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Articles 1 - 16 of 16
Full-Text Articles in Business
An Analysis Of The Effects Of Technology Readiness Levels On Cost Growth, Christopher R. Bissing
An Analysis Of The Effects Of Technology Readiness Levels On Cost Growth, Christopher R. Bissing
Theses and Dissertations
This research seeks to evaluate the effects of Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) on Cost Growth. It makes use of data from Technology Readiness Assessments (TRA) and Selected Acquisition Reports (SAR) to explore relationships between TRLs at Milestone B and cost growth in Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAP) and Major Automated Information Systems (MAIS). Programs using higher proportions of critical technologies rated below TRL 7 tend to experience greater cost growth than programs that use more mature technologies. Current DoD doctrine requires TRL 6 to enter Milestone B. The results of this research seek to evaluate the merit of this requirement. …
Economic Moat: A Line Of Defense For The Defense Industry, Karina M. Fernando
Economic Moat: A Line Of Defense For The Defense Industry, Karina M. Fernando
Theses and Dissertations
Defense contractor financial performance is traditionally measured using accounting profit. In academic literature, accounting profit has been proxied through different applications of accounting rates of return. However, the use of these rates pose certain limitations. First, accounting rates of return have been applied inconsistently. Next, academic research has not typically assessed accounting returns against a firms opportunity costs. As a result, there is a literature gap in defense research that assesses whether defense contractors earn sustainable returns beyond the cost to produce those returns.
Evaluation Of Cost Improvement Models When Programs Experience Unplanned Production Decreases, Anthony R. George
Evaluation Of Cost Improvement Models When Programs Experience Unplanned Production Decreases, Anthony R. George
Theses and Dissertations
As military and other governmental budgets decline and impacted project deadline changes require instantaneous responses, cost analysts' tasks become more and more formidable. Inaccurate estimates can lead to misappropriation of resources and can thus create delays in goods reaching warfighters. This thesis aims to avail cost estimators of more reliable projection tools and to challenge the status quo of cost estimating, the production rate cost improvement model, when programs face reductions in lot quantities. The findings reveal that the status quo proves efficient under many cost profiles, but clearly does not estimate as well when a program suffers lot quantity …
An Analysis Of The Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act And The Clinger-Cohen Act And Their Effect On Cost Overruns In Department Of Defense Contracts, Andrew K. Mosier
An Analysis Of The Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act And The Clinger-Cohen Act And Their Effect On Cost Overruns In Department Of Defense Contracts, Andrew K. Mosier
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis examines the impact of the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act (FASA) of 1994 and the Clinger-Cohen Act on cost overruns in Department of Defense (DoD) contracts. Many officials believe that we must change the way we do business to meet the new post-Cold War national security challenges Changing the way we do business means reforming the acquisition process to deliver weapons systems faster and cheaper. The FASA and the Clinger-Cohen Act made more changes to the acquisition process than any other policy had in the ten years preceding. This research effort studied 220 contracts completed between December 31, 1993 …
Evaluation Of Personnel Parameters In Software Cost Estimating Models, Steven L. Quick
Evaluation Of Personnel Parameters In Software Cost Estimating Models, Steven L. Quick
Theses and Dissertations
Software capabilities have steadily increased over the last half century. The Department of Defense has seized this increased capability and used it to advance the warfighter's weapon systems However, this dependence on software capabilities has come with enormous cost. The risks of software development must be understood to develop an accurate cost estimate.
Exploring The Diversification Discount: A Focus On High-Technology Target Firms, Donald F. Adkins Jr.
Exploring The Diversification Discount: A Focus On High-Technology Target Firms, Donald F. Adkins Jr.
Theses and Dissertations
When firms choose to acquire others, those acquisitions can either be considered diversifying or non-diversifying. Whether the firm diversifies or not has been shown to affect the post-acquisition performance of that firm. Past merger and acquisition (M&A) research has identified a "diversification discount" when firms diversify through M&A activity. However managers continue to diversify, posing the question, "Why do firms continue to diversify in the face of research indicating negative post-acquisition performance"? The answer may be found in that much of the past research has treated all acquisitions the same by analyzing a wide cross-section of acquisitions from industries of …
Combat Air Forces Campaign Level Modernization Planning-A Study In Group Decision Making, Ian L. Walker
Combat Air Forces Campaign Level Modernization Planning-A Study In Group Decision Making, Ian L. Walker
Theses and Dissertations
Modernization is a critical component of the current transformation effort within the Department of Defense (DoD) Effective and efficient modernization planning will provide for the improved allocation of limited funding. The Air Force currently conducts capabilities based modernization planning to identify shortfalls. Air Combat Command (ACC) utilizes multi-objective decision analysis (MODA) techniques to support the modernization planning process (MPP). A MODA model has been created to identify and quantify capability shortfalls across a diverse range of mission areas. Groups of subject matter experts are utilized to provide model inputs improving the usefulness and credibility of the model. The intent of …
Estimating Procurement Cost Growth Using Logistic And Multiple Regression, Gary W. Moore
Estimating Procurement Cost Growth Using Logistic And Multiple Regression, Gary W. Moore
Theses and Dissertations
Cost Growth in Department of Defense (DoD) major systems has been an ongoing problems for more than 30 years. Previous research has demonstrated the use of two-step logistic and multiple regression methodology to predicting cost growth produces desirable results traditional single-step regression. This research effort validates, and further explores the use of a two-step procedure for assessing DoD major weapon system cost growth using historical data. We compile programmatic data from the Selected Acquisition Reports (SARs) between 1990 and 2001 for programs covering all defense departments. Our analysis concentrates on cost growth in procurement dollar accounts for the Engineering and …
The Development Of An Integrated Measure Of Readiness For Change Instrument And Its Application On Asc/Pk, Steven W. Clark
The Development Of An Integrated Measure Of Readiness For Change Instrument And Its Application On Asc/Pk, Steven W. Clark
Theses and Dissertations
Organizations are continually forced to implement changes due to a myriad of external and internal influences, Despite the fact that organizations are predominantly in a perpetual state of change, recent research has shown that nearly 75% that have initiated large-scale change efforts have not realized the significant organizational improvements that were intended, As a preemptive measure, organizational managers are being encouraged to gauge their organization's readiness prior to implementing change initiatives, Unfortunately, over 40 unique instruments currently exist that purport to measure some aspect of readiness, Because of limited perspective, no one instrument has emerged as the standard and they …
An Analysis Of The Implementation Of Acquisition Reform Initiatives And Contract Cost Variance, Mark A. Holbrook
An Analysis Of The Implementation Of Acquisition Reform Initiatives And Contract Cost Variance, Mark A. Holbrook
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis examines the impact of acquisition reform initiatives implemented since 1993 on contract cost performance. Many initiatives implemented during the 1990s focused on saving the government money in procuring weapon systems. For decades, cost overruns have plagued Department of Defense weapons systems development and procurement costing the government money. The passage of the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act (FASA) of 1994 and the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996, marked significant congressional action on aiding the Department of Defense develop and procure systems cheaper. Conclusions drawn in this thesis may aid leadership in supporting current initiatives and drafting new changes.
Developing Cost Per Flying Hour Factors For The Operations And Maintenance Phase Of The Satellite Life Cycle, Anthony K. Kimbrough
Developing Cost Per Flying Hour Factors For The Operations And Maintenance Phase Of The Satellite Life Cycle, Anthony K. Kimbrough
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this thesis was to develop cost per flying hour factors for the operations and maintenance (O&M) phase of the satellite life cycle. At a time when space system platforms are becoming some of the most strategic weapons in the military arsenal, it is critical that accurate cost models and factors be developed to assist in budgeting for the O&M of these assets.
Integrating Cost As An Independent Variable Analysis With Evolutionary Acquisition - A Multiattribute Design Evaluation Approach, Marc T. Lewis
Integrating Cost As An Independent Variable Analysis With Evolutionary Acquisition - A Multiattribute Design Evaluation Approach, Marc T. Lewis
Theses and Dissertations
Guidance from the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics (USD(AT&L)) requires 100 percent of defense programs to incorporate cost as an independent variable (CAIV) and evolutionary acquisition (EA) plans within their management baselines. Historically, these two concepts have been implemented independent of one another. In reality, CAIV and EA are tightly coupled, Integration of these two initiatives enables warfighters and developers to better allocate constrained resources, respond to fluctuations in program funding, and plan for future development activities. This research creates a decision tool to assist the DoD acquisition community in satisfying the intent of the USD(AT&L) …
A Comparative Analysis Of The Cost Estimating Error Risk Associated With Fly Away Costs Vs Individual Components Of Aircraft, Jonathan D. Ritschel
A Comparative Analysis Of The Cost Estimating Error Risk Associated With Fly Away Costs Vs Individual Components Of Aircraft, Jonathan D. Ritschel
Theses and Dissertations
A shrinking workforce, unstable budgets, and rapidly changing objectives under stricter time constraints characterize today's cost analysis and acquisition environment. In concert with this environment, cost analyst positions have rapidly decreased as demonstrated by Aeronautical Systems Centers 54% decline in total authorized slots from 1992 to 2001. The question is how to deal with this more with less' mentality. The purpose of this research is to investigate and measure the risks associated with taking a macro versus micro approach to aircraft cost estimation. By analyzing the fidelity of a cost estimate developed at the flyaway cost level versus a cost …
An Analysis Of The Air Force Working Capital Fund's Performance And The Pricing Strategy Of The Materiel Support Division, Lisa M. Stanley
An Analysis Of The Air Force Working Capital Fund's Performance And The Pricing Strategy Of The Materiel Support Division, Lisa M. Stanley
Theses and Dissertations
The Air Force Working Capital Fund (AFWCF), a revolving fund established to create a more business-like environment between the Air Force and its customers, is comprised of several divisions providing depot level repairs, supplies and inventory, information technology solutions and transportation services to military customers, Since its establishment, the AFWCF has been the source of much criticism due to its inability to meet its primary goal of operating on a break-even basis. Ideally, the Fund will generate enough revenue from the sale of goods or services to cover its expenses and break-even. Instead, there is either a surplus that must …
Multiple Case Comparison Of The In-Transit Visibility Business Process, Michael L. Horsey
Multiple Case Comparison Of The In-Transit Visibility Business Process, Michael L. Horsey
Theses and Dissertations
Over the past decade, the Department of Defense has developed an In-transit Visibility capability. Despite significant funding and research in developing this capability, the initial deployment in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF) in 2001 highlighted an ongoing problem to achieve ITV within the U.S. Air Force. Initial results from Headquarters USAF initiated studies point to a need to focus on business processes related ITV management. This research employed a multiple case study design embedded in a functional benchmarking process to solicit ITV management "best practices" from leaders in the civilian logistics industry and to identify gaps between their practices …
A Comparative Study Of Linear And Nonlinear Estimate At Completion Methods, Todd D. Nystrom
A Comparative Study Of Linear And Nonlinear Estimate At Completion Methods, Todd D. Nystrom
Theses and Dissertations
Controlling costs in the acquisition of new defense systems is a major challenge in today's environment of declining budgets and rapidly changing technology. One of the challenges faced by program managers and cost analysts is selecting the most appropriate Estimate at Completion (EAC) method for their program. This study compares the performance of the popular index-based EAC methods with several newer nonlinear, regression based EAC methods to determine whether the complex nonlinear methods perform better than the simpler index-based methods. In addition, the sensitivity of the results to stage of contract completion, system type, program phase, contract type, Department of …