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 1111 - 1140 of 1164

Full-Text Articles in Business

Application Of The Deming Management Method To Implement Total Quality Management In The Dod, Shawn P. Lyman Sep 1991

Application Of The Deming Management Method To Implement Total Quality Management In The Dod, Shawn P. Lyman

Theses and Dissertations

This study looked for DOD logistics organizations using the Deming management method to implement TQM. A total of 21 organizations were identified that claim to be following Deming. These organizations were then questioned on what they are dong to implement the Deming philosophy. Each organization is presented and their program discussed. The techniques being used in the different TQM programs were then classified and presented according to each of the 14 points.


The Military Logistics Support Of Humanitarian Relief Efforts During Low-Intensity Conflict, Jangrumetta D. Shine Sep 1991

The Military Logistics Support Of Humanitarian Relief Efforts During Low-Intensity Conflict, Jangrumetta D. Shine

Theses and Dissertations

This research study was limited to two cases(Afghanistan and Chad) involving humanitarian relief efforts low-intensity conflict. To explore the topic of military logistics support of relief efforts low-intensity conflict, a study of the land, people, government, economy and history of each country was accomplished to provide the background for each humanitarian relief effort. These variables, with a study of the low-intensity conflict aspect, U.S. policy goals, the actual humanitarian relief operation, and the military logistics support provided used to the question: 'What are the key elements to provide successful logistics support of humanitarian relief efforts during low-intensity conflict?


Ramp-To-Ramp Transfers Of Foreign Military Sales Aircraft And Related Logistics Problems, Lewis J. Edwards Sep 1991

Ramp-To-Ramp Transfers Of Foreign Military Sales Aircraft And Related Logistics Problems, Lewis J. Edwards

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examined the concept of 'ramp-to-ramp' aircraft transfers in the Foreign Military Sales Program. Avoidance of storage costs was the major benefit of this concept, and the lack of support equipment and spare parts are the major drawbacks. Planning and coordination, logistical problems, and conflicting USAF regulations, programs, and policies were examined to determine the effect each had on the 'ramp-to-ramp' transfer of the last remaining F-5 aircraft to FMS countries. A study of background papers, electronic messages, minutes from meetings, and published articles was used to develop an understanding of the organization and planning process involved with the …


Military Standardized Transportation And Movement Procedures Detailed Manifest Data Storage Requirements, Philip L. Isbell Sep 1991

Military Standardized Transportation And Movement Procedures Detailed Manifest Data Storage Requirements, Philip L. Isbell

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to develop a set of useful solutions to the problem of storing and processing data generated by transportation data processing systems within the Department of Defense. The amount of data within the Global Transportation Network (GTN) will significantly increase due to the expansion of the Joint Operational Planning and Execution System (JOPES). Intransit visibility of troops and equipment during contingencies is the driving factor behind the increased level of data required by JOPES. The methodology used conducted a needs analysis of the problem, which was defined as an insufficient amount of storage capacity for …


Desert Express: An Analysis On Improved Customer Service, Thomas C. Thalheim Sep 1991

Desert Express: An Analysis On Improved Customer Service, Thomas C. Thalheim

Theses and Dissertations

Operation Desert Shield/Storm provided an opportunity to test the planning for U.S. forces to operate in a low intensity conflict. Both operations provided the opportunity for the logistics community to observe how the support forces provided the required supplies to the forward combat forces. In response to customers' requests, the U.S. Transportation Command created Desert Express, a daily package express flight from Charleston, SC to Saudi Arabia. The research question addresses the how and why Desert Express came about. Additional investigative questions cover the following: mission objectives, planners' and customers' expectations, system performance, and implications on the Defense Transportation System. …


The Organizational Impact Of Smoke Break Management In Strategic Air Command, Glenn G. Hinken Sep 1991

The Organizational Impact Of Smoke Break Management In Strategic Air Command, Glenn G. Hinken

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the organizational impact of smoke break management in Strategic Air Command. Analysis of data from a survey questionnaire showed that although the smoking and smoke break issues touched the majority of the people in SAC and almost every smoker surveyed reported taking smoke breaks, just 27 percent of respondents reported their organization had a smoke break policy. Most of these respondents indicated the policies were lenient in terms of regulating the time and duration of the breaks. Smokers reported spending an average 41.09 minutes per day taking smoke breaks. This figure differed significantly from the time smokers …


The Development Of An Instrument To Measure The Theoretical Parameters Of Charisma Within Organizations, Daniel K. Hicks Sep 1991

The Development Of An Instrument To Measure The Theoretical Parameters Of Charisma Within Organizations, Daniel K. Hicks

Theses and Dissertations

This study set out to identify the parameters in the existing leadership theories that lead to the attribution of charisma in organizational leaders. Once these parameters were identified, the goal was to develop and validate the means to measure the parameters. Organizational scientists began to wrestle with the operation of charismatic authority within organizations in 1961. A review of the literature uncovered eight theories that describe the operation of charisma with organizations. From these eight theories, 37 distinct behaviors or qualities were extracted. Each of these was theorized to lead to the attribution of charisma either singly or in combination …


A Computer Simulation Analysis Of The Usaf Vehicle Allowance/ Authorization Process, Charles T. Butler Sep 1991

A Computer Simulation Analysis Of The Usaf Vehicle Allowance/ Authorization Process, Charles T. Butler

Theses and Dissertations

This research examined the effects of the incorporation of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) on the USAF vehicle allowance/authorization process. The study utilized a computer simulation model to mimic the flow of the AF form 601, Equipment Action Request, as it is submitted at base level and coordinated through the MAJCOM and WR-ALC. The hypothesis was that the allowance/authorization cycle time could be made shorter by transmitting the information contained on the form 601 electronically, rather than mailing the form to each coordinating agency. In order to compare the process with and without the use of EDI, two computer simulation models …


An Analysis Of The Support Equipment Acquisition Process And Methods Designed To Reduce Acquisition Leadtime, Bradie Williams Sep 1991

An Analysis Of The Support Equipment Acquisition Process And Methods Designed To Reduce Acquisition Leadtime, Bradie Williams

Theses and Dissertations

Support equipment acquisition leadtime continues to be a problem for both the United States Air Force and our foreign military sales programs. As a microcosm of the entire Department of Defense acquisition process, support equipment is often, late to need, without a complete integrated logistics support package, of poor or unstable design, and frequently requires considerable interim support. The purpose of this thesis is to look at the support equipment acquisition process from three perspectives: (1) from the overall weapon system acquisition process; (2) in the broad perspective of the integrated logistics support (ILS) concept; and (3) in the much …


An Analysis Of Air Force Management Career Development Based On Timing Of Skills Needs And Effectiveness Of Development Methods, Sebastiano Deliso Sep 1991

An Analysis Of Air Force Management Career Development Based On Timing Of Skills Needs And Effectiveness Of Development Methods, Sebastiano Deliso

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to analyze the association between the perceived importance of management skills and management level; also to assess the most effective means of developing each of those management skills. Data collection involved a two step process. First, a literature search was conducted to compile a list of common management skills and development methods. Second, from this knowledge a survey instrument was created and distributed. Data analysis included three basic methodologies: (1) non-parametric statistics, (2) frequency distribution analysis, and (3) qualitative analysis. The results indicate a high degree of association between perceived skills importance and management …


Effect Of Work Attitudes On Performance Within Tac Base Supply Organizations, Stephen J. Eichenbrenner Sep 1991

Effect Of Work Attitudes On Performance Within Tac Base Supply Organizations, Stephen J. Eichenbrenner

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of work attitudes and rewards on the performance of TAC base level Supply personnel. The research used a survey instrument to examine a cross section of all enlisted employees assigned to various positions within TAC Supply. The research had four major objectives: (1) test three causal hypotheses through path analysis to determine if the research results supported or disconfirmed each of them; (2) determine if individuals functioning in customer service positions are significantly different than those who are not supporting customers; (3) identify opportunities available to Supply managers for improving …


The Development And Retention Of Critical Thinking Dispositions Among Students Of The Air Force Institute Of Technology Graduate Management Programs, Luke J. Schaub Sep 1991

The Development And Retention Of Critical Thinking Dispositions Among Students Of The Air Force Institute Of Technology Graduate Management Programs, Luke J. Schaub

Theses and Dissertations

This effort analyzed the development and retention of critical thinking dispositions in students of the Air Force Institute of Technology's School of Systems and Logistics graduate management program. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator was used as a measure of subjects' dispositions. Pre- and post- test surveys were administered when subjects entered and exited the program, and a follow-up administered two to five years later. The pre- and post-tests were administered to 427 subjects and the follow-up to 201 of those subjects. It was found that subjects increased their preference for logical, objective decision-making while enrolled in the program. Subjects also increased …


Improved Decision Making Through Group Composition, William E. Page Iii Sep 1991

Improved Decision Making Through Group Composition, William E. Page Iii

Theses and Dissertations

This experimental study attempted to prove that teams formed with dissimilar personality types would have better decision making than teams which were not formed by dissimilar types. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, based on Jung's Theory of Psychological Type, was used to determine the subject's personality type preferences. Subjects' perceptions of team processes were also investigated. The sample population consisted of military officers and civil servants who attended the Advanced Program Management course at the Air Force Institute of Technology. Decision making effectiveness was determined from team performance on the Time-by-Event-by-Member-Pattern-Observation system (TEMPO). The design for this research consisted of comparing …


Evaluation Of Corrective Action Team (Cat) Leader Training In Aeronautical Systems Division, Kirk J. Streitmater Sep 1991

Evaluation Of Corrective Action Team (Cat) Leader Training In Aeronautical Systems Division, Kirk J. Streitmater

Theses and Dissertations

This study evaluated corrective action team (CAT) leader training, a team dynamics and group problem solving course provided by an Air Force product division. A pre/post knowledge test, using developed behavioral objectives, was administered to 61 participants as part of an internal evaluation while 373 past participants were provided a questionnaire for a field evaluation. Results from the internal evaluation indicated that students learned the majority of training material presented in the course. Self-efficacy increased in most cases showing an improved self-perception regarding the ability to perform training related tasks. Predictors for a pre-test score model were identified, but overall …


The Advanced Tactical Fighter Early, Structured, And Continuous User- Interface Process: A System Program Office/User Team-Building Concept, Robert K. Barry Sep 1991

The Advanced Tactical Fighter Early, Structured, And Continuous User- Interface Process: A System Program Office/User Team-Building Concept, Robert K. Barry

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to develop an acquisition management tool that would improve the working relationship between the System Program Office (SPO) and the User during the Demonstration and Validation phase. It accomplished this by documented the Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) Early, Structured, and Continuous (ESC) user-interface process in a draft handbook. This handbook was also developed to support a continuing Command-wide effort to improve the acquisition process. The study found that the ATF ESC process was also developed in response to senior Air Force management guidance, lessons learned, and ATF SPO management direction. The ATF ESC process …


Oversight Of And Within The Department Of Defense: Is It Becoming Counterproductive?, Thaddeus G. Knue Sep 1991

Oversight Of And Within The Department Of Defense: Is It Becoming Counterproductive?, Thaddeus G. Knue

Theses and Dissertations

Oversight of and within the Department of Defense (DoD) has become so intense and detailed that the perception of senior DoD personnel is that oversight is now detracting from the ability of system program offices (SPO) to focus on fielding new weapon systems which achieve the government's requirements of performance, schedule, and cost. This study researched this assertion by exploring oversight and control of and within the DoD, and specifically through a single unique case study of the C-17 SPO. The three sources utilized in gathering and analyzing data were archival records, interviews, and documents. Data gathered indicated oversight has …


A Cross-Sectional Investigation Of The Effects Of Regional Labor Market Conditions On The Reenlistment Decisions Of Air Force Enlistees, Deanna L. Cooper Sep 1991

A Cross-Sectional Investigation Of The Effects Of Regional Labor Market Conditions On The Reenlistment Decisions Of Air Force Enlistees, Deanna L. Cooper

Theses and Dissertations

A great deal of literature measuring the relationship between labor market perceptions and voluntary employee turnover exists. However, literature measuring the relationship between general labor market conditions and voluntary employee turnover is scarce. Moreover, to date only one article has included both labor market perceptions and general labor market conditions in testing a voluntary turnover model. This thesis provides a second test of a proposed voluntary turnover model that incorporates both labor market perceptions and general labor market conditions. Using survey data collected by Flores in 1984 and reenlistment data collected by Hoene in 1986, a cross-sectional investigation of the …


Analysis Of The Cash Recovery Rate's Potential Application In Determining The Social Cost Of Capital, Francis J. Geiser Iii Sep 1991

Analysis Of The Cash Recovery Rate's Potential Application In Determining The Social Cost Of Capital, Francis J. Geiser Iii

Theses and Dissertations

This study explored the potential application of the cash recovery rate in determining the social cost of capital. It specifically investigated the results of using cash-recovery rate-based, internal rate of return-estimating relationships, which were formulated under assumptions of constant investment growth rate, to estimate internal rates of return for simulated firm-level financial data generated using both exponentially increasing and sinusoidal investment growth rates. An extensive literature review is used to build a analytical link between the need for updating the social discount rate, capital budgeting decisions based on internal rates of return, and the proposed behavior of the cash recovery …


A Policy Analysis Of Using Unit Costs As A Means Of Performance Measurement In The Air Force Science And Technology Program, Michael P. Avery Sep 1991

A Policy Analysis Of Using Unit Costs As A Means Of Performance Measurement In The Air Force Science And Technology Program, Michael P. Avery

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates the possible use of unit costs as a means of performance measurement in the Air Force Science and Technology (S and T) program. Using a policy analysis methodology, the author breaks the analysis into four phases. The first phase called understanding the problem and incorporates the theory of management control systems, budgets, resource management systems, and identifies what the S and T program encompasses. The second phase is called developing policy options and identifies three distinctly different policies that satisfy the need for getting performance information into the hands of decision-makers. The third phase is called determining …


An Examination Of The Perceived Importance Of Technical Competence In Acquisition Project Management, Charles R. Baumgardner Sep 1991

An Examination Of The Perceived Importance Of Technical Competence In Acquisition Project Management, Charles R. Baumgardner

Theses and Dissertations

This research examined the importance Air Force acquisition project managers attribute to technical competence, and several individual and situational factors which might affect their perceptions of the importance of technical competence: extent of acquisition experience, degree of technical academic training, level of project technology, caliber of technical project team, and acquisition phase. A review of the literature revealed that previous studies of project and program managers suffered from several limitations with regard to a direct examination of the importance of technical competence. No single study has empirically supported a clear determination on the importance of this attribute to project managers. …


An Analysis Of The Benefits Of Operational Experience Acquired By Air Force Systems Command (Afsc) Officers Through The Broadening Experience Tour (Best) Program, Andrew A. Abraham Sep 1991

An Analysis Of The Benefits Of Operational Experience Acquired By Air Force Systems Command (Afsc) Officers Through The Broadening Experience Tour (Best) Program, Andrew A. Abraham

Theses and Dissertations

This research effort was conducted to study the effects that operational experience acquired through the Broadening Experience Tour (BEST) program has on the ability of scientific and development engineering (S and DE) officers to develop useful operator-oriented systems. A review of the related literature revealed that although the Air Force encourages S and DE officers to acquire operational experience, there is no empirical evidence of the reported benefits of this experience. A cross sectional study was undertaken to measure the difference in self reported competency between samples of S and DE officers with and without operational experience. A survey was …


Comparison Of The Operational Characteristics Of The Theory Of Constraints And Just-In-Time Scheduling Methodologies, Lynn A. Sines Sep 1991

Comparison Of The Operational Characteristics Of The Theory Of Constraints And Just-In-Time Scheduling Methodologies, Lynn A. Sines

Theses and Dissertations

This study compared the characteristics of scheduling using two approaches: Just-in-Time (JIT) and the Theory of Constraints (TOC). Computer simulation was used to evaluate changes in the throughput of the system due to system variability and varying work-in-process (WIP) levels. The independent variables were processing time, probability of failure, and WIP level. The literature search revealed that these variables impacted performance of JIT systems. Simulation models of three different production systems were developed to determine if the TOC scheduled system would provide greater or equivalent throughput for equivalent levels of WIP, and to determine if the system production flow path …


An Investigation Of Certain U.S. Government 'Lessons Learned' Processes And Their Application To Usaf Research, Development, And Acquisition Project Managers, Mark W. Mcnabb Sep 1991

An Investigation Of Certain U.S. Government 'Lessons Learned' Processes And Their Application To Usaf Research, Development, And Acquisition Project Managers, Mark W. Mcnabb

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the types of processes used by certain U.S. government agencies to provide 'lessons learned' that could be used by USAF research, development and acquisition project managers. Areas of interest include the types of agencies that could provide 'lessons learned;' the sources, methods, and techniques these agencies use to process (acquire, maintain, and disseminate) management information such as lessons learned; and the measurement criteria the agencies use to evaluate the effectiveness of these processes. A general literature search helped to identify eleven candidate agencies; eight were chosen for full investigation. A survey of each sample agency was conducted. …


A Review Of Cost Performance Index Stability, Scott R. Heise Sep 1991

A Review Of Cost Performance Index Stability, Scott R. Heise

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines approaches currently used to determine when Cost Performance Index (CPI) stability occurs. The CPI indicates the cost performance efficiency of the work the contractor has accomplished to date; however it has value as a predictor of future contractor cost performance given that the CPI can be declared stable. Knowing that the CPI is stable allows government personnel to project the final cost of the contract and, if a cost overrun is projected, to determine the likelihood that the contractor can recover. The range method was used to test for stability of cumulative and non-cumulative (three month, six …


Selection Of A Development Methodology For The Acquisition Of Command, Control And Communication Systems, Martin W. Wituszynski Sep 1991

Selection Of A Development Methodology For The Acquisition Of Command, Control And Communication Systems, Martin W. Wituszynski

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated command and control projects to see if certain program characteristics help determine the appropriate development methodology. A literature search revealed no previous research in this area; but did identify at least two possible development methodologies, and some suggestions for key characteristics. Four case studies were conducted to study the effects of certain characteristics on the success of the development methodology employed; either conventional or incremental. Requirements definition, availability of a previous system, system complexity, number of subsystems, development experience, user involvement, and funding all appear to impact the appropriateness of the two methodologies investigated.


Application Of Just-In-Time Production Methods In The Defense Industrial Base, Dominic J. Cirello Sep 1991

Application Of Just-In-Time Production Methods In The Defense Industrial Base, Dominic J. Cirello

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the motivation for defense industrial base contractors to switch to Just-In-Time (JIT) production. Areas of interest included the original motivation for the contractor to change to JIT, how they implemented the change, which JIT methods they used, and what benefits they received from switching to JIT. A review of the current literature on the subject of JIT revealed that JIT is a philosophy of production based on inventory reduction, process improvement, and elimination of waste. This philosophy can be supported through the use of a number of different methods, and reductions in both cost and cycle time …


Establishing A Department Of Defense Program Management Body Of Knowledge, Gregory D. Best, Korina L. Kobylarz Sep 1991

Establishing A Department Of Defense Program Management Body Of Knowledge, Gregory D. Best, Korina L. Kobylarz

Theses and Dissertations

This research project developed a common body of knowledge for the field of acquisition program management in the Department of Defense (DoD)., The Defense Program Management Body of Knowledge (DBOK) is a compilation of all knowledge areas that a program manager must know understand to be effective. Three methods were used to develop a hypothetical model DBOK: (1) an exhaustive review of project management literature, (2) curricula review of DoD acquisition management educational institutions, and (3) expert review. The hypothetical model was validated with a survey administered by the Project Management Institute to all directors and deputy directors of Major …


The Operation Of Military Family Housing As A Business Enterprise. A Case Study At Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, Michael T. Ray Sep 1991

The Operation Of Military Family Housing As A Business Enterprise. A Case Study At Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, Michael T. Ray

Theses and Dissertations

The focus of this research was to determine the feasibility of operating Military Family Housing (MFH) as a business enterprise, based on rental income. A case study of the Langley AFB Military Family Housing operation during FY 90 was used to determine if housing allowances forfeited by residents of base housing would provide sufficient rental income for the annual operations, maintenance and capital improvement of the MFH assets. It further compared the descriptive data from Langley AFB, Virginia, to USAF averages to determine if the findings at Langley were generalizable across the Air Force. The case study showed that Basic …


A Value-Based Hierarchy Of Objectives For Military Decision-Making, Lowell A. Nelson Sep 1991

A Value-Based Hierarchy Of Objectives For Military Decision-Making, Lowell A. Nelson

Theses and Dissertations

This study develops a rational model for the incorporation of ethical values into military decision-making. The values considered include obedience to superiors, professional competence, and elements of just war theory such as proportionality and discrimination. A review of the relevant literature on just war theory and professional military ethics points to the science of multi-attribute utility analysis as a means of representing the complex value tradeoffs essential to military decisions. The values and tradeoffs identified are interpreted in a hierarchy of objectives model which is used to evaluate value preferences between decision alternatives. With the hierarchy constructed, tradeoffs between values …


Building A Foreign Military Sales Construction Delivery Strategy Decision Support System, Deven R. Volk Sep 1991

Building A Foreign Military Sales Construction Delivery Strategy Decision Support System, Deven R. Volk

Theses and Dissertations

This research builds a Decision Support System to help Air Force Logistics Command, Foreign Military Sales construction managers select a construction delivery strategy in support of weapon system sales to foreign countries. Delivery strategy options include the Corp of Engineers, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, private industry Architectural Engineering firms, the weapon system supplier, or the foreign country purchasing the weapon system. The parameters upon which the selection is made are program schedule, staffing requirements, weapon system development stage and design complexity, type of contract strategies selected, a customer assessment of foreign country requirements and existing conditions, and the ability to …