Digital Commons Network^™

Measuring Computer Usage By Air Force Contracting Personnel As It Relates To Computer Training, John H. Van Hufel

Theses and Dissertations

We know little about how Air Force personnel use the computer resources with which they have been provided, though current plans call for spending over $75M on computer resources throughout the Air Force in FY 97. Research suggests that computer use relates to computer training, computer anxiety, and computer self-efficacy. Managers can take action to ensure that computers are better utilized with knowledge of how computer resources are being used, and an understanding of the effect that training, computer anxiety, and computer self-efficacy have on that usage. This study examines the use of computers by contracting personnel in the Air …

Factors For Effective Facilitator Training Evaluation, Mark I. Wade

Theses and Dissertations

This study evaluated the TQM facilitator training course at Wright-Patt Campus, Wright-Patterson AFB. One-hundred sixty-two civilian and military trainees completed a 113 item survey containing 7 outcome scales based on Kraiger's (1993) cognitive, skill based and affective training outcomes. Additional criteria, including experience, training, attitudinal, personality, and organizational support factors, were evaluated for their influence on training outcomes. Results from intercorrelational and hierarchical regression analysis strongly supported the theoretical model of effective facilitator training and suggest that the Wright-Patt Campus does provide effective TQM facilitator training. This study also identified several factors that appear to contribute to improved facilitator effectiveness: …

A Study Of The Impact Of Acquisition Reforms On Pre-Award Solicitations, Jason J. Bock

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to develop insights into the impact acquisition reforms have had on pre-award solicitations. The changing nature of the marketplace and the reduction in the size of the defense budget has brought about a series of sweeping acquisition changes that include the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act (FASA) and Lighting Bolt initiatives. A qualitative analysis of six cases and interviews of people actively involved in the solicitation process revealed acquisition reform benefits: increased performance, cost savings, and reduced acquisition time. These benefits were achieved through the use of performance-based contracting and adaptation of several commercial business …

An Analysis Of The Relationship Between Risk Alignment And Cost Performance, Christopher M. Wegner

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates the relationship between risk alignment and cost performance in DoD procurement. Both the government and the contractor conduct independent assessments of the perceived risk in a contract. The results of inaccurate risk assessments are undesirable consequences, one of which is the inability to achieve cost targets. If both the contractor's and the government's perceptions of risk are in alignment with the actual risk involved in a contract, then we would expect minimal impact. If, however, either or both parties fail to accurately assess the actual risk, then we would expect consequences, such as cost overrun/underrun. The level …

A Cross-Sectional Examination Of Alternative Dispute Resolution: A Search For The Antecedents Of Success, Patrick F. Hopper

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in an attempt to identify antecedents common to successful uses of ADR. The goal was to isolate factors which have the greatest impact on the successful implementation of ADR. A cross sectional examination was designed that included both private industry and government applications of ADR as a resolution method. Documents, audiovisual materials, and personal interviews were utilized to collect the data. An informal interview guide was used to interview individuals with conflict resolution authority within their organizations. Analysis of the data resulted in the identification of five antecedents that increase the probability of …

An Analysis Of Total Acquisition Lead Time For Small Purchase Actions In An Operational Contracting Environment, Lee. R. Kair

Theses and Dissertations

This research was performed for the purpose of determining the factors which affect Total Acquisition Lead Time (TALT) for small purchase actions procured in an Operational Contracting Environment. The literature review develops a theoretical model using factors such as socio-economic program, regulatory requirements, alternate means of procurement, buyable purchase requests, customer access to information, funding issues, management information systems, purchase of off-the-shelf items, and accelerated or reduced coordinations. A variety of statistical techniques, including a qualitative regression, Bonferroni Technique, descriptive statistics, and parsing of TALT are used to determine the significance and impact of these factors on TALT. The results …

Predicting Fraudulent Behavior: An Examination Of Characteristics Commonly Exhibited By Fraudulent Dod Contractors, Dwayne P. Sellers

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the relationship between company size, slack, return on investment, and the frequency of fraudulent behavior. A model is proposed in which an increase in company size and a decrease in company slack and return on investment would increase the frequency of fraudulent behavior. A test of the model showed strong support between a relationship between company size and incidents of fraudulent behavior. Additionally, the results suggest that levels of slack may contribute to the frequency of fraud. Further tests provide no support for the relationship between the decrease in return on investment and the increase in the …

Empowerment As An Organizational Tool For Increasing Competitiveness: A Case Study, Carl D. Sweet

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the use of employee empowerment as a means of improving organizational competitiveness in the marketplace. The methodology used is a case study of a small, private-sector company that used this strategy to improve its productivity, product quality and profitability. The results of this research were then examined to determine whether the successful practices identified in this organization can be applied to Air Force attempts to adopt employee empowerment. The paper summarizes the organizational characteristics generally present where employee empowerment has been successfully implemented, as reported in current management literature, including the following: (1) company culture conducive to …

An Analysis Of Foreign Military Sales Follow-On Logistics Support And Industry's Future Role, Curtis L. Wilken

Theses and Dissertations

This research describes how Foreign Military Sales follow-on support will be provided for in the future based on changes currently taking place in the Department of Defense, Air Force, and industry today. Information on the current system was gathered through a thorough review of the literature. Interviews were used extensively To determine the future plans of industry. In the Department of Defense, outsourcing and privatization, most notably depot privatization will affect the way that follow-on support is provided in the future. Due in large part to shrinking arms sales, private industry is increasing the emphasis placed on providing follow-on support …

Consolidation And Realignment Of Base-Level Support Equipment Maintenance, James C. Katrenak

Theses and Dissertations

The adoption of the 'Objective Wing' organization in the U.S. Air Force has realigned many base-level maintenance functions. Support equipment is currently maintained and accounted for by several units under the Logistics Group Commander. This research determined the feasibility and consequences of consolidating or realigning maintenance of powered and non-powered AGE, MMHE, engine trailers, and vehicles into one consolidated maintenance shop or unit per base. This study consulted many sources, ranging from occupational survey reports and career field education and training plans to actual field observations of maintenance processes and unstructured interviews of personnel and supervisors. This study determined that …

Integration Of The Distribution And Repair In Variable Environments (Drive) Model Into Micap Policy, Bradley E. Anderson

Theses and Dissertations

The United States Air Force has implemented the Distribution and Repair In Variable Environments (DRIVE) Model to a limited degree for a limited range of items, and policy makers seem unsure as to the proper level of DRIVE utilization. New asset release sequences and policies have been proposed without evidence to support those decisions. The purpose of this study is to explore different levels of DRIVE implementation relating to proposed asset release policies in order to provide some evidence on which policy could best support Air Force weapon systems. A second purpose of this study is to show how the …

A Model For Successful Reutilization Of A Military Installation: A Case Study Of Gentile Air Force Station, Maria L. Garcia

Theses and Dissertations

Previous research concerning base closure and reutilization focused on the roles of government agencies and the assistance they provided. This study looks at the community and the impact of installation closure. The process of planning for reuse of an installation is difficult and confusing. The guidance provided by the government has changed drastically since the first closures announced in the 1988 Base Realignment and Closure Committee recommendations. This study focuses on the strategy employed by Kettering, OH to successfully reuse Gentile AFS upon closure. As the final part in a longitudinal study, the research focus was lessons learned and implementation …

Evaluation Of The Goal System™ Version 2.2 Solution Method For Interactive Constraint Scheduling Situations, Michael D. Stephens

Theses and Dissertations

THE GOAL SYSTEM™ version 2.2 is the latest in a lineage that includes Optimized Production Technology (OPT) and DISASTER™. Earlier work with DISASTER™ revealed potential shortcomings with sequential schedule building algorithms when multiple interactive constraints exist. Since THE GOAL SYSTEM™ version 2.2 has a capacity for simultaneous schedule building, this study evaluated differences between the two algorithms. Using benchmark scheduling problems developed during the earlier evaluation of DISASTER™, a set of THE GOAL SYSTEM™ solutions was created and compared quantitatively to both DISASTER™ solutions and solutions which optimally minimize maximum tardiness. A broad set of performance measurement criteria were also …

Identifying Cost Patterns Of Managing Technology Transfer Actions, James C. Boyd Iii

Theses and Dissertations

Significant national resources are dedicated to research and development (R&D) at government laboratories. In an era of increasing deficits and resulting budget reductions, transfer of technology from these laboratories to the private sector is important in order to improve the return on this R&D investment, as well as to improve the US industrial technological base, thus enhancing our nation's economic security. However, no accurate measures to evaluate the efficiency of the technology transfer (TT) process exist. Likewise, accurate cost information, affording insight into the cost pattern and allowing more effective resource management, does not exist. This research draws on the …

Development Of A Standard Set Of Indicators And Metrics For Artificial Intelligence (Ai) And Expert System (Es) Software Development Efforts, Derek F. Cossey

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to identify a standard set of indicators and metrics that can be used by program managers to improve their abilities to direct development efforts involving Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Expert Systems (ES). This research addresses two objectives. The first objective is to identify an appropriate set of software indicators and metrics to be used by government program offices for the management of development efforts involving software systems for AI and ES. The second objective is to demonstrate how the resources of the National Software Data and Information Repository (NSDIR) can be used in order …

Does A Rubber Baseline Guarantee Overruns?' A Study Of Cost Performance And Contract Changes In Major Defense Acquisition Programs, James A. Gordon

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the assumption that cost overruns are related to contract changes. A common assertion in defense literature says that contracts which are relatively stable suffer smaller overruns than those which are highly volatile. The stability or volatility of contracts is characterized by their change history. A contract which is modified frequently or by large amounts is more unstable, or volatile, than one which is not changed either as often or by lesser amounts. This study attempts to find evidence supporting this common assertion by examining the relationship between cost growth and baseline stability on over 400 Major Defense …

Calibration Of The Softcost-R Software Cost Model To The Space And Missile Systems Center (Smc) Software Database (Swdb), Steven V. Southwell

Theses and Dissertations

The rising number and importance of Department of Defense software developments, when combined with declining defense budgets, has resulted in a critical need to accurately plan and manage software development costs and schedules. Unfortunately, the increasing size, complexity, and diversity of these software developments has made accurate estimating problematic. Uncalibrated software cost models have not generally produced reliable results due to generic default parameters and improper usage. The default parameters cannot hope to accurately represent and predict the wide variability of software efforts to which the models are being applied. However, some of the models have achieved improved accuracy by …

The Utility Of Using A Third Party In Military To Commercial Technology Transfer, David A. Taylor

Theses and Dissertations

In the wake of the defense drawdown and end of the Cold War, government laboratories are facing a changing mission. It is not only to maintain technology superiority, but also to promote commercialization of their technologies. Although Congress has tried to facilitate technology transfer from the government to the private sector, the transfer process has been inconsistent. The need for assistance has initiated the use of third parties or intermediaries in the technology transfer process. This thesis evaluates the utility of a third party in the technology transfer process. An examination of Wright Technology Network (WTN), a third party, is …

Crisis Airlift Management: Effective Scheduling, David C. Penny

Theses and Dissertations

This is a report on the basis, data, findings, and models developed for US Transportation Command and Headquarters Air Mobility Command. Focusing on the dynamic scheduling problem that arises during management of airlift assets into space-constrained airfields during a crisis, this research explains the conditions surrounding this event, discusses several areas of potential cross-functional applications, presents analysis of current performance, and provides several modeling possibilities for schedule efficiency. Past research in the Flow Management Problem (an airline flow control issue) is extensive, but specific applications in crisis airlift are long in coming, primarily due to the complexity of the environment. …

An Analysis Of Third Party Logistics And Implications For Usaf Logistics, Thomas J. Thompson

Theses and Dissertations

This study was undertaken to determine the current trends in third party logistics. The Air Force Material Command Lean Logistics office sought information for improving USAF logistics support. The purposes of this study were to report results of third party logistics use, determine characteristics of successful third party relationships, and to discuss the implications for USAF logistics managers. A qualitative research methodology was chosen using multiple case studies. Logistics managers from eight third party users and ten third party providers were administered an extensive research protocol. The results revealed an industry which is growing rapidly. While the momentum for third …

Prioritization Schemes Of The Air Force Logistics Reparable Pipeline, Brigham K. Briggs

Theses and Dissertations

This study describes the prioritization schemes utilized in the Air Force logistics reparable pipeline. The reparable pipeline is defined and illustrated with flowcharts. A literature review examines previous research conducted on the reparable pipeline, including analytic and conceptual pipeline models, and pipeline management studies. In addition, the topic of prioritization as defined in the production/operations management academic discipline is reviewed. Prioritization schemes of the reparable pipeline are reported in tabular format in addition to descriptions of the various prioritization schemes. Recommendations for pipeline improvement and further research form a basis from which pipeline operation may be improved. p9

The Value Of The Civil Reserve Air Fleet: How Much Could The Dod Spend On Incentives?, Pamela S. Donovan

Theses and Dissertations

This study evaluated the value of the Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF) program to the DoD and explored the amount that could be spent to remove potential obstacles to participation with aviation insurance and lost market share. In comparing the value of the CRAF and the cost of current incentives, it was determined that up to $1.4 million could be spent on additional incentives, annually. For multiple aircraft losses and liability claims, the Air Force would need to tap into the Defense Business Operating Fund. Therefore, a sensitivity analysis was conducted and found that for low valued aircraft, such as …

Privatization-In-Place And The Impact On The Department Of Defense Depots: A Case Study At Newark Afb, Mark Luttschwager

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to document the change in organizational structure when military jobs and production are transferred to civilian corporations under privatization in place (PIP). Privatization-in-place is a new concept that is being implemented, at Newark AFB, as a result of base closure and the desire to maintain as many jobs as possible in the local community. In the course of this research, it is shown how the new civilian management structure compares to the existing military structure and functions. The purpose was to provide insight into what changes would occur under private management as opposed to …

Identifying Situational Constraints To Focus Quality Improvement In An Air Force Aerial Port, Timothy J. Pettit

Theses and Dissertations

This research analyzes the effects of situational constraints on individual performance within an Air Force Aerial Port squadron. Situational constraint research originated with laboratory studies by Peters and O'Connor in 1980 and was investigated in an Air Force field environment in 1984; mixed results were obtained. Laboratory studies identified direct performance inhibitors (Peters et al., 1980); however, field studies found little correlations with job performance (Kane, 1981; O'Connor et al., 1984a). Data collected in June 1995 (Dougherty, 1995) and March 1996, in this study, were used to accomplish a longitudinal analysis. Correlations between constraints and performance were also low in …

Procrastination As A Predictor Of Job Performance, Steven L. Dutschmann

Theses and Dissertations

It is generally accepted that everyone puts off or delays doing tasks to some extent; however, little is known about how different styles affect job performance. Individual differences in goal orientation (tendency to set goals and objectives), conscientiousness (thoroughness and carefulness in performing a task), autonomy (freedom, independence, and discretion in scheduling work), and temperament (manner of thinking, behaving, and reacting) may have an influence on how efficiently and effectively people prioritize their tasks (or avoid tasks), and thus have an effect on job performance. This study examined the possible importance of procrastination in the workplace, and its effect on …

Assessing User Requirements For An Automated System To Support Programmed Depot Maintenance Through Use Of A Rapid Prototype In A Group Support System Environment, Floyd A. Gwartney

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis was to assess user requirements for an automated information system to support programmed depot maintenance (PDM). To accomplish this, the Integrated Technical Information for the Air Logistics Centers (ITI-ALC) program's rapid prototype was evaluated. The evaluation focused on users' perception of how well the prototype met system and human computer interface requirements for PDM technicians and managers. A group support system (GSS) was used as an analysis tool to evaluate the prototype and collect evaluation data. Using the prototype as a requirements baseline for the ITI-ALC system, this thesis had three objectives: to perform an …

Numerical Analysis Of Two And Three Dimensional Recessed Flame Holders For Scramjet Applications, Douglas L. Davis

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the flame holding properties of recessed cavities in supersonic flow using numerical analysis techniques. A simplified analytical model indicated that an important property for flame holding was the lower residence time. Several chemical kinetic rate models for hydrogen and hydrocarbon combustion were compared. The perfectly stirred reactor model also indicated that trace species diffusion should increase flame spreading rate, and that heat loss reduces flame holding limits. After nonreacting calibration, two-dimensional simulations confirmed the perfectly stirred reactor results for blowout limits. Also, the effect of trace species diffusion on flame spreading was shown to be negligible, and …

A Survey Of Activity-Based Costing (Abc) Practices Within The Department Of The Army, Seon-Mook Lee, David S. Ryder

Theses and Dissertations

Activity-Based Costing (ABC) does not appear to have been as readily accepted within the Department of the Army as within private industry (Kehoe et al., 1995). Barely able to accomplish their missions at current resource levels, military resource managers know historically that identified efficiencies and savings often are translated into self inflicted budget and manpower cuts. Yet, it is almost universally accepted that the benefits of using Activity-Based Costing are real and obtainable, but not yet worth the effort required with the perceived risk being taken. Current conventional wisdom is for Army Resource Managers to wait and see what benefits …

Survivors Of Childhood Incest: A Qualitative Study, Dawn M. Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

Current research indicates that there is a lack of empirical evidence pertaining to the long-term effects of incest and the role treatment plays on healing the effects and enhancing the survivors' lives. The purposes of this study were to further develop grounded theory in relationship to the lives of the survivors of incest and to close some of the existing gaps in the current data.

In this study, an attempt was made to develop a comprehensive understanding of the subjects' lives before, during, and after the incest occurred. In addition, the quality of the subjects' lives today, the survivors' perception …

Improving The Writing Of The Learning Disabled Student: One Teacher's Reflections, Amy J. G. Christanson

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.