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Experimental Verification Of Tomographic Reconstruction Of Turbulent Air Flow Structure Using Optical Wavefront Measurements, Bryon L. Pedersen Dec 1993

Experimental Verification Of Tomographic Reconstruction Of Turbulent Air Flow Structure Using Optical Wavefront Measurements, Bryon L. Pedersen

Theses and Dissertations

The performance of an aircraft based optical system is degraded by aero-optic turbulence. The varying index of refraction within the turbulent field causes phase perturbation in an optical wave. In order to compensate for aero-optic turbulence effects, the nature of the turbulence must be understood. Large scale, organized structure within the turbulence has been found to contribute significantly to the overall phase perturbation caused by a turbulent field. A unique approach was devised to determine the turbulence structure using tomographic reconstruction techniques. Tomography provides an excellent means to determine the underlying structure within a turbulent field. The tomographic reconstruction produces …

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A Theoretical Investigation Of Electrically Tunable Birefringent Optical Filters As The Special Discriminator In Hyperspectral Imaging Systems, Duane A. Sauve Dec 1993

A Theoretical Investigation Of Electrically Tunable Birefringent Optical Filters As The Special Discriminator In Hyperspectral Imaging Systems, Duane A. Sauve

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated electrically tunable birefringent optical filters for use as the spectral discriminator in hyperspectral imaging systems. Spectral discrimination requirements for hyperspectral systems were defined using specification from two state-of-the-art hyperspectral imaging systems. The spectral discrimination requirements led to the definition of the ideal tunable optical filter for spectral discrimination purposes. Analytical and computer an analysis was performed for known birefringent filters which showed promise of electrical tunability excluding acousto-optic filters. No perfect match was found to the ideal tunable optical filter for hyperspectral imaging defined in this thesis. Both Lyot and Solc based filters exhibited two drawbacks for …

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Handwritten Word Recognition Based On Fourier Coefficients, Gary F. Shartle Dec 1993

Handwritten Word Recognition Based On Fourier Coefficients, Gary F. Shartle

Theses and Dissertations

A machine which can read unconstrained words remains an unsolved problem. For example, automatic entry o handwritten documents into a computer is yet to be accomplished. Most systems attempt to segment letters o a word and read words one character at a time. Segmenting a handwritten word is very difficult and often, the confidence of the results is low. Another method which avoids segmentation altogether is to treat each word as a whole. This research investigates the use of Fourier Transform coefficients, computed from the whole word, for the recognition of handwritten words. To test this concept, the particular pattern …

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Improved Quality Of Reconstructed Images Through Sifting Of Data In Statistical Image Reconstruction, Craig A. Stoudt Dec 1993

Improved Quality Of Reconstructed Images Through Sifting Of Data In Statistical Image Reconstruction, Craig A. Stoudt

Theses and Dissertations

The U.S. Air Force employs adaptive optics systems to produce images of exo-atmospheric objects. Typically, a large set of short exposure images are collected, re-centered to compensate for random image motion, averaged together to improve the signal to noise ratio, and then processed to form a reconstructed image. It is known that some short exposure images will be better than others, so some researchers have suggested that image quality can be improved by selecting a subset of the short exposure images according to some quality criterion, and then processing the average of this subset to form a single, high quality …

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Information Requirements For The Air Force Institute Of Technology Under A Fee-For-Service Concept, Jerry A. Cole, Patricia C. Cruz Dec 1993

Information Requirements For The Air Force Institute Of Technology Under A Fee-For-Service Concept, Jerry A. Cole, Patricia C. Cruz

Theses and Dissertations

Due to the current shift in national defense strategy, the DoD is going to have to perform new roles and missions with major reductions in resources. One of the major initiatives committed to achieving savings is Corporate Information Management, a broad program designed to help the DoD operate more efficiently by application of successful private sector business practices and better application of information technology. To meet the challenge of operating in a business-like environment AFIT must be able to maximize its competitiveness to provide customers with the quality and types of services they desire. To accomplish this task, information technology …

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Creation Of Prototype Aircrew Protection Equipment Based On Face Anthropometry, Martin E. Piccus, Gary A. Smith, Brian K. Standley, Tami L. Volk, Linda B. Wildes Dec 1993

Creation Of Prototype Aircrew Protection Equipment Based On Face Anthropometry, Martin E. Piccus, Gary A. Smith, Brian K. Standley, Tami L. Volk, Linda B. Wildes

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this research is to develop a process which will analyze and group human faces, concentrating on the oxygen mask seal area, into a minimum number of generic yet distinct face types. The shape and size, or form, of the face is described by bending energies. This bending energy provides the features for the grouping of similar face types, while distinguishing representatives for each cluster. The face tariffs are the percentage of faces grouped under a representative face. The representative faces are then transformed Into three-dimensional solids using computer-aided design. A rapid prototype creates the solids or plugs …

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Developing Prediction Regions For A Time Series Model For Hurricane Forecasting, William Cheman Dec 1993

Developing Prediction Regions For A Time Series Model For Hurricane Forecasting, William Cheman

Theses and Dissertations

In this thesis, a class of time series models for forecasting a hurricanes future position based on its previous positions and a generalized model of hurricane motion are examined and extended. Results of a literature review suggest that meteorological models continue to increase in complexity while few statistical approaches, such as linear regression, have been successfully applied. An exception is provided by a certain class of time series models that appear to forecast storms almost as well as current meteorological models without their tremendous complexity. A suggestion for enhancing the performance of these time series models is pursued through an …

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Prototype Space Fabrication Platform, James A. Bessel, James M. Ceney, David M. Crean, Edward A. Ingham, David J. Pabst Dec 1993

Prototype Space Fabrication Platform, James A. Bessel, James M. Ceney, David M. Crean, Edward A. Ingham, David J. Pabst

Theses and Dissertations

Current plans for constructing large structures in space entail fabricating the primary components, such as truss segments, on the ground and assembling them in space. This process requires an exorbitant number of support missions, and methods to minimize the number must be considered. Whenever the space shuttle is launched, its external tank is jettisoned and destroyed prior to reaching orbit. This aerospace grade aluminum structure can be carried into orbit and utilized extrusively. The Prototype Space Fabrication Platform SFP fabricates aluminum materials, reduced from external tanks, into functional trusses. The trusses are strong and can be used as the primary …

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Design Analysis Of A Combined Optical-Ladar Deep-Space Surveillance Satellite, Bradley K. Fournier Dec 1993

Design Analysis Of A Combined Optical-Ladar Deep-Space Surveillance Satellite, Bradley K. Fournier

Theses and Dissertations

This research determines the performance requirements of a combined optical LADAR space-based system in order to detect and track deep-space satellites from a near-earth orbit satellite. The research derives the necessary equations to compare both direct and heterodyne detection techniques. The selection of the candidate laser systems is based on current space developed LADAR technology. The selection of the detector, detector size, and optic size are determined in order to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio. The analysis includes the effects of beam truncation, obscuration, pixel geometry, and background radiance. The results indicate that the direct detection technique with a GaA1As semiconductor …

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Performance Impacts For Actuator Misalignments And Failures In Large- Aperture Adaptive-Optic Telescopes, Timothy D. Hogan Dec 1993

Performance Impacts For Actuator Misalignments And Failures In Large- Aperture Adaptive-Optic Telescopes, Timothy D. Hogan

Theses and Dissertations

Large-aperture telescopes require adaptive optics in order to compensate for atmospheric turbulence which would otherwise negate the resolution advantages of using large apertures. This investigation analyzes the impacts of misalignments and failures, in the deformable mirror actuators, upon the performance of such systems. A numerical simulation of a standard adaptive optics system is used to generate characteristic optical transfer function OTF and signal-to-noise ratio SNR performance metrics. The performance impacts of the misalignments are shown to be dependent upon the Fried parameter effective telescope diameter, the source object brightness, and the control system time delay. The degree of performance degradation …

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Hyperspectral Analysis Of Space Objects: Signal To Noise Evaluation, Daniel Hrovat Dec 1993

Hyperspectral Analysis Of Space Objects: Signal To Noise Evaluation, Daniel Hrovat

Theses and Dissertations

Hyperspectral analysis of space objects is being considered as a means of enhancing Space Object Identification. SOI capabilities. This study develops a mathematical simulation based on fundamental radiometry principles to evaluate the feasibility of hyperspectral analysis of space objects. The study uses Signal to Noise Ratio SNR as the basis for the feasibility evaluation, and addresses the question Is there enough target signal in narrow wavelength bandwidths to conduct hyperspectral measurements of space objects The analysis characterizes the target signal and noise sources using fundamental radiometry, and develops a flexible radiometry model which calculates the target signal count rate, and …

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Shielded Coil Electrodynamic Propulsion (Scep). A Feasibility Study, Richard J. R. Ladouceur Dec 1993

Shielded Coil Electrodynamic Propulsion (Scep). A Feasibility Study, Richard J. R. Ladouceur

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated Shielded Coil Electrodynamic Propulsion SCEP. The use of the earths magnetic field as a propulsion source has been previously investigated. It was found that a significant amount of power and long conductors were required. A more compact propulsion concept which requires significantly less power is proposed. This concept relies on the feasibility of significantly reducing the magnetic force induced by the earths magnetic field on selected segments of a coil. An experiment design to support the theoretical findings was conducted. The experiment results support the theoretical model.

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Objective Image Quality Metrics: Applications For Partially Compensated Images Of Space Objects, David J. Lee Dec 1993

Objective Image Quality Metrics: Applications For Partially Compensated Images Of Space Objects, David J. Lee

Theses and Dissertations

Digital image reconstruction tasks currently require human intervention for a subjective evaluation of image quality. A method for unsupervised measurement of digital image quality is desired. This research investigated various parameters metrics that can be automatically extracted from a digital image and tested how well they correlated with image quality. Specifically, images of orbiting satellites captured by a partially compensated adaptive optics telescope were dealt with. Two different types of quantities were investigated 1) Fourier spectral parameters, based on the spatial- frequency sensitivities of the HVS; and 2) Histogram shape parameters i.e image statistical moments giving quantitative insight into the …

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System Design Analysis Of A Lightweight Laser Satellite Terminal, Brian C. Page Dec 1993

System Design Analysis Of A Lightweight Laser Satellite Terminal, Brian C. Page

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the technological feasibility of a man- portable satellite laser communications system. Areas of interest were an end- to-end system analysis on the communications link evaluation of atmospheric effects and evaluation of semi-conductor lasers as the laser source. A literature search revealed that satellite laser communication research is primarily directed at inter-satellite links. There have been some proposed systems for space-to-ground laser communications systems, but they all utilize large fixed ground stations. The focus of this research effort is directed at a small man-portable ground station capitalizing on recent advances in semiconductor laser devices. Baseline satellite communication systems …

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Solving The Ranking And Selection Indifference-Zone Formulation For Normal Distributions Using Computer Software, Catherine A. Poston Dec 1993

Solving The Ranking And Selection Indifference-Zone Formulation For Normal Distributions Using Computer Software, Catherine A. Poston

Theses and Dissertations

Ranking and selection procedures are statistical methods used to compare and choose the best among a group of similar statistically distributed populations. The two predominant approaches to solving ranking and selection problems are Guptas subset selection formulation and Bechhofers indifference- zone formulation. For the indifference-zone formulation where the populations have equal sample sizes, Barr and Rizvi developed an integral expression of the probability of correct selection PCS. Given appropriate parameters, the integral expression can be solved to determine the common sample size required to attain a desired PCS. Tables with selected solutions to the integral expression are available for a …

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A Methodology To Assess The Impact Of The Global Positioning System On Air Combat Outcomes, Stephen F. Sovaiko Dec 1993

A Methodology To Assess The Impact Of The Global Positioning System On Air Combat Outcomes, Stephen F. Sovaiko

Theses and Dissertations

The Air Force has a requirement to quantify the force enhancement effects of military space systems, but no methodology currently exists for the measurement of their contribution to air combat outcome. This research examines the Global Positioning System GPS and models its influence on air-to-ground combat. The decision analysis technique of influence diagrams is used to identify the effects of GPS launch decisions and constellation size on the navigation accuracy available to air combatants. The effect of accuracy variations on combat outcome is shown by using a value tree to identify the affected campaign Measures of Effectiveness. The study reveals …

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An Analysis Of The Root Causes Of Delays And Deficiencies In The Development Of Embedded Software For Air Force Weapon Systems, Jay R. Hopkins, Curtis De Keyrel Dec 1993

An Analysis Of The Root Causes Of Delays And Deficiencies In The Development Of Embedded Software For Air Force Weapon Systems, Jay R. Hopkins, Curtis De Keyrel

Theses and Dissertations

The importance of embedded software, used in every subsystem of ah major weapon systems used by the United States Air Force, has increased drastically over the last decades. However, in spite of the regulations currently in existence, developing and acquiring software which meets the user requirements within the original cost and schedule estimates continues to be difficult. At the same time, the Air Force has pushed to improve the development process with the Total Quality Management TQM program. The primary method used to improve the process has been to create metrics, collect data on these metrics, and then perform a …

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Measuring User Satisfaction Of The Electronic Mail System At Air Force Materiel Command Headquarters As An Indicator Of The System's Effectiveness, Randall R. Bradford Dec 1993

Measuring User Satisfaction Of The Electronic Mail System At Air Force Materiel Command Headquarters As An Indicator Of The System's Effectiveness, Randall R. Bradford

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the electronic mail system at the Air Force Materiel Command Headquarters. User satisfaction was measured as an indicator of the systems effectiveness. In order to provide an objective measurement of system effectiveness, the following research questions were addressed: (1) What is system effectiveness in relation to this particular electronic mail system, and how should it be measured? (2) What measurement instruments can be adapted, modified, or created to measure effectiveness as it is defined for problem? (3) If a measurement instrument is administered what do the results of the …

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Guidelines For Ensuring Software Supportability In Systems Developed Under The Integrated Weapon System Management Concept, Forrest F. Butts Iii, Anthony C. Johndro Dec 1993

Guidelines For Ensuring Software Supportability In Systems Developed Under The Integrated Weapon System Management Concept, Forrest F. Butts Iii, Anthony C. Johndro

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis studied the software maintenance planning and practices of the pilot Integrated Weapon System Management IWSM programs. Before IWSM, a System Program Office SPO acquired an Air Force weapon system then passed it to an Air Logistics Center ALC for follow-on support. The ALC was forced to maintain the software despite its questionable maintainability. The SPO de- emphasized maintainability because maintenance was an ALC responsibility and building maintainable software increased development costs and lengthened schedules. The IWSM philosophy closes the gap between development and maintenance. A System Program Director SPD, who oversees both system development and maintenance, has an …

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An Investigation Of The Defense Logistics Agency's Dedicated Truck Program, Theresa O. Cantrell, Walter Van Daele Dec 1993

An Investigation Of The Defense Logistics Agency's Dedicated Truck Program, Theresa O. Cantrell, Walter Van Daele

Theses and Dissertations

In 1990, the Department of Defense purchased medical materiel from the Defense Logistics Agency totaling approximately 1 billion dollars. Congress has directed the Department of Defense to examine civilian health-care practices to reduce the costs. Just-in-Time inventory management is one of those practices. Research on Just-in-Time inventory for military facilities raised several concerns about its capability to support the military mission. However, there are many facets of Just-in-Time management that can be adopted without compromise of wartime capabilities. This research identifies the results of the change in the Defense Logistics Agencys policy on delivery of medical materiel to Department of …

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Plan For Implementation Of Total Quality Management In The Republic Of China Air Force, Meng-Chun Chao Dec 1993

Plan For Implementation Of Total Quality Management In The Republic Of China Air Force, Meng-Chun Chao

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to build a plan for implementation of Total Quality Management in the Republic of China Air Force. The primary TQM elements are reviewed through definitions, advantages, principles, tools and techniques, education and training, and continuous improvement. In order to establish a TQM plan, the related experience of quality improvement in the U.S. DOD are referenced. The characteristics of ROCAF related to TQM are analyzed and related culture issues are mentioned. The implementation plan includes four parts, top management orientation, TQM structure establishment, empowerment, and continuous improvement. A Chinese view of TQM continuous improvement models …

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Local Area Network Implementation At The 4950th Test Wing: A Study Of The Relationship Between Individual Factors And The Effectiveness Of A Local Area Network, Doyle F. Cone, David J. Donahoo Dec 1993

Local Area Network Implementation At The 4950th Test Wing: A Study Of The Relationship Between Individual Factors And The Effectiveness Of A Local Area Network, Doyle F. Cone, David J. Donahoo

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigated the individual factors which directly impacted the effectiveness of the 4950th Test Wing local area network (LAN). Areas of interest included the relationships between demographic and user attitude factors and LAN effectiveness. A literature review provided the basis for: 1) operationally defining effectiveness as a subjective measure of user satisfaction; 2) identifying specific factors which impact information system effectiveness; and 3) developing a research instrument to measure user attitudes and user satisfaction. A questionnaire was administered to 342 LAN users 173 were returned (a response rate of 51 percent). Sixteen factors (eight demographic factors and eight attitude …

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The Development And Use Of An Evaluation Mechanism For The Assessment Of Software Configuration Management Tools, Wayne M. Descheneau, Neil W. Robinson Dec 1993

The Development And Use Of An Evaluation Mechanism For The Assessment Of Software Configuration Management Tools, Wayne M. Descheneau, Neil W. Robinson

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the development of a mechanism for use in the evaluation of Software Configuration Management SCM tools. An examination of applicable DoD standards identified the SCM requirements that could be levied on a development contractor, and a literature search revealed the functionality common to various automated tools. These two sets of information were organized into a matrix, and for each requirement that was met, the intersection on the matrix of the requirement and each functionality used to meet that requirement was checked. In addition to the matrix, the mechanism consisted of general information about a given tool and …

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Air Force Information Management (Im): A 1993 Snapshot Of Current And Projected Roles Of Enlisted Information Managers, Mary E. Duncan, Ted L. Roberts Dec 1993

Air Force Information Management (Im): A 1993 Snapshot Of Current And Projected Roles Of Enlisted Information Managers, Mary E. Duncan, Ted L. Roberts

Theses and Dissertations

This study provides a preliminary view of the level of familiarity enlisted information managers have of changing roles, responsibilities, and initiatives within the Information Management career field. Using a three-phase investigative methodology that combined e-mail, interviews, and mail surveys, the authors addressed the changing roles and responsibilities of enlisted information managers and their familiarity with these changes. This study found that although individuals agree that the role is changing and expanding, many are performing the traditional administrative taskings. The lower ranks still perceive themselves as clerks, whereas senior enlisted members consider themselves managers. Although the career field name changed to …

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An Analysis Of The Records Management Process To Determine The Impact Of Automation On Productivity, David A. Gaines, Trevor J. Nelson Dec 1993

An Analysis Of The Records Management Process To Determine The Impact Of Automation On Productivity, David A. Gaines, Trevor J. Nelson

Theses and Dissertations

This research was performed to study the effects of automation on Air Force records management productivity prior to widespread implementation of Document Librarian. Document Librarian is a software tool developed for Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command HQ AFMC to manage records in accordance with Air Force, Federal, and National Archives and Records Administration NARA regulations, and is currently undergoing developmental testing. One organization was used as a case study to determine the effects of Document Librarian on the organizations records management productivity. A records management process model was constructed and used to define the relevant tasks and outputs of their …

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An Evaluation Of The Software Engineering Institute's Capability Maturity Model As A Framework For Software Process Improvement At Three Air Logistics Centers, Brian G. Hermann, Raymond J. Lewis Jr. Dec 1993

An Evaluation Of The Software Engineering Institute's Capability Maturity Model As A Framework For Software Process Improvement At Three Air Logistics Centers, Brian G. Hermann, Raymond J. Lewis Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

This research sought to determine whether a relationship exists between the maturity level of the software process, as determined by the Software Engineering Institutes Capability Maturity Model SEI CMM, and the actual success of particular software projects at three US Air Force Air Logistics Centers. Project success is defined in terms of cost, schedule, and quality criteria. In addition, each organizations acceptance of the SEI assessment as well as its effectiveness in setting up follow-on process improvement programs were evaluated. Finally, the process improvement programs were reviewed individually inasmuch as these programs are the mechanisms for achieving improved quality, lower …

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An Assessment Of The Appropriateness To The Royal Australian Air Force Of A Masters Level Professional Program In Information Systems, Ralph G. L. Kettle, Joseph R. Taylor Dec 1993

An Assessment Of The Appropriateness To The Royal Australian Air Force Of A Masters Level Professional Program In Information Systems, Ralph G. L. Kettle, Joseph R. Taylor

Theses and Dissertations

This study assessed the appropriateness, to the Royal Australian Air Force RAAF, of a graduate professional program in Information Systems (IS) based on the Association for Computing Machinery’s ACM curriculum model. The ACM curriculum model is an archetype of graduate education in IS. Programs based on this model produce graduates with knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) that are required by IS practitioners. The usefulness of twenty KSAs that underlie the ACM curriculum model were evaluated by 33 incumbents of RAAF information Systems Agencies and Directorate of Communications and Information Systems - Air Force. Although uncertain about the educational background suited …

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Information Sharing Within The Coea Process, Constance S. Maginnis, Michael J. Monroe Dec 1993

Information Sharing Within The Coea Process, Constance S. Maginnis, Michael J. Monroe

Theses and Dissertations

In order to meet the challenges of a reduced work force and the changing roles and/or missions of the Air Force in particular, the Cost and Operational Effectiveness Analysis COEA is used in the decision-making of every phase of the acquisition process. The Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense OASD has mandated that COEAs are to be an integral part of the acquisition process. The COEA information gathering or sharing process is not well defined. Areas within the COEA process affected are the coordination of common elements of information required, the data collection, and the generation of possible solutions. …

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The Effects Of Violations Of Bar Chart Standards On Managerial Decision Making, Jeanne E. Tennison, Phillip G. Puglisi Dec 1993

The Effects Of Violations Of Bar Chart Standards On Managerial Decision Making, Jeanne E. Tennison, Phillip G. Puglisi

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigated whether a difference in data display, modes or a difference in data trends affected mid-level Air Force managers trend impressions, risk assessments. and loan decisions. By presenting data in four different modes, and by three data trends, a 4 x 3 factorial design experiment was prepared 180 subjects were tested, 15 in each of the twelve treatment cells. Each subject viewed three graphs or tables and made a decision based on the trend observed, their assessment of the trend, and a decision table. At the end of the experiment. they were asked for their impression of the …

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Demonstration Of Improved Software Support Labor Estimation For Air Force Operational Flight Programs Through Functional Orientation, Ronald R. Warner Jr., Darrel L. Wright Dec 1993

Demonstration Of Improved Software Support Labor Estimation For Air Force Operational Flight Programs Through Functional Orientation, Ronald R. Warner Jr., Darrel L. Wright

Theses and Dissertations

This study demonstrated two approaches to improve current software support effort estimation models for aircraft software. Both approaches involved a functional orientation not used by existing models. The first approach demonstrated how to orient a model to reflect the block change cycle modification process and how to represent support effort changes over time in order to improve effort estimation accuracy. Current software models do not reflect the support environment or the temporal characteristics of aircraft software support. The second approach demonstrated how to calibrate a model by properly selecting source data in order to increase accuracy. Support calibration is not …

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