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Operations and Supply Chain Management

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Articles 3361 - 3390 of 3938

Full-Text Articles in Business

Balancing The Logistics Cost-Of-Service Equation In An Increasingly Uncertain Business Environment, Kay Dobie, Jerry Wilson Sep 2003

Balancing The Logistics Cost-Of-Service Equation In An Increasingly Uncertain Business Environment, Kay Dobie, Jerry Wilson

Journal of Transportation Management

The emphasis in the press, trade publications, and even academic publications is increasingly on supply chain operations, collaboration, and software. There is no argument that these are important considerations as companies struggle to compete in highly competitive markets and an economically difficult environment. This emphasis on “lean” or “JIT” operations presupposes the ability of the firm to operate on a minimum level of inventory and deliver a high level of service. Too often, the basic and vital interdependency between transportation and inventory, necessary to support this objective, is forgotten in the emphasis on the total picture as embodied by the …

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Benchmarking The Operational Efficiency Of Major U.S. Trucking Firms Using Data Envelopment Analysis, Hokey Min, Seong Jong Joo Sep 2003

Benchmarking The Operational Efficiency Of Major U.S. Trucking Firms Using Data Envelopment Analysis, Hokey Min, Seong Jong Joo

Journal of Transportation Management

In an era of downsizing and financial cutbacks, the operational efficiency of trucking firms dictates their competitiveness and survival. In an effort to help trucking firms develop a winning formula in the fiercely competitive logistics industry, this research aims to develop a meaningful set of benchmarks that will set the tone for best practices. In particular, a data envelopment analysis (DEA) is described. DEA has proven to be useful for measuring the operational efficiency of various profit or non-profit organizations. Using the examples of major trucking businesses in the United States, the usefulness of data envelopment analysis for the continuous …

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Price Negotiation Strategies Adopted By Shippers Of International Air And Ocean Transportation, Padmapriya Baboo, Evelyn Thomchick Sep 2003

Price Negotiation Strategies Adopted By Shippers Of International Air And Ocean Transportation, Padmapriya Baboo, Evelyn Thomchick

Journal of Transportation Management

Government regulations in the international air and ocean shipping industry have undergone a wide range of new developments geared towards deregulation. These changes, coupled with the emergence of new technologies, have facilitated foreign trade operations leading to a substantial increase in international air and ocean cargo traffic in recent years. This study investigates the regulation reforms that have affected pricing techniques in both industries and their implications on the negotiation strategies adopted by shippers and carriers. The survey results identified that each shipping firm negotiated on a variety of issues and employed more than one strategy for negotiating price.

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Drivers Of Logistics Excellence: Implications For Carriers, Karl B. Manrodt Sep 2003

Drivers Of Logistics Excellence: Implications For Carriers, Karl B. Manrodt

Journal of Transportation Management

Technological advances have increased customer expectations during an era of increasing cost controls. Shippers are becoming more demanding as technologies being developed offer greater visibility and control in the supply chain. The question remains, however, as to what are the key drivers of this technological change, and where is the market headed. Will these changes merely add cost or will they enable carriers to compete effectively in the market? The purpose of this article is to highlight six major drivers of logistics excellence, and to provide the carrier community with some thoughts as to how to respond to these emerging …

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Broadcast Scheduling For Mobile Advertising, Bert De Reyck, Zeger Degraeve Aug 2003

Broadcast Scheduling For Mobile Advertising, Bert De Reyck, Zeger Degraeve

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

We describe a broadcast scheduling system developed for a precision marketing firm specialized in location-sensitive permission-based mobile advertising using SMS (Short Message Service) text messaging. Text messages containing advertisements were sent to registered customers when they were shopping in one of two shopping centers in the vicinity of London. The ads typically contained a limited-time promotional offer. The company's problem was deciding which ads to send out to which customers at what particular time, given a limited capacity of broadcast time slots, while maximizing customer response and revenues from retailers paying for each ad broadcast. We solved the problem using …

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Simulation As A Tool For Evaluating Strategic Policies For Flexible Supply Chain Systems, Janice L. Forrester, Wayne W. Wakeland Jul 2003

Simulation As A Tool For Evaluating Strategic Policies For Flexible Supply Chain Systems, Janice L. Forrester, Wayne W. Wakeland

Complex Systems Faculty Publications and Presentations

The emergence of flexible supply chain systems (FSC) has sparked increased interest in real-time planning, scheduling, and logistics--with particular consideration for strategic implications and overall cost control. Important aspects of an FSC include forecasting, production, materials handling, transportation, and distribution center inventory. There exists a variety of software applications for addressing tactical issues, such as adaptive scheduling, and short term forecasting. However, these programs typically do not permit the user to assess the strategic implications of different policies for flexing capacity and making alternative commitments to manufacturing plants. Recently there has been increased interest in the use of simulation models …

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Industry-Wide Response To Terror: A Political Economy Analysis Of The Owner/Operator Sector Of The U.S. Motorcoach Industry Post 9-11, Kathryn J. Ready, Drew Stapleton, Milorad Novicevic, Tom Kuffel Apr 2003

Industry-Wide Response To Terror: A Political Economy Analysis Of The Owner/Operator Sector Of The U.S. Motorcoach Industry Post 9-11, Kathryn J. Ready, Drew Stapleton, Milorad Novicevic, Tom Kuffel

Journal of Transportation Management

The authors develop a political economy framework to study the post- September 11th environmental changes and firm responses in the owner/operator sector of the U.S. motorcoach industry. Based on a comprehensive analysis of both evolutionary and revolutionary changes in the competitive and regulatory environments faced by the firms in this industry, their policy and strategic responses to the terrorist acts of September 11, 2001, on U.S. soil are examined. The industry’s response is captured (i.e., collective action response) by surveying 163 firms operating and competing in the owner/operator sector of the U.S. motorcoach industry. Several descriptive statistics are synthesized and …

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Global Order Status Process Of Hi-Tech Companies, Jatinder S. Chahal, Evelyn Thomchick Apr 2003

Global Order Status Process Of Hi-Tech Companies, Jatinder S. Chahal, Evelyn Thomchick

Journal of Transportation Management

This paper focuses on the global order status process of high-tech companies. An effort has been made to understand how these companies approach their global order status process. Similarities and differences in their order status process are given. A brief history of tracking and tracing capabilities is also presented, highlighting FedEx and UPS. Some new trends in track and trace are also discussed.

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Surface Freight Transportation In Mexico Post Nafta, Richard L. Clarke Apr 2003

Surface Freight Transportation In Mexico Post Nafta, Richard L. Clarke

Journal of Transportation Management

One of the significant expressed objectives of NAFTA was the improvement of cross-border transportation to enable a more efficient and cost effective flow of goods among Mexico, Canada and the United States. This article examines the changes that have taken place in surface freight transportation between Mexico and the U.S. since NAFTA was signed in 1993.

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Shippers Usage Of The Internet Including E-Marketplaces In The Trucking Industry, John L. Kent, R Stephen Parker, Allen D. Schaefer Apr 2003

Shippers Usage Of The Internet Including E-Marketplaces In The Trucking Industry, John L. Kent, R Stephen Parker, Allen D. Schaefer

Journal of Transportation Management

The research reported in this manuscript provides insights regarding trucking related e-marketplaces and web-based offerings by truckers. Over 2,000 shippers were surveyed with 420 total responses. Overall, only 7% of shippers were currently utilizing e-marketplaces; however, those that are appear to be satisfied. Shippers ranked tracking, freight posting, and pricing, in that order of importance for trucking web sites.

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Logistics Education At Historically Black Colleges And Universities, Abdussalam A. Addus, Anwar S. Kahn, David Chen Apr 2003

Logistics Education At Historically Black Colleges And Universities, Abdussalam A. Addus, Anwar S. Kahn, David Chen

Journal of Transportation Management

A review of research literature on logistics education reveals disparities between demand for and supply of logistics management skills. Racial minorities are relatively underrepresented in logistics education and professional careers. In order to meet the rising demand for college graduates and mitigate racial disparities in the field, a need arises to enhance logistics education at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s). HBCU’s are known to have a high rate of success in retaining and graduating African American students. Yet, only a few of these institutions offer logistics degree programs or concentrations within the business and social science majors. This article …

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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 Mar 2003

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 …

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A Simulation-Based Analysis Of The Impact Of In-Sourcing A Major Process Element On The Coast Guard Hh-601 Depot Maintenance Process, Steven E. Vigus Mar 2003

A Simulation-Based Analysis Of The Impact Of In-Sourcing A Major Process Element On The Coast Guard Hh-601 Depot Maintenance Process, Steven E. Vigus

Theses and Dissertations

Leaders at the United States Coast Guard's Aircraft Repair and Service Center (ARSC) in Elizabeth City, North Carolina recently formalized their planning and analysis functions by adding a dedicated branch to their command structure. The Planning and Analysis Branch intends to apply computer modeling and simulation to study the impact of process changes to the various Programmed Depot Maintenance (PDM) lines. This research considers the applicability of this type of modeling and simulation, using ARENA to study the current HH-6OJ PDM process. The contribution of this research is a methodology specific to ARSC needs, an analysis of methodology based on …

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Determining The Value Of Automation In Commercial And Usaf Supplier Evaluation Systems, Michael E. Knipper Mar 2003

Determining The Value Of Automation In Commercial And Usaf Supplier Evaluation Systems, Michael E. Knipper

Theses and Dissertations

The US Air Force has determined that improving the way we manage our supply chain is key to reducing operating costs and subsequently providing better support to the warfighter. One method of improving supply chain management is to streamline the way suppliers are evaluated. This study compared the efforts of private industry with government program offices in terms of supplier evaluation techniques. The expert panel from private companies was identified because of their association with the aerospace industry. Government employees were identified because of their recent contract pre-award and post-award experience. Input was received through the use of open-ended interview …

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Estimating Procurement Cost Growth Using Logistic And Multiple Regression, Gary W. Moore Mar 2003

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 …

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The Development Of An Integrated Measure Of Readiness For Change Instrument And Its Application On Asc/Pk, Steven W. Clark Mar 2003

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 …

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Developing Cost Per Flying Hour Factors For The Operations And Maintenance Phase Of The Satellite Life Cycle, Anthony K. Kimbrough Mar 2003

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.

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Integrating Cost As An Independent Variable Analysis With Evolutionary Acquisition - A Multiattribute Design Evaluation Approach, Marc T. Lewis Mar 2003

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) …

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A Comparative Analysis Of The Cost Estimating Error Risk Associated With Fly Away Costs Vs Individual Components Of Aircraft, Jonathan D. Ritschel Mar 2003

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 …

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An Analysis Of The Air Force Working Capital Fund's Performance And The Pricing Strategy Of The Materiel Support Division, Lisa M. Stanley Mar 2003

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 …

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Combat Air Forces Campaign Level Modernization Planning-A Study In Group Decision Making, Ian L. Walker Mar 2003

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 …

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Aerospace Ground Equipment Management's Impact On Home-Station Sortie Production, Michael A. Bayer Mar 2003

Aerospace Ground Equipment Management's Impact On Home-Station Sortie Production, Michael A. Bayer

Theses and Dissertations

Since the Air Force began its evolution into an Expeditionary Air Force, much effort has been expended in attempt to optimize the compositions of each Air Expeditionary Force (AEF) and the manner in which an AEF deploys. Air Force plans were previously based upon deploying 24-ship Unit Type Codes (UTC), although a 12-ship deployment is more prevalent in today's environment. In an effort to eliminate the anomalies between planned and actual deployment composition, the Air Staff directed in 2002 that all fighter UTCs be right-sized to reflect current, planned requirements (Headquarters United States Air Force, 2002), The directive stipulated the …

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A Comparative Study Of The Warrior Support Tool And The Agile Munitions Support Tool, John C. Lofton Iii Mar 2003

A Comparative Study Of The Warrior Support Tool And The Agile Munitions Support Tool, John C. Lofton Iii

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research is to ascertain if the United States Air Force (USAF) is duplicating effort with the development of the two IT applications, the Warrior Support Tool (WST) and the Agile Munitions Support Tool (AMST), or if one will effectively meet requirements. Specifically, this thesis sought to answer four research questions addressing customer needs for a munitions IT application, identifying the capabilities of the two research IT applications, determining how well each application met the needs of the customer, and determining how supportable each application was in terms of information needs versus existing munitions systems. A mixed …

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An International Study Of Organizational Change: A Simultaneous Analysis Of Process, Context, And Individual Attributes, Hee-Hyung Jung Mar 2003

An International Study Of Organizational Change: A Simultaneous Analysis Of Process, Context, And Individual Attributes, Hee-Hyung Jung

Theses and Dissertations

Few studies in the organizational change literature have examined differences in the change process in different cultures. This cross-cultural study is designed to take a comprehensive view of change using a dynamic model that integrates content, process, context, and individual attribute factors simultaneously. The model is used to compare perceptions of organizational change held by members of military organizations in the United States and in Korea. The U.S. sample consisted of 264 employees who were members of Department of Defense organizations. There were two Korean samples: 280 employees of the Women's Military School and members of the Women's Battalion, and …

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Cio Lateral Influence Behaviors: Gaining Peers' Commitment To Strategic Information Systems, Harvey Enns, Sid L. Huff, Christopher A. Higgins Mar 2003

Cio Lateral Influence Behaviors: Gaining Peers' Commitment To Strategic Information Systems, Harvey Enns, Sid L. Huff, Christopher A. Higgins

MIS/OM/DS Faculty Publications

In order to develop and bring to fruition strategic information systems (SIS) projects, chief information officers (CIOs) must be able to effectively influence their peers. This research examines the relationship between CIO influence behaviors and the successfulness of influence outcomes, utilizing a revised model initially developed by Yukl (1994). Focused interviews were first conducted with CIOs and their peers to gain insights into the phenomenon. A survey instrument was then developed and distributed to a sample of CIO and peer executive pairs to gather data with which to test a research model. A total of 69 pairs of surveys were …

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A Delphi Expert Assessment Of Proactive Contracting In An Evolutionary Acquisition Environment, Gary L. Wellman Mar 2003

A Delphi Expert Assessment Of Proactive Contracting In An Evolutionary Acquisition Environment, Gary L. Wellman

Theses and Dissertations

This study used structured group discussions (The Delphi Method) among three groups of contracting professionals from the Air Armament, Aeronautical Systems, and the Electronic Systems Centers in order to identify potential roadblocks to implementation of Evolutionary Acquisition strategies. The Delphi groups also tackled the problem of identifying and exploring potential business strategies that may counter the identified challenges. Discussions revealed that current laws, regulations, and internal processes pose challenges in an evolutionary acquisition environment. No single business strategy emerged as the best way to implement the EA strategy. Participants suggested that all three Centers concluded that robust business planning, pre-contract …

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An Analysis Of The Implementation Of Acquisition Reform Initiatives And Contract Cost Variance, Mark A. Holbrook Mar 2003

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.

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Onward Movement Transportation Mode Selection Study, Seong Kyun Lee Mar 2003

Onward Movement Transportation Mode Selection Study, Seong Kyun Lee

Theses and Dissertations

As a result of global security environmental changes, the U.S. Army's posture has changed from forward deployment to power projection and resulted in the reduction of the Army force structure. These changes also reduce the possibility of the United States' involvement in a large-scale war, but require rapid and reliable deployment to stabilize a hostile area. Force projection is the demonstrated ability to alert, mobilize, deploy rapidly, and operate effectively anywhere in the world, and consists of three deployment segments: fort to port, port to port, and port to foxhole. Reception, Staging, Onward Movement, and Integration (RSO&I) is a detailed …

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Multiple Case Comparison Of The In-Transit Visibility Business Process, Michael L. Horsey Mar 2003

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 …

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The Air Mobility Planner's Calculator Improvements, Verification, And Validation, Frank W. Watson Jr. Mar 2003

The Air Mobility Planner's Calculator Improvements, Verification, And Validation, Frank W. Watson Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

In today's Air Force, we are constantly faced with meeting the mission under limited budget and equipment constraints. Any tools that make completing the mission easier are highly sought after, and rightfully so. The Air Mobility Planner's Calculator (AMPCALC) is one such tool. It gives the mobility planner flexibility in planning by allowing several different situations to be modeled. This paper recommends improvements to the model and provides the verification and validation of the model in an attempt to prove that the model is a useful tool for Air Mobility Command and the United States Air Force.

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