Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Business Commons™

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Air Force Institute of Technology

Discipline
Keyword
Publication Year
Publication
Publication Type

Articles 1051 - 1080 of 1164

Full-Text Articles in Business

Cost/Schedule Control Systems Criteria: A Reference Guide To C/Scsc Information, Erik G. Cummings, Kirk A. Schneider Sep 1992

Cost/Schedule Control Systems Criteria: A Reference Guide To C/Scsc Information, Erik G. Cummings, Kirk A. Schneider

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis effort provides a valuable tool for contract performance measurement (CPM) analysts to use both while attending formalized Cost/Schedule Control Systems Criteria (C/SCSC) training, and while on the job. Research indicated a large amount of written material existed on contract performance measurement and the more specific topic of C/SCSC, yet this information was hidden in a wide array of unindexed professional journals, master's thesis, and texts. Further, while many professions have a reference guide of annotated bibliographies, CPM had none. Through an extensive literature review using several search and retrieval methods, the authors were able to amass a bibliography …

Go to article

An Analysis Of The Foreign Military Sales Pipeline Of Repair And Replace Reparable Assets, Lawrence M. Orlando, George F. Rhame Sep 1992

An Analysis Of The Foreign Military Sales Pipeline Of Repair And Replace Reparable Assets, Lawrence M. Orlando, George F. Rhame

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the reparable logistics pipeline and identified characteristics and associated problems with the processing of Foreign Military Sales (FMS) repair and replace aircraft assets. Areas of investigation included examining the FMS logistics reparable pipeline and determining what section of the pipeline the USAF controls or can influence, identifying the individual problems within that section of pipeline, and collecting and analyzing data pertaining to FMS repair and replace requisitions. The methodology used in these areas involved a literature review, personal interviews with Foreign Liaison Officers to obtain customer perspectives, and a statistical analysis of pipeline times for all FMS …

Go to article

Graphic Representation In Managerial Decision Making: The Effect Of Scale Break On The Dependent Axis, Clark R. Carvalho, Michael D. Mcmillan Sep 1992

Graphic Representation In Managerial Decision Making: The Effect Of Scale Break On The Dependent Axis, Clark R. Carvalho, Michael D. Mcmillan

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigated whether a scale break on the dependent axis a affects a decision maker's interpretation of the data presented in the graph. A literature search revealed criteria for constructing high integrity graphs and formatting scale breaks. An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of a scale break on the dependent axis. Graphs following the criteria for high integrity graphs were presented to the control group, while graphs following the criteria for high integrity graphs, with the exception of the scale break, were presented to the experimental group. Using a parametric two-sample t test and a non-parametric Rank …

Go to article

An Analysis Of Joint Ventures Between The United States And The Commonwealth Of Independent States, Brian P. Davis, Daniel L. Demott Sep 1992

An Analysis Of Joint Ventures Between The United States And The Commonwealth Of Independent States, Brian P. Davis, Daniel L. Demott

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to develop insights for those who wish to engage in joint ventures with the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Over the last 70 years, joint ventures with the West have been scarce in the USSR. With the dissolution of the USSR, opportunities for commerce have greatly improved. Most Western countries are seeking to take advantage of the natural resources and untapped consumer market in the CIS. Consequently, companies wanting to engage in commercial endeavors will need current information on the different financial, cultural, organizational, and logistical issues that are peculiar to the CIS. This …

Go to article

Desert Express: Framework For Institutionalization Of Express Airlift Procedures, Terry D. Basham, Jason G. Evgenides Sep 1992

Desert Express: Framework For Institutionalization Of Express Airlift Procedures, Terry D. Basham, Jason G. Evgenides

Theses and Dissertations

This study was sponsored by the Military Airlift Command to examine the Desert Express airlift channel used during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. The goal was to determine what changes or improvements should be made prior to formalizing Desert Express procedures into Department of Defense doctrine. The research method used was a Literature Review supported by an application of the Delphi Technique. The Literature Review reviewed past military express operations and current regulatory procedures to raise key issues. These issues were then presented to 19 airlift experts in two-separate rounds of written questionnaires. The research revealed that Desert Express was the …

Go to article

Public Space Launch Acquisition: A Comparative Case Study, Kenneth R. Leeson, Lee W. Rosen Sep 1992

Public Space Launch Acquisition: A Comparative Case Study, Kenneth R. Leeson, Lee W. Rosen

Theses and Dissertations

This study analyzes three commonly practiced approaches to Government acquisition of space launch services. These approaches are employed by The U.S. Air Force, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the Strategic Defense Initiative Organization. The literature review provides a comprehensive overview of the commercial space launch industry and details critical perspectives on commercial, launch. Launch contracts which were representative of each organization's acquisition procedures were investigated and evaluated along several critical issues and elements of the space launch acquisition process. These issues included payload characteristics, government oversight, contractor incentives, insurance, liability and cost. The critical issues and elements were …

Go to article

A Methodology For Project Selection Using Economic Analysis And The Analytic Hierarchy Process, Jeffrey L. Battin, Thomas J. Bender Sep 1992

A Methodology For Project Selection Using Economic Analysis And The Analytic Hierarchy Process, Jeffrey L. Battin, Thomas J. Bender

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the applicability of a multiple criterion decision making method, known as the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) , to economic analysis decisions involving project selection. Through a survey of the literature and current practices, it was determined that qualitative criteria were not adequately represented in a typical economic analysis of projects. Several MCDM methods were examined and the AHP was found to be the most promising technique to rate projects on a ratio scale. Two types of project selection problems, those involving nonmutually exclusive alternatives and those involving mutually exclusive alternatives, were examined. It was determined that the …

Go to article

Offsets In Weapon System Sales: A Case Study Of The Korean Fighter Program, Deborah L. Kremer, Bill Sain Sep 1992

Offsets In Weapon System Sales: A Case Study Of The Korean Fighter Program, Deborah L. Kremer, Bill Sain

Theses and Dissertations

This study sought to develop a framework of factors which impact the success of offset agreements. These agreements have impacts on the U.S. defense industrial base, employment, the balance of trade, and the ability of the U.S. to protect its technology. Consequently, their study is important. A framework of twenty-two factors was developed through an extensive literature review and then tested against the offset proposals in the Korean Fighter Program (KFP). In the KFP case study, only one of the factors, high visibility of the product, appeared to differentiate between the two proposals and have an impact on the final …

Go to article

The Theory Of Constraints Applied To Project Scheduling: The Critical Chain Concept Defined, Andrew D. Ingram, Paul E. Scherer Sep 1992

The Theory Of Constraints Applied To Project Scheduling: The Critical Chain Concept Defined, Andrew D. Ingram, Paul E. Scherer

Theses and Dissertations

This research applies the Theory of Constraints' principles to a project management environment. The Constraint Theory developed by Dr. Eliyahu M. Goldratt has been successfully applied in many manufacturing settings. Researchers are now beginning to apply Theory of Constraints' principles and techniques outside the manufacturing environment. Specific objectives of this research effort include: to develop and demonstrate a resource constrained project scheduling algorithm based on the Theory of Constraints' principles and techniques: to perform a detailed comparison of the manufacturing and project scheduling environments designed to support algorithm development; and to lay the foundation for additional research in this area …

Go to article

Applying Commercial Style Acquisition Practices To The Procurement Of Commercially Available Aircraft, Douglas W. Humerick, Steven H. Minnich Sep 1992

Applying Commercial Style Acquisition Practices To The Procurement Of Commercially Available Aircraft, Douglas W. Humerick, Steven H. Minnich

Theses and Dissertations

This study was performed to recommend which commercial acquisition practices should be adopted in government acquisitions of commercially available aircraft. Previous studies, dating to 1972, illustrate the value of adopting commercial style acquisition practices in government acquisitions. Using commercial style acquisition practices can provide the government with lower costs and faster delivery with no sacrifice of quality. As a customer of the aircraft manufacturing community, the government must adapt to global market changes. Procedure reviews and changes must occur on an ongoing basis to take advantage of standard industry practices. Telephone interviews of nineteen top level personnel representing twelve domestic …

Go to article

An Analysis Of Contract Cost Overruns And Their Impacts, Brian D. Wilson Sep 1992

An Analysis Of Contract Cost Overruns And Their Impacts, Brian D. Wilson

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the tendency of major program DoD contracts, once in an overrun status, to remain in that status and in many cases, further deteriorate. In these times of budgetary constraints, it is important that government program managers and other key decision makers understand the ramifications of contract overruns especially early in a program's life. The overruns on the A-12 program, for instance, could have possibly been predicted much earlier and the program cancellation avoided if only the program manager had understood the implications of significant cost overruns early in the life of the program.

Go to article

The Davis-Bacon Act: Cost Impact On The Air Force, Raymond Carpenter Sep 1992

The Davis-Bacon Act: Cost Impact On The Air Force, Raymond Carpenter

Theses and Dissertations

This study was performed to determine what cost impact, if any, the Davis-Bacon Act has on the cost of Air Force construction contracts. The Davis- Bacon Act is a federal labor statute requiring the payment of pre-established wages to workers employed under Federally funded construction projects. The research found that contract award prices could be approximately 22% lower if the payment of these wages were not required. This estimate was made based on the results of a survey of bidders competing for award of construction contracts issued by bases within the former Strategic Air Command. Additional findings and survey response …

Go to article

An Evaluation Of Schedule Metrics Used Within Aeronautical Systems Center, Robert J. Hayes, Lawrence M. Miller Sep 1992

An Evaluation Of Schedule Metrics Used Within Aeronautical Systems Center, Robert J. Hayes, Lawrence M. Miller

Theses and Dissertations

This study focused on a selected group of schedule metrics in use at Aeronautical Systems Center (ASC) acquisition program offices. Over 300 metrics were collected from the System Program Offices (SPOs). The metrics data were sorted into the categories of cost, schedule, and performance. In order to narrow the scope of the project, the team decided to focus on schedule metrics. Seven of the most common schedule metrics were selected for evaluation by a group of five experienced acquisition professionals. The group was asked to input the likely behaviors driven by the metrics being addressed by the study. Next, they …

Go to article

Risk Identification In Major Weapon Systems Acquisition In The Republic Of China Air Force, Te-Lung Tsai Sep 1992

Risk Identification In Major Weapon Systems Acquisition In The Republic Of China Air Force, Te-Lung Tsai

Theses and Dissertations

This research examined the magnitudes of the performance, supportability, life-cycle cost, schedule, and management risk factors in current Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) weapon systems acquisition programs and analyzed the risk drivers with respect to those risk factors. Mid-to-high level managers in the ROCAF and Chung-Sun Institute of Science and Technology (CSIST) were surveyed to determine the extent to which various risk factors were contributing to program risk. A total of fifty-four (54) managers responded to the survey. The results indicate: high risks to performance, supportability, life cycle cost, and schedule, and moderate risk to management. Risk-drivers that contributed …

Go to article

Intra-Theater Mobilization: Guidance, Process, And Tools, Christopher S. Cummins Sep 1992

Intra-Theater Mobilization: Guidance, Process, And Tools, Christopher S. Cummins

Theses and Dissertations

The study investigated the process of USAF unit level mobilization for movement within a theater of operations. Virtually all of the guidance and organization for unit level mobilization within the USAF is focused on inter- theater movement. Consequently, while the need for theater mobility is real, USAF units may not be well grounded in the procedures and techniques necessary to move successfully. The purpose of the study was to describe the essential process of unit level mobilization and determine the differences from inter- theater mobilizations. In addition, the available tools for accomplishing the tasks of mobilization within a theater of …

Go to article

The Application Of Function Points To Predict Source Lines Of Code For Software Development, Garland S. Henderson Sep 1992

The Application Of Function Points To Predict Source Lines Of Code For Software Development, Garland S. Henderson

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigated the results of using function point analysis-based estimates to predict source lines of code (SLOC) for software development projects. The majority of software cost and effort estimating parametric tools are categorized as SLOC-based, meaning SLOC is the primary input. Early in a program, an accurate estimate of SLOC is difficult to project. Function points, another parametric software estimating tool, bases software cost and effort estimates on the functionality of a system. This functionality is described by documents available early in a program. Using a modeling methodology, the research focuses on function point's ability to accurately estimate SLOC …

Go to article

An Analysis Of The Potential Use Of Red Horse Capabilities And Training Activities To Perform Or Accelerate Air Force Environmental Cleanups, E. Alexander Stokes Iii, Randy A. Carpenter Sep 1992

An Analysis Of The Potential Use Of Red Horse Capabilities And Training Activities To Perform Or Accelerate Air Force Environmental Cleanups, E. Alexander Stokes Iii, Randy A. Carpenter

Theses and Dissertations

There are more than 4,000 Air Force (AF) sites requiring restoration due to hazardous waste contamination. The AF goal is to completely restore all sites by 2000. One method of achieving this ambitious goal is to use in-house capabilities. This study examined the potential use of RED HORSE capabilities and training activities to assist with cleanup of contaminated sites. RED HORSE capabilities and training requirements were compared to the primary cleanup needs of the AF. One finding of this study suggests cleanup of sites contaminated by volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) is the primary need of the AF. The findings also …

Go to article

The Development Of A Tri-Service Notification System For Type 1 Medical Materiel Complaints, Edmund K. Haraguchi, Christopher J. Harrington Sep 1992

The Development Of A Tri-Service Notification System For Type 1 Medical Materiel Complaints, Edmund K. Haraguchi, Christopher J. Harrington

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the notification process for defective medical materiel within the Department of Defense. The study first evaluated the efficiency of the current notification process for defective medical materiel within the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Second, a streamlined notification process and tri-service Type 1 message for defective medical materiel was developed. Finally, the effectiveness of this tri-service message was evaluated in comparison to the current notification messages used by the three services. Investigations using observational studies revealed duplication of both function and resources among the medical logistics offices of the three services. Through …

Go to article

A Study Of The Relationship Between Personality Characteristics And Ethical Sensitivity In Business, Ronald A. Ortiz, David Petrillo Sep 1992

A Study Of The Relationship Between Personality Characteristics And Ethical Sensitivity In Business, Ronald A. Ortiz, David Petrillo

Theses and Dissertations

This research establishes a significant relationship between ethical sensitivity (the perception that a situation requires ethical consideration), and personality type, as characterized by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). A simple random sampling from the membership of the National Contract Management Association yielded 466 responses. The sample was analyzed by segmentation into government (181) and industry (285) respondents. The average ethical sensitivity response of 5.28 out of seven is considered high. Differences in perceptions of ethical sensitivity were significant among government and industry, and among ten scenarios often faced by contracting professionals. In the majority of scenarios, the government segment reported …

Go to article

A Qualitative Study Of The European Trucking Industry And Logistics Strategies Using The United States Motor Carrier Industry As A Guide, David W. Butler, Andrew P. Wilhelm Sep 1992

A Qualitative Study Of The European Trucking Industry And Logistics Strategies Using The United States Motor Carrier Industry As A Guide, David W. Butler, Andrew P. Wilhelm

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the United States motor carrier industry experience with deregulation to afford a comparison with the European Community's (EC) expanded trade liberalization and harmonization program known as EC '92. Historical backgrounds were provided for the U.S. and European trucking industries highlighting significant similarities between the two. Relevant studies in the fields of trucking deregulation and logistics were reviewed Specifically, route control, price setting, efficiencies, and market share and concentration were analyzed. Logistics strategies arising from trucking deregulation were also examined.

Go to article

Life-Cycle Costs Of Alternative Icbm Second Stage Designs, Brian D. Joyce, Patrick E. Poppert Sep 1992

Life-Cycle Costs Of Alternative Icbm Second Stage Designs, Brian D. Joyce, Patrick E. Poppert

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was twofold. The primary objective of our research was to develop and report life-cycle cost estimates for new second stage ICBM booster designs to Phillips Laboratory. Our second objective (perhaps of equal or greater importance as the first), was to provide the users of these estimates with a taste of what exactly is involved in life-cycle costs, the cost estimating process, and factors that influence these items. Life-cycle cost estimates were requested to supplement separate engineering and research efforts of both Phillips Laboratory and graduate students at the School of Engineering, Air Force Institute of …

Go to article

A Feasibility Study On Consolidating Air Force Cost Reduction Programs, Joseph H. Donohoe, Mark A. Hobson Sep 1992

A Feasibility Study On Consolidating Air Force Cost Reduction Programs, Joseph H. Donohoe, Mark A. Hobson

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the possibility of consolidating available manufacturing cost savings programs into one concise effort with common ground rules and regulations. The current manufacturing cost savings program include the Industrial Modernization Incentive Program (IMIP), the Manufacturing Technology Program (MANTECH), and the Value Engineering Program (VE). A literature search revealed that there are problems associated with each of these cost savings programs. A case study was conducted on the B-2 System Program Office's effort to consolidate cost savings programs into one common effort. This case study revealed that there were positive benefits in reducing cost after consolidation. A survey of …

Go to article

An Evaluation Of Measurements Used To Drive Competitiveness In A Depot Maintenance Environment, Jack A. Meyer Jr., Timothy A. Widowfield Sep 1992

An Evaluation Of Measurements Used To Drive Competitiveness In A Depot Maintenance Environment, Jack A. Meyer Jr., Timothy A. Widowfield

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis acknowledges that Air Force Materiel Command maintenance depots will face increased competition for workload, especially exchangeable items, both from other Service depots and from civilian contractors. The authors identify quality, delivery, and cost as the three primary competitive edges firms can use to gain advantage in the marketplace. Further, a recent study confirms that Air Force depot managers also consider these three factors of competitiveness to be most important. The authors tested two depot measurement systems: the Defense Depot Performance Measurement System (DDPMS) and measurements based on the Theory of Constraints (TOC). During personal interviews, 10 depot managers …

Go to article

Award Fee In Software Acquisition, Mark T. Hunter Sep 1992

Award Fee In Software Acquisition, Mark T. Hunter

Theses and Dissertations

The focus of this research effort was to determine, in general terms, what contractual tools are available to influence contractor performance during the software development process and, specifically, whether or not award fee contracts are appropriate tools. First, a qualitative, in depth literature review was done. Next, personal interviews were conducted with Program Directors and Deputy Program Directors at Aeronautical Systems Center, Electronic Systems Center, and Space and Missiles Systems Center. Then, after the results were summarized, the data was analyzed and findings were made. Findings include: award fee was found to be the most flexible provision in the FAR …

Go to article

A Study Of Configuration Management At Headquarters Logistics Command (Royal Australian Air Force), John F. Turner Sep 1992

A Study Of Configuration Management At Headquarters Logistics Command (Royal Australian Air Force), John F. Turner

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to provide insight into configuration management at the Royal Australian Air Force's Headquarters Logistics Command (HQLC) by determining whether current configuration management practices have any impact on HQLC's ability to meet its mission of providing logistics support. The research begins with a review of RAAF configuration management policy and procedures as applicable to in-service systems or technical equipment. A case study is used to investigate problems associated with inadequate configuration management being experienced by one HQLC engineering section, and to identify subsequent effects on engineering logistics capability. The case study results are used to …

Go to article

A Study Of The Air Force Logistics Professional Development Model, David E. Gressman Mar 1992

A Study Of The Air Force Logistics Professional Development Model, David E. Gressman

Theses and Dissertations

The personnel population in the field of logistics has two major divisions. The first, is to organizations providing logistic support for the Air Force mission and is the Operations and maintenance area. The second area is Acquisition, which supports the Air Force mission to acquire new weapon systems. Until recently, there was no clear plan for logisticians assigned in these two major divisions to enhance their educational development. This research project reviewed several logistic career enhancement programs focusing on two new programs, the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP) and the Logistics Professional Development Program (LOGPDP). The APDP program has received …

Go to article

Quantifying The Impact Of The Acquisition Professional Development Program Certification Requirements On The Air Force Institute Of Technology, Paul A. Nicholson Mar 1992

Quantifying The Impact Of The Acquisition Professional Development Program Certification Requirements On The Air Force Institute Of Technology, Paul A. Nicholson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research is to determine the impact of implementing the Acquisition Professional Development Program on the Air Force Institute of Technology. APDP is part of a DOD-wide effort to decrease inefficiency in the procurement process. The program encompasses a tri-level certification process based on experience, training, and educational standards. APDP serves as a guideline for professional development of acquisition personnel from entry to senior level management. Many of the courses required for certification are offered through AFIT School of Systems and Logistics. Integrating the new educational requirements as a standard for career development is expected to produce …

Go to article

A Study To Improve The Brazilian Air Force's Material Management System, Nelson R. Farias, Pedro R. Boareto Dec 1991

A Study To Improve The Brazilian Air Force's Material Management System, Nelson R. Farias, Pedro R. Boareto

Theses and Dissertations

The first objective of this study was to identify all the common supply items currently being managed separately in the inventory of the various types of aircraft employed by the Brazilian Air Force, and to show how the system could be reorganized to consider the compatibility among these items. DBASE III programs were used to examine a file with 30103 registers containing part numbers occurring more than once in different aircraft's inventory, and to classify them in groups of identical items likely to be centrally managed. In addition, it was demonstrated that the system's structure would support the proposed reorganization …

Go to article

Software Cost Estimating Models: A Calibration, Validation, And Comparison, Gerald L. Ourada Dec 1991

Software Cost Estimating Models: A Calibration, Validation, And Comparison, Gerald L. Ourada

Theses and Dissertations

This study was a calibration, validation and comparison of four software effort estimation models. The four models evaluated were REVIC, SASET, SEER, and COSTMODL. A historical database was obtained from Space Systems Division, in Los Angeles, and used as the input data. Two software environments were selected, one used to calibrate and validate the models outside their environment of calibration. REVIC and COSTMODL are COCOMO derivatives and were calibrated using Dr. Boehm's procedure. SASET and SEER were found to be un-calibratable for this effort. Accuracy of all the models was significantly low; none of the models performed better against the …

Go to article

A Study Of The Adoption And Effectiveness Of Electronic Mail At The Air Force Institute Of Technology, Douglas D. White Dec 1991

A Study Of The Adoption And Effectiveness Of Electronic Mail At The Air Force Institute Of Technology, Douglas D. White

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigated the relationship between the adoption and effectiveness of electronic mail at the Air Force institute of Technology's School of Systems and Logistics (LS). In this research, theories concerning innovation adoption and measurement of system effectiveness are discussed. Survey instruments from both areas were selected, tested, and used to collect data from the LS faculty and staff. Correlation analysis was performed using the data collected. Findings indicate a correlation does exist between the adoption of electronic mail and the effectiveness surrogate measurement, user satisfaction. There was a significantly strong negative correlation between electronic mail complexity and user satisfaction.

Go to article

First Prev Next Last