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 391 - 420 of 1164

Full-Text Articles in Business

An Analysis Of Class Ii Supplies Requisitions In The Korean Army's Organizational Supply, Min Cheol Cho Mar 2009

An Analysis Of Class Ii Supplies Requisitions In The Korean Army's Organizational Supply, Min Cheol Cho

Theses and Dissertations

Timely supply support is critical to sustaining military readiness and operations. In order to improve user satisfaction and to ensure supply support in a timely manner, the supply management paradigm is changing from supplier (supporting unit) focused management to customer (combat unit) focused management. This research focuses on improvements to the requisition process in Organizational Supply to reduce Customer Wait Time (CWT) in the Korean Army Supply Chain (KASC). The causes leading to requisition problems in seven key areas of Organizational Supply were examined, and seventeen solutions for the problems were suggested. Solutions that can be executed immediately without cost …


Quantification Of Mandatory Sustainment Requirements, Joe M. Blackman Mar 2009

Quantification Of Mandatory Sustainment Requirements, Joe M. Blackman

Theses and Dissertations

To emphasize the importance of sustainment, the DoD Joint Requirements Oversight Council addressed sustained Materiel readiness and established a mandatory Key Performance Parameter (KPP) for Materiel Availability; it also established supporting Key System Attributes (KSAs) for Materiel Reliability and Ownership Cost (Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Manual (CJCSM) 3170.01C, 2007). Current guidance requires two numbers: a threshold value and an objective value (Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Manual (CJCSM) 3170.01C, 2007). No distinction is made between the approaches in establishing these values for major system acquisitions, versus smaller, modification-focused efforts for existing systems. The Joint Staff …


The Hybrid Counterinsurgency Strategy: System Dynamics Employed To Develop A Behavioral Model Of Joint Strategy, Ferdinand Maldonado Mar 2009

The Hybrid Counterinsurgency Strategy: System Dynamics Employed To Develop A Behavioral Model Of Joint Strategy, Ferdinand Maldonado

Theses and Dissertations

Since the recent focus on the Global War on Terror, both military and civilian theorists have begun to “relearn” the intricacies of counterinsurgency warfare. We face difficult challenges when confronting non-state actors that tend to attack in the time between conventional battles and the establishment of stable governments. This research compares and contrasts current counterinsurgency strategies (Hearts and Minds and Cost Benefit Theory) by applying System Dynamics to provide insight into the influences and emergent behavior patterns of counterinsurgency systems. The information gained from the development of the models and from their simulation behaviors is used to construct a System …


Task-Technology Fit Assessment Of An Expertise Transfer System, Daphne R. Mcgill Mar 2009

Task-Technology Fit Assessment Of An Expertise Transfer System, Daphne R. Mcgill

Theses and Dissertations

Organizations today are using information technology to capture knowledge from experts and disseminate this knowledge to decision makers. Having the right information to the right person at the right time facilitates more effective and efficient decisions. This study uses Goodhue’s (1998) Task-Technology Fit (TTF) theoretical model to evaluate an Expertise Transfer Forum (ETF) developed by the Oklahoma State University for the Defense Ammunition Center’s quality assurance personnel. The preliminary findings suggest a good fit between the ETF and problem-solving tasks assigned to students in the DAC classroom environment. The participants also offered the following observations: • The ETF was more …


Modeling U.S. Occupational Health Costs, Joseph M. Bauer Mar 2009

Modeling U.S. Occupational Health Costs, Joseph M. Bauer

Theses and Dissertations

The primary purpose of this research was to improve the effectiveness of cost comparison analyses for the 75th Aerospace Medicine Group, Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Bioenvironmental engineers sought a more robust cost comparison tool, allowing engineers to quickly determine the viability of proposed occupational health-related expenditures. To justify the funding of potential projects, engineers must quantify the expected cost savings. Improved cost comparison analysis enables personnel to better justify worthy projects or filter out uneconomical solutions. A secondary purpose of this research was to validate Department of Defense (DoD) occupational illness cost factors. This research effort focused on cost …


Operations Tempo And Turnover Intentions: An Exploratory Study Of The Air Force's Explosive Ordinance Disposal (Eod) Career Field And Development Of The Air Force Civil Engineer Retention Questionnaire, Joseph A. Tortella Mar 2009

Operations Tempo And Turnover Intentions: An Exploratory Study Of The Air Force's Explosive Ordinance Disposal (Eod) Career Field And Development Of The Air Force Civil Engineer Retention Questionnaire, Joseph A. Tortella

Theses and Dissertations

From a managerial perspective, the attraction and retention of high-quality employees is more important today than ever before (Holtom, Mitchell, Lee, & Eberly, 2008). This continuing growth of importance with regards to retention has validated the efforts of many studies within the context of turnover to better understand the relationship between turnover and the factors that may influence the behavior. Employers want to know what the reasons are for employee turnover. However, more importantly is that once behaviors are identified the employers are then equipped with a better understanding of how this relationship can be controlled. This relationship also has …


A Cost Analysis Of Dining Facilities: Should The Air Force Continue To Operate Dining Facilities?, Michael J. Hickam Mar 2009

A Cost Analysis Of Dining Facilities: Should The Air Force Continue To Operate Dining Facilities?, Michael J. Hickam

Theses and Dissertations

The Air Force is currently spending approximately $128M per year for food service contracts alone (Hamilton, 2008). These costs do not even account for the costs of labor, supplying food, maintenance contracts, or even utilities. With available annual dollars becoming smaller, the Air Force must examine its current processes and eliminate those which are not mission essential. The Air Force is currently testing new ways of providing meals for their enlisted members. In, 2009, several bases will begin using a swipe card system where airmen can use their swipe card to eat at any services operated facility. In addition, several …


An Analysis Of Defense Information And Information Technology Articles: A Sixteen Year Perspective, Daniel K. Smith Mar 2009

An Analysis Of Defense Information And Information Technology Articles: A Sixteen Year Perspective, Daniel K. Smith

Theses and Dissertations

Over the past two decades, information and information technology (IT) have evolved significantly and have become increasingly important to our national security. Many different journals have described this evolution. The purpose of this study is to examine the evolution of information and IT through the articles of two defense journals over a sixteen-year period. It provides a review of the article subject matter, the changes in the subject matter, the contributing authors and their institutions, and predictions for the next five years.


Maximizing Warfighter Capability Using Surveyed Necessity Measurement: Application To The Usaf F-15c Fleet, John M. Colombi, David R. Jacques, Dennis D. Strouble Dec 2008

Maximizing Warfighter Capability Using Surveyed Necessity Measurement: Application To The Usaf F-15c Fleet, John M. Colombi, David R. Jacques, Dennis D. Strouble

Faculty Publications

Within the Department of Defense, with changing missions to counter dynamic and asymmetrical threats, the acquisition workforce strives to maximize capability for joint warfighting. How acquisition professionals measure and select capability improvements for the nation’s weapon systems is a perpetual challenge, made even more complex with constrained defense budgets. This study identifies a method for determining which upgrades should be purchased (production) for which aircraft in the F- 15C fleet by optimizing a capability proxy measure. Each upgrade’s “necessity” for a given mission area was obtained by conducting a survey of over 250 experienced F-15C pilots. The solution presented in …


Software Acquisition Improvement In The Aeronautical Systems Center, William A. Pogorzelski Sep 2008

Software Acquisition Improvement In The Aeronautical Systems Center, William A. Pogorzelski

Theses and Dissertations

In the past 20 years, over 150 recommendations have been made to improve software systems development by organizations such as the Defense Science Board, National Research Council and the U.S. General Accountability Office. It has been discovered that many of these recommendation have remained unimplemented. This research had the purpose of confirming the application of these previous recommendations to improve software acquisition in the Aeronautical Systems Center. This was accomplished through interviews with 20 software practitioners in the acquisition community and the review of relevant literature. Through the analysis of the interviews and literature, this research was able to confirm …


A Qualitative And Quantitative Assessment Of Readiness For Organizational Change Literature, Andrew B. Burris Jun 2008

A Qualitative And Quantitative Assessment Of Readiness For Organizational Change Literature, Andrew B. Burris

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis is to take a step in integrating the change literature and accumulate the empirical results using meta-analytic techniques. First, a literature review of existing research on organizational change was conducted. Second, existing models of organizational change were integrated to create a theoretical structure. Third, a meta-analysis was performed to derive the corrected correlation values for each relationship in that structure. Finally, the readiness for change literature was qualitatively assessed. In addition, a quantitative review was done by accumulating the results across 25 studies in an effort to provide a current quantitative assessment of change management …


Forecasting Flying Hour Costs Of The B-1, B-2, And B-52 Bomber Aircraft, Stefanie L. Van Dyk Jun 2008

Forecasting Flying Hour Costs Of The B-1, B-2, And B-52 Bomber Aircraft, Stefanie L. Van Dyk

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis both evaluates, and presents improvements to, the current method of forecasting flying costs of Air Force aircraft. It uses depot level repairable (DLR) and consumable (CONS) data for the Air Force's bomber platforms: B-1B, B-2, and B-52H. The current forecasting method assumes a proportional relationship between costs and flying hours such that 1) when no hours are flown costs are zero, and 2) a 1% increase in flying hours will increase costs by 1%. The findings of this research indicate that applying log-linear ordinary least squares regression techniques may be an improved fit of flying cost data over …


Forecasting Expeditionary Training For Company Grade Logistics Readiness Officers: A Delphi Study, Phillip Kirk Larson Mar 2008

Forecasting Expeditionary Training For Company Grade Logistics Readiness Officers: A Delphi Study, Phillip Kirk Larson

Theses and Dissertations

Since the development of the Expeditionary Airman concept and the start of combat operations in the Global War on Terrorism, the Logistics Readiness Officer’s (LRO) duty environment has expanded beyond traditional garrison-based duties. This expansion can arguably incorporate current topics of joint operations, irregular warfare, and cultural intelligence. The intent of this study is to determine what training, if any, future company grade LROs will require on these three topics. The research uses Delphi methodology, utilizing an expert panel of twelve LROs with experience in joint operations within a deployed environment, and interactions with foreign nationals. The study applies two …


Position Characteristics And Their Relationship To Selection For Promotion, Juan A. Kays Mar 2008

Position Characteristics And Their Relationship To Selection For Promotion, Juan A. Kays

Theses and Dissertations

It is clear that job characteristics are key selection criteria for upward mobility. However, there are questions as to what types of position details facilitate individual objective success within an organization like the United States Air Force that relies solely on an internal labor market. While it is an individual responsibility to develop an employment plan, there are particular duties that are more desirable for continuation. This thesis looked at the professional records of a sample of officers to assess what position characteristics led to more advancement opportunities. It examined what duty experiences fared well for one measure of career …


Assessment Of The Current Cultural Awareness And Training For The Air Force Contingency Contracting Officer, Reza A. Grigorian Mar 2008

Assessment Of The Current Cultural Awareness And Training For The Air Force Contingency Contracting Officer, Reza A. Grigorian

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the current cultural awareness of contracting officers and the effectiveness of cross-cultural training provided to contracting officers through the Defense Acquisition University (DAU), and their monthly training at the base level. Current training in culture is fairly limited - only 2 days of the 9 day course in contingency contracting is dedicated to cultural training. Nevertheless, a comparison of means of 38 students before and after the DAU CON 234 course showed a statistically significant increase in Cultural Intelligence (CQ) on the cognitive and behavioral dimensions, but not on the motivational dimension. In addition, more experienced contracting …


Strategies For Minimizing Monetary Loss In The Department Of Defense Budget Through Use Of Financial Derivatives, Michael T. Edwards Mar 2008

Strategies For Minimizing Monetary Loss In The Department Of Defense Budget Through Use Of Financial Derivatives, Michael T. Edwards

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to examine whether it would be in the best interest of the Department of Defense to consider using currency hedging as a way to protect its budget from negative currency fluctuations in the US Dollar. Specifically, the use of futures and options contracts was examined. Overseas expenditure data was collected on the YEN and the EURO for Fiscal Years 2001 to 2007 and cross-referenced with the contract prices for the aforementioned hedges during the same period of time. Using an ex post facto analysis with the gathered data, the results show that hedging with …


An Empirical Investigation Of Factors Influencing Knowledge Management System Success, John F. Whitfield Jr. Mar 2008

An Empirical Investigation Of Factors Influencing Knowledge Management System Success, John F. Whitfield Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

Knowledge has been viewed as a critical component for organizations. Consequently, organizations implement Knowledge Management Systems (KMSs) to seek competitive advantages, but they may encounter mixed results. This research draws on previous information system and knowledge management system success-related literature and selects eight factors that are believed to be critical for the successful implementation of a KMS. These factors were derived through a literature search of current KMS success-related literature. The purpose of this study is to identify factors that could have a clear influence on the development and implementation of KMSs. The study presents the empirical examination of a …


Risk Propensity And Knowledge Sharing Intentions Of Individuals In A Downsized Organization, Ward G. Willis Mar 2008

Risk Propensity And Knowledge Sharing Intentions Of Individuals In A Downsized Organization, Ward G. Willis

Theses and Dissertations

Downsizing can be a traumatic event for any organization. Using Affective Events Theory (AET), this study examined how the emotional reactions of employees to downsizing can impact organizational outcomes. It concludes that the use of downsizing activities decreases organizational commitment while increasing perceived psychological contract violation. Further, it shows that these constructs have a respective positive and negative relationship with knowledge sharing behavior. It also concludes that these relationships hold true not only for individuals most vulnerable to downsizing, but also for those who the organization would consider immune to such actions. These results suggest that organizational downsizing activities not …


Blending The Battlefield: An Analysis Of Using Private Military Companies To Support Military Operations In Iraq, Heather L. Gallup Mar 2008

Blending The Battlefield: An Analysis Of Using Private Military Companies To Support Military Operations In Iraq, Heather L. Gallup

Theses and Dissertations

Over the past fifteen years, the Department of Defense has experienced an increasing trend in the outsourcing and privatization of military operations. Key factors contributing to the growth include declines in military budgets, reductions in active duty end-strength, increases in operational deployments, advancements in weapon system technology, and evolutions in the nature of warfare. However, the continued escalation of incorporating Private Military Companies (PMCs) on the battlefield creates unique challenges. The purpose of this exploratory and descriptive research is to identify utilization rates, describe the types of roles being fulfilled, and synthesize the challenges of augmenting military manpower with civilian …


An Analysis Of Competencies For Managing Science And Technology Programs, Sidney W. Goehring Mar 2008

An Analysis Of Competencies For Managing Science And Technology Programs, Sidney W. Goehring

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research is to analyze competencies needed for successful program management of Research and Development (R&D) programs -- also known as Science and Technology (S&T) programs -- within the Department of Defense (DoD). Current competency models are in development for the DoD Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics (AT&L) functional areas. Using an interim competency model developed for the Program Manager career field comprised of 36 technical competencies and 27 professional competencies, the research compares competencies' criticality scores rated by traditional acquisition program managers (PMs) with those rated by S&T program managers. In 42 out of 63 instances (67%), …


A Case-Based Exploration Of Task/Technology Fit In A Knowledge Management Context, Michael W. Moseley Mar 2008

A Case-Based Exploration Of Task/Technology Fit In A Knowledge Management Context, Michael W. Moseley

Theses and Dissertations

Task/Technology Fit (TTF) posits that as the intersection of the task domain and the capabilities of an information system (IS) increases in magnitude, the performance gains experienced by user through use of the IS will be positively impacted. While rooted in the traditional IS literature, this research proposes that TTF be extended to incorporate additional factors unique to the context of Knowledge Management (KM). Based upon the findings of this research, it is reasonable to conclude that when employing the TTF model to determine KMS fitness, additional factors other than the task requirements and KMS capabilities should be considered. This …


Afmc Customer Satisfaction Study At The Air Logistics Centers, Kelly D. Kendall Mar 2008

Afmc Customer Satisfaction Study At The Air Logistics Centers, Kelly D. Kendall

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to determine Air Force Material Command’s (AFMCs) external customer issues and satisfaction levels as measured and compared by Air Logistics Center. Specifically, this project sought to answer how AFMC’s Air Logistics Centers were performing based on survey criteria chosen by AFMC’s A4 Logistics division. This research was guided by a previous Graduate Research Project (GRP) effort, which sought to determine how customer relationship management (CRM) initiatives varied in the private and public sectors, and to determine an appropriate means of capturing and measuring this type of data for AFMC. The research question was answered …


Project Manager Personality As A Factor For Success, John D. Bedingfield Mar 2008

Project Manager Personality As A Factor For Success, John D. Bedingfield

Theses and Dissertations

Much has been written regarding project success, and one of the factors contributing to project success is the role of the project manager. Furthermore, project success can be enhanced by selecting the best project manager, and by assigning project managers whose attributes best align with project type. We investigated the role of the project manager's personality on project success using the "Big Five" personality model. We surveyed United States Department of Defense project managers to determine specific "Big Five" personality traits which were more likely to positively predict project manager success. The findings indicate conscientiousness and openness to experience were …


Establishing The Human Firewall: Reducing An Individual's Vulnerability To Social Engineering Attacks, Jamison W. Scheeres Mar 2008

Establishing The Human Firewall: Reducing An Individual's Vulnerability To Social Engineering Attacks, Jamison W. Scheeres

Theses and Dissertations

Hackers frequently use social engineering attacks to gain a foothold into a target network. This type of attack is a tremendous challenge to defend against, as the weakness lies in the human users, not in the technology. Thus far, methods for dealing with this threat have included establishing better security policies and educating users on the threat that exists. Existing techniques aren’t working as evidenced by the fact that auditing agencies consider it a given that will be able to gain access via social engineering. The purpose of this research is to propose a better method of reducing an individual’s …


Aircraft Maintenance Organizational Structure Changes An Antecedent Model, Jeffrey M. Durand Mar 2008

Aircraft Maintenance Organizational Structure Changes An Antecedent Model, Jeffrey M. Durand

Theses and Dissertations

Air Force leadership has ordered the development of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system called the Expeditionary Combat Support System (ECSS). Many current jobs and positions will be streamlined, restructured or removed, while some will certainly be created to handle the new requirements associated with ECSS. The structure of the Air Force is certain to change with the implementation of ECSS. The Air Force has used many maintenance organizational structures since its inception in 1947. The focus of this research is to analyze past organizational structures to define key factors that affect organizational change. A case study style methodology was …


Governance Structure Transforemation During Erp Implementations, Elise V. Strachan Mar 2008

Governance Structure Transforemation During Erp Implementations, Elise V. Strachan

Theses and Dissertations

The United States Air Force (USAF) has a number of initiatives underway to better support tomorrow’s Warfighter. As part of the Expeditionary Logistics for the 21st Century (eLog21) campaign, one of the most critical initiatives is the Expeditionary Combat Support System (ECSS). ECSS is the world’s largest enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation and will completely transform USAF logistics operations. The benefits of an ERP include centrally-managed and integrated information sharing, while the many challenges include training future state operations and employing change management. An effective governance structure is essential in order for the USAF to realize the full benefits of …


Analytical Techniques And The Air Force Logistics Readiness Officer, Bryan D. Main Mar 2008

Analytical Techniques And The Air Force Logistics Readiness Officer, Bryan D. Main

Theses and Dissertations

As the Air Force begins to implement the Expeditionary Combat Support System (ECSS), it is imperative that Air Force logisticians competently analyze logistics data. This exploratory study sought to determine which analytical skills are useful for Logistics Readiness Officers (LROs), as reported by active-duty LROs in grades O1-O5 and their supervisors. The research question was answered through a comprehensive literature review and the use of survey methodology. Over five hundred LROs and supervisors provided inputs. Analysis of survey responses found that Forecasting, Graphical Statistics and Descriptive Statistics are the analytical techniques valued most by both LROs and their supervisors. LROs …


The Effects Of Commercial Video Game Playing: A Comparison Of Skills And Abilities For The Predator Uav, Johnny E. Triplett Mar 2008

The Effects Of Commercial Video Game Playing: A Comparison Of Skills And Abilities For The Predator Uav, Johnny E. Triplett

Theses and Dissertations

Currently, Predator unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) are operated by pilots and navigators experienced with manned combat aircraft. With a projected increase in UAVs, more combat pilots will be needed to operate these aircraft. Yet, if the current operational tempo continues, the supply of combat pilots may not be able to meet the demand. Perhaps alternative pools of Air Force personnel could be considered for UAV duty to meet operational requirements. Because the Predator UAV is a software-driven aircraft, video game players (VGPs) already possess and use many skills that may be similar to those of Predator UAV pilots. A variety …


Feasibility Of Jp-8 To Jet A Fuel Conversion At U. S. Military Facilities, Lance A. Vann Mar 2008

Feasibility Of Jp-8 To Jet A Fuel Conversion At U. S. Military Facilities, Lance A. Vann

Theses and Dissertations

In FY06, The Department of Defense (DoD) military grade jet fuel expenditures eclipsed $6.6 billion dollars. In a search for more cost effective options, the Office of the Secretary of Defense Comptroller recently expressed interest in the quantity of commercial Jet A fuel that the United States Transportation Command uses in lieu of military grade JP-8. In accordance with AFSO 21 and LEAN concepts, this research examines the technical feasibility and opportunity for cost avoidance of a conversion from JP-8 to Jet A at six Northwestern United States military installations. The technical feasibility analysis examines the chemical likeness of JP-8 …


Inland Resupply Without A Road Or Runway: Airdrop Solutions Including High-Altitude Precision Systems, Derek L. Williamson Mar 2008

Inland Resupply Without A Road Or Runway: Airdrop Solutions Including High-Altitude Precision Systems, Derek L. Williamson

Theses and Dissertations

Given the variety of airdrop options now available, it may be difficult to determine the best mix of paradrop and aircraft types to employ, how the chosen types affect delivery weight capacity and what the least cost would be for the operation while still accomplishing the mission regarding drop zone weight, altitude, offset, and accuracy requirements. This research creates a planning tool to analyze these decisions and also identify trends regarding the best aircraft and paradrop types to use considering cost and capability in a strategic rather than tactical setting. This is accomplished through the formulation of a linear program …