survey was …


A Review Of Cost Performance Index Stability, Scott R. Heise Sep 1991

A Review Of Cost Performance Index Stability, Scott R. Heise

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines approaches currently used to determine when Cost Performance Index (CPI) stability occurs. The CPI indicates the cost performance efficiency of the work the contractor has accomplished to date; however it has value as a predictor of future contractor cost performance given that the CPI can be declared stable. Knowing that the CPI is stable allows government personnel to project the final cost of the contract and, if a cost overrun is projected, to determine the likelihood that the contractor can recover. The range method was used to test for stability of cumulative and non-cumulative (three month, six …


An Investigation Of Certain U.S. Government 'Lessons Learned' Processes And Their Application To Usaf Research, Development, And Acquisition Project Managers, Mark W. Mcnabb Sep 1991

An Investigation Of Certain U.S. Government 'Lessons Learned' Processes And Their Application To Usaf Research, Development, And Acquisition Project Managers, Mark W. Mcnabb

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the types of processes used by certain U.S. government agencies to provide 'lessons learned' that could be used by USAF research, development and acquisition project managers. Areas of interest include the types of agencies that could provide 'lessons learned;' the sources, methods, and techniques these agencies use to process (acquire, maintain, and disseminate) management information such as lessons learned; and the measurement criteria the agencies use to evaluate the effectiveness of these processes. A general literature search helped to identify eleven candidate agencies; eight were chosen for full investigation. A survey of each sample agency was conducted. …


An Examination Of The Perceived Importance Of Technical Competence In Acquisition Project Management, Charles R. Baumgardner Sep 1991

An Examination Of The Perceived Importance Of Technical Competence In Acquisition Project Management, Charles R. Baumgardner

Theses and Dissertations

This research examined the importance Air Force acquisition project managers attribute to technical competence, and several individual and situational factors which might affect their perceptions of the importance of technical competence: extent of acquisition experience, degree of technical academic training, level of project technology, caliber of technical project team, and acquisition phase. A review of the literature revealed that previous studies of project and program managers suffered from several limitations with regard to a direct examination of the importance of technical competence. No single study has empirically supported a clear determination on the importance of this attribute to project managers. …


Establishing A Department Of Defense Program Management Body Of Knowledge, Gregory D. Best, Korina L. Kobylarz Sep 1991

Establishing A Department Of Defense Program Management Body Of Knowledge, Gregory D. Best, Korina L. Kobylarz

Theses and Dissertations

This research project developed a common body of knowledge for the field of acquisition program management in the Department of Defense (DoD)., The Defense Program Management Body of Knowledge (DBOK) is a compilation of all knowledge areas that a program manager must know understand to be effective. Three methods were used to develop a hypothetical model DBOK: (1) an exhaustive review of project management literature, (2) curricula review of DoD acquisition management educational institutions, and (3) expert review. The hypothetical model was validated with a survey administered by the Project Management Institute to all directors and deputy directors of Major …


An Analysis Of Factors Affecting The Electronic Delivery Of Contractor Data, Kenneth J. Farkas Sep 1991

An Analysis Of Factors Affecting The Electronic Delivery Of Contractor Data, Kenneth J. Farkas

Theses and Dissertations

This research was performed to explore the extent that electronic delivery of data is being used within the Aeronautical Systems Division (ASD) and the Human System Division (HSD). Surveys were administered to acquisition personnel at ASD and HSD to determine the data management and computer training that they have received, the computer resources available to them and whether or not these individuals are working on programs that require the electronic delivery of data. Additionally, a telephone interview was conducted with the points of contact for 109 contracts awarded within ASD from Oct 89 to May 91 to determine electronic data …


Higher-Order Thickness Expansions For Cylindrical Shells, Randy A. Smith Sep 1991

Higher-Order Thickness Expansions For Cylindrical Shells, Randy A. Smith

Theses and Dissertations

Eight variations of higher-order transverse shear deformation (HTSD) theory were developed for composite shells. Three attributes were varied to produce the eight variations. These attributes include the order of the thickness expansions used to approximate the shell shape factors and the assumed linear displacement field and the nonlinearity of transverse shear strain. Several cylindrical shell problems were investigated using SHELL, a finite- element code with a 36 degree of freedom cylindrical shell element. MACSYMA, a symbolic manipulation code, was used to formulate the element independent stiffness arrays for each variation of the theory. When all nonlinear strain- displacement terms for …


An Expert System Solution For The Quantitative Condition Assessment Of Electrical Distribution Systems In The United States Air Force, David O. Paine Sep 1991

An Expert System Solution For The Quantitative Condition Assessment Of Electrical Distribution Systems In The United States Air Force, David O. Paine

Theses and Dissertations

Faced with a rapidly decreasing budget, the Air Force is in need of a method to objectively evaluate its aging utility infrastructure assets. This objective evaluation could be used to compare similar facility infrastructure systems for identification of possible problem areas and prioritization of major repair projects. This thesis developed a component model which can be used to objectively evaluate a typical electrical distribution system. The Delphi process was used to gather expert opinions regarding three areas: (1) the critical components which should be included in the model, (2) the relative importance of each selected critical component, and (3) the …


A Comparative Analysis Of Three Water Treatment Programs For Cooling Tower Systems, Jeffry W. Shea Sep 1991

A Comparative Analysis Of Three Water Treatment Programs For Cooling Tower Systems, Jeffry W. Shea

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the cost and effectiveness of three cooling tower water treatment programs. The programs studied were an acid program developed at WPAFB, a commercial solubilizer program manufactured by Lombardi, Inc, and a crystal modifier program developed by Dias, Inc. The experiment ran for 60 days at which time cost and effectiveness data were collected. Cost comparison was evaluated on the basis of tower performance in MBtu. The costs considered in this experiment were water costs, sewer costs, and chemical costs. All costs were recorded and totaled, then divided by the tower's performance. The effectiveness of each treatment method …


Evaluation Of Managerial Challenges Created By Acceleration Of The Installation Restoration Program, Robert L. Vinson Iii Sep 1991

Evaluation Of Managerial Challenges Created By Acceleration Of The Installation Restoration Program, Robert L. Vinson Iii

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates the distribution of managerial tasks related to the Installation Restoration Program (IRP). Initiated in 1986, the IRP is the DoD program to identify and clean-up hazardous waste sites. Study areas include current distribution of managerial tasks, changes in task distribution needed to accelerate the program, and potential resource constraints. Additionally, the study considers how acceleration of Army and Navy restoration programs could impact the Air Force IRP. The study reveals IRP management is heavily centralized at MAJCOM with most technical work being performed through contracts with service centers. Individual bases have little direct involvement in the program. …


Building A Foreign Military Sales Construction Delivery Strategy Decision Support System, Deven R. Volk Sep 1991

Building A Foreign Military Sales Construction Delivery Strategy Decision Support System, Deven R. Volk

Theses and Dissertations

This research builds a Decision Support System to help Air Force Logistics Command, Foreign Military Sales construction managers select a construction delivery strategy in support of weapon system sales to foreign countries. Delivery strategy options include the Corp of Engineers, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, private industry Architectural Engineering firms, the weapon system supplier, or the foreign country purchasing the weapon system. The parameters upon which the selection is made are program schedule, staffing requirements, weapon system development stage and design complexity, type of contract strategies selected, a customer assessment of foreign country requirements and existing conditions, and the ability to …


Applying The Theory Of Constraints To A Base Civil Engineering Operations Branch, Bryan K. Zachmeier Sep 1991

Applying The Theory Of Constraints To A Base Civil Engineering Operations Branch, Bryan K. Zachmeier

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis is to introduce the Civil Engineering manager to the Theory of Constraints management philosophy and to show how to apply this process of ongoing improvement to the Operations Branch. One of the reasons for the success of Theory of Constraints in commercial firms is that it provides all levels of management the ability to find simple solutions for bridging the gap between local and global issues. This 'bridge' is built by clearly defining the goal of the organization and using performance measurements capable of predicting the effect of local decisions and actions on the goal. …


A Value-Based Hierarchy Of Objectives For Military Decision-Making, Lowell A. Nelson Sep 1991

A Value-Based Hierarchy Of Objectives For Military Decision-Making, Lowell A. Nelson

Theses and Dissertations

This study develops a rational model for the incorporation of ethical values into military decision-making. The values considered include obedience to superiors, professional competence, and elements of just war theory such as proportionality and discrimination. A review of the relevant literature on just war theory and professional military ethics points to the science of multi-attribute utility analysis as a means of representing the complex value tradeoffs essential to military decisions. The values and tradeoffs identified are interpreted in a hierarchy of objectives model which is used to evaluate value preferences between decision alternatives. With the hierarchy constructed, tradeoffs between values …