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 571 - 600 of 1164

Full-Text Articles in Business

Customer-Focused Business Practice Adoption: A Comparison Of Private And Public Sector Implementations, James P. Swisher Mar 2004

Customer-Focused Business Practice Adoption: A Comparison Of Private And Public Sector Implementations, James P. Swisher

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis evaluates a variety of documented cases of customer-focused business practice initiatives to discern common principles of implementation within the private and public sectors. The business practices Quality, Activity-Based Costing (ABC), Customer Profitability Analysis (CPA), and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) were found to be the major techniques utilized over the past three decades. Cases were collected which documented implementation of these customer-focused business practices in the private and public sectors. Using grounded theory methodology, the implementations were analyzed for emerging concepts. The concepts uncovered in this study were further analyzed through a comparison of private and public sector implementations. …

Go to article

Value-Focused Thinking In The Presence Of Weight Ambiguity: A Solution Technique Using Monte Carlo Simulation, Timothy W. Porter Mar 2004

Value-Focused Thinking In The Presence Of Weight Ambiguity: A Solution Technique Using Monte Carlo Simulation, Timothy W. Porter

Theses and Dissertations

When a Decision Maker is asked to provide his or her preferences, the response represents a snapshot in time. While their preference structure elicited at any given moment may represent their revealed preferences at that point in time, it may change over time. These changing preferences over time represent ambiguity in the decision maker's preferences. Other sources of ambiguity may exist. One weakness of many decision analysis techniques today is the inability to incorporate ambiguity into the basic decision model. The existence of the problem has been known and commented on for many years. This research addresses that problem. It …

Go to article

A Decision Support Tool For Thrift Savings Plan Investors, Christopher J. Blanchette Mar 2004

A Decision Support Tool For Thrift Savings Plan Investors, Christopher J. Blanchette

Theses and Dissertations

The Thrift Savings Plan is-the defined contribution retirement plan for federal government employees. It is one of the largest retirement plans in the United States. The plan offers five different investment options: two funds concentrate on government securities and corporate bonds, two funds span the United States stock market, and one fund focuses on international stocks. These funds give investors the opportunity to diversify among a wide range of securities. This thesis examines the funds offered by the plan and creates a portfolio selection tool that uses investor inputs. The tool uses three mathematical models: optimization, based on Markowitz's (1952) …

Go to article

Developing Team Cohesion: A Quasi-Field Experiment, John F. Costello Mar 2004

Developing Team Cohesion: A Quasi-Field Experiment, John F. Costello

Theses and Dissertations

Within military organizations, research findings have lent support to the positive influence cohesion has on group performance in combat and non-combat areas, Beyond performance, research findings show that cohesion influences the job satisfaction, and health of military members, particularly under highly stressful conditions, such as those encountered in combat or extended deployments. The purpose of this research effort is to further analyze the strategies that should be used to develop cohesiveness among Air Force members. This was done by testing the extent to which cohesion changed when familiarization and challenging situations were coupled in a technical training course geared towards …

Go to article

An Unfolding Model Of Voluntary Turnover Of Air Force Reservists And Air National Guard Members, Jennifer C. Kulick Mar 2004

An Unfolding Model Of Voluntary Turnover Of Air Force Reservists And Air National Guard Members, Jennifer C. Kulick

Theses and Dissertations

Retention is an important issue for every organization due to the high costs of replacing members. This issue is becoming increasing important as the role of guard and reserves has continually increased over the past several years, and so research needs to be conducted on the retention of these groups. Therefore, a web-based questionnaire was administered to Air National Guard and Air Force Reservists from various units and locations. The data from 581 participants was applied to an adapted version of an unfolding model of voluntary turnover originally developed by Lee, Mitchell, Holtom, McDaniel, and Hill in 1999. Data collected …

Go to article

Identifying The Benefits Of Knowledge Management In The Department Of Defense: A Delphi Study, David P. Sasser Mar 2004

Identifying The Benefits Of Knowledge Management In The Department Of Defense: A Delphi Study, David P. Sasser

Theses and Dissertations

Knowledge Management (KM) has been identified as one of several enablers of the current Transformation effort in the Department of Defense (DoD). Knowledge management is "the attempt to recognize what is essentially a human asset buried in the minds of individuals, and leverage it into an organizational asset that can be accessed and used by a broader set of individuals on whose decisions the firm depends" (Davenport & Prusak, 1998). The ultimate goal of KM is to take advantage of this knowledge asset in order to provide some level of benefit to the organization (Davenport & Prusak, 1998; Nonaka, 1996). …

Go to article

Logistic And Multiple Regression: The Two-Step Approach To Estimating Cost Growth, Daniel C. Genest Mar 2004

Logistic And Multiple Regression: The Two-Step Approach To Estimating Cost Growth, Daniel C. Genest

Theses and Dissertations

This study sought to predict cost growth in major Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition programs using logistic and multiple regression. In recent years, the use of statistical regression has proven to be successful in predicting the relationships associated with cost growth. This research follows on the work of Sipple (2002) and Bielecki (2003) and further explores the possibilities of using statistical regression to accurately estimate the dollar value associated with risk and uncertainty early in a program's life cycle. In doing so, the author intends to reduce cost growth by increasing the accuracy of the original cost estimates subsequently used …

Go to article

Creating Cost Growth Models For The Engineering And Manufacturing Development Phase Of Acquisition Using Logistic And Multiple Regression, Brandon M. Lucas Mar 2004

Creating Cost Growth Models For The Engineering And Manufacturing Development Phase Of Acquisition Using Logistic And Multiple Regression, Brandon M. Lucas

Theses and Dissertations

Cost growth remains a concern for cost analysts, program managers, senior DoD decision-makers, Congress, and even the American public. All of these people have a vested interest in the cost of DoD programs and most would like to see those costs decrease; as such, we need additional tools to help combat cost growth. Previous research creates the foundation for the use of a two-step methodology to help predict cost growth, which we follow closely. First, utilizing logistic regression we analyze whether specific program characteristics predict cost growth within the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase for combined RDT&E and procurement …

Go to article

Estimating Cost Growth In Engineering And Schedule Cost Categories Using A Two-Pronged Regression Approach, Chris J. Mcdaniel Mar 2004

Estimating Cost Growth In Engineering And Schedule Cost Categories Using A Two-Pronged Regression Approach, Chris J. Mcdaniel

Theses and Dissertations

This research confirms the usefulness of the logistic and multiple regression two-step procedure for assessing cost growth in major DoD weapon systems. We compile programmatic data from the Selected Acquisition Reports (SARs) between 1990 and 2002 for programs covering all defense departments. Our analysis concentrates on cost growth in the procurement appropriations of the Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase of acquisitions. We investigate the use of logistic regression in cost growth analysis to predict whether or not cost growth will occur in a program. If applicable, multiple regression is implemented to predict how much cost growth will occur. Our study …

Go to article

Logistic And Multiple Regression: A Two-Pronged Approach To Accurately Estimate Cost Growth In Major Dod Weapon Systems, Matthew B. Rossetti Mar 2004

Logistic And Multiple Regression: A Two-Pronged Approach To Accurately Estimate Cost Growth In Major Dod Weapon Systems, Matthew B. Rossetti

Theses and Dissertations

This research confirms the usefulness of the logistic and multiple regression two-step procedure for assessing cost growth in major DoD weapon systems. We compile programmatic data from the Selected Acquisition Reports (SARs) between 1990 and 2002 for programs covering all defense departments. Our analysis concentrates on cost growth in the procurement appropriations of the Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase of acquisitions. We investigate the use of logistic regression in cost growth analysis to predict whether or not cost growth will occur in a program. If applicable, multiple regression is implemented to predict how much cost growth will occur. Our study …

Go to article

An Analysis Of Missile Systems Cost Growth And Implementation Of Acquisition Reform Initiatives Using A Hybrid Adjusted Cost Growth Model, Christopher C. Abate Mar 2004

An Analysis Of Missile Systems Cost Growth And Implementation Of Acquisition Reform Initiatives Using A Hybrid Adjusted Cost Growth Model, Christopher C. Abate

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examined cost growth in Department of Defense (DoD) missile systems from 1991 to 2001 using Selected Acquisition Report (SAR) data with a hybrid adjusted cost growth (ACG) model. In addition, an analysis of acquisition reform initiatives during the treatment period was conducted to determine if reform efforts impacted missile system cost growth. A pre-reform (1 January 1991 to 31 December 1996) period and post reform (1 January 1997 to 31 December 2001) period was subjectively developed to compare the mean annual ACG during each period for statistical differences. The hybrid ACG model outlined in this thesis may aid …

Go to article

Analysis And Forecasting Of Army Operating And Support Cost For Rotary Aircraft, John C. Hawkins Mar 2004

Analysis And Forecasting Of Army Operating And Support Cost For Rotary Aircraft, John C. Hawkins

Theses and Dissertations

This research explores forecasting techniques to estimate the Cost per Flying Hour (CPFH) for Army Helicopters. Specifically, three separate forecasting techniques were evaluated to better predict the CPFH for better estimating and budgeting by the U.S. Army. For forecasting purposes, actual CPFH figures were compiled from 1995 to 2003 for all MACOMs flying the AH-64A, the CH-47D, and the UH-60A helicopters. The number of MACOMs was then reduced to the top three with regard to total CPFH expenditure. The use of a 3-year moving average, the single exponential smoothing method, and Holt's linear method were explored for each helicopter's data. …

Go to article

Analysis And Forecasting Of Air Force Operating And Support Cost For Rotary Aircraft, Matthew E. Laubacher Mar 2004

Analysis And Forecasting Of Air Force Operating And Support Cost For Rotary Aircraft, Matthew E. Laubacher

Theses and Dissertations

This research explores forecasting techniques to estimate the Cost per Flying Hour (CPFH) for Air Force Helicopters. Specifically, this research evaluates three separate forecasting techniques to predict the CPFH for better estimating and budgeting by the U.S. Air Force. It starts by empirically analyzing the Operating and Support cost by CAIG categories for each helicopter. For forecasting purposes, the actual CPFH figures were compiled from FY96 to FY03 for a total of eight MAJCOMs flying the MH-53J/M, the HH-60G, or the UH-1N helicopters. The research explores the use of a 3-year moving average, the single exponential smoothing method, and Holt's …

Go to article

An Analysis Of Aircraft Weapon Systems Cost Growth And Implementation Of Acquisition Reform Initiatives Using A Hybrid Adjusted Cost Growth Model, Richard A. Phillips Mar 2004

An Analysis Of Aircraft Weapon Systems Cost Growth And Implementation Of Acquisition Reform Initiatives Using A Hybrid Adjusted Cost Growth Model, Richard A. Phillips

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examined cost growth in Department of Defense (DoD) aircraft weapon systems from 1991 to 2001 using Selected Acquisition Report (SAR) data with a hybrid adjusted cost growth (ACG) model. In addition, an analysis of acquisition reform initiatives during the treatment period was conducted to determine if reform efforts affected aircraft weapon system cost growth. A "pre-reform" (1 January 1991-31 December 1996) period and a "post reform" (1 January 1997-31 December 2001) period were subjectively developed to compare the mean annual ACG during each period for statistical differences. The hybrid ACG model outlined in this thesis may aid program …

Go to article

Comparative Analysis On The Cost Of Oversight For The New National Security Space Acquisition Policy- A Delphi Method Approach, Darrin L. Dereus Mar 2004

Comparative Analysis On The Cost Of Oversight For The New National Security Space Acquisition Policy- A Delphi Method Approach, Darrin L. Dereus

Theses and Dissertations

For the past 50 years, the military's use of space for our national defense has increased exponentially. The use of space has increased so much that recent events have led to the approval for most space Major Defense Acquisition Programs to fall under their own process of oversight to track and monitor these programs. The largest reason for this change is due to the difference in spending profiles and current acquisition regulations that are not structured to meet these space expenditure plans. The key problem is no one knows, for sure, how much the oversight process actually costs and if …

Go to article

An Analysis Of Depot Repair Capacity As A Criterion In Transportation Mode Selection In The Retrograde Movement Of Reparable Assets, Harold M. Kahler Mar 2004

An Analysis Of Depot Repair Capacity As A Criterion In Transportation Mode Selection In The Retrograde Movement Of Reparable Assets, Harold M. Kahler

Theses and Dissertations

To support smaller reparable asset inventories, current Air Force supply and transportation policies direct the expedited evacuation of reparables by bases and deployed units to the source of repair. Mode selection is based on the asset. Focusing on the asset and moving it quickly is an efficient and effective method of getting assets to where they are needed in a timely manner in the forward portion of the supply pipeline. However, in the reverse portion of the pipeline, the demand for a particular type of asset may no longer be the most important factor in how it is transported. The …

Go to article

Mitigating Growth Cost For Mobility Readiness Spares Packages, Stephen D. Gray Mar 2004

Mitigating Growth Cost For Mobility Readiness Spares Packages, Stephen D. Gray

Theses and Dissertations

A Mobility Readiness Spares Package (MRSP) is an air-transportable package of spare parts configured for rapid deployment in support of conflict or war. Each package is tailored to support a specific scenario, for a specific type and number of aircraft without re-supply for the first 30 days of deployment. Inventory is limited to mission-critical spares. The high cost of airlift and spares drive a necessity to keep MRSPs as small as possible, yet robust enough to meet wartime goals. Historical MRSP inventories exhibit significant volatility and the subsequent growth of their inventory creates significant cost to the Air Force. Annual …

Go to article

Effects Of Duty Schedule Variance And Overtime On The Job Satisfaction And Turnover Intentions Of Usaf F-16 Crew Chiefs, Michael J. Shellhamer Mar 2004

Effects Of Duty Schedule Variance And Overtime On The Job Satisfaction And Turnover Intentions Of Usaf F-16 Crew Chiefs, Michael J. Shellhamer

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis empirically assessed how duty schedule variance and overtime affect the job satisfaction and turnover intentions of USAF F-16 crew chiefs. A survey was completed by 346 active duty USAF F-16 crew chiefs regarding their perceptions of duty schedule variance, overtime, job satisfaction and intent to leave the Air Force. Theory suggests that turnover behavior is a multistage process that involves organizational, individual, and attitudinal components. Using multivariate correlation and regression analyses, plausible evidence was found to support the idea that duty schedule variance and overtime plays a role in USAF F-16 crew chief turnover intentions via job satisfaction. …

Go to article

Surveying Cost Growth, Michael A. Greiner, Vince Sipple, Edward D. White Jan 2004

Surveying Cost Growth, Michael A. Greiner, Vince Sipple, Edward D. White

Faculty Publications

Cost growth that weapon systems incur throughout their acquisition life cycle concerns those who work in the acquisition environment. One way to reduce the amount of unexpected cost growth is to develop better cost estimates. In attaining better cost estimates though, it is often helpful to understand and account for potential cost drivers. Several cost studies, some of which specifically focus on the aircraft industry, have been performed documenting and investigating these growth factors. Overviews of these various cost growth studies are presented as other tools for the cost estimators and program managers.

Go to article

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 …

Go to article

Towards A Framework For Understanding Innovation Implementation In The Air Force, Howard E. Byrd Jr. Mar 2003

Towards A Framework For Understanding Innovation Implementation In The Air Force, Howard E. Byrd Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

Innovation is a major way organizations deal with changes in their competitive environment. The Department of Defense (DoD) too is facing incredible changes and challenges within its competitive environments. This situation is requiring the adopting and implementing of many new innovations in an effort to transform the forces to meet the challenges. A key component of the DoD's efforts to transform is in Air Force acquisition and sustainment processes. Digital technical orders are an example of such a sustainment process. The Air Force has mandated it will transform from a paper based technical data environment to a digital one. The …

Go to article

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 …

Go to article

An Analysis Of Engagement Of Those Who Telecommute Vs Those Who Do Not, Daniel J. Boeh Mar 2003

An Analysis Of Engagement Of Those Who Telecommute Vs Those Who Do Not, Daniel J. Boeh

Theses and Dissertations

Telecommuting is a program used by many of the successful companies in the private sector, both as a cost savings measure and as a way to recruit and retain quality personnel. Telecommuting has also been used by many companies to adhere to stricter environmental mandates. The public sector, however, has been slow to implement telecommuting programs. Buckingham and Coffman of the Gallup Organization have done extensive research into what they call "engagement," and as to what comprises an engaged employee. They also developed a twelve question survey (referred to as the Q12) to determine if an employee is engaged or …

Go to article

Factors Affecting Innovation Within Aeronautical Systems Center (Asc) Organizations - An Inductive Study, Eric D. Feil Mar 2003

Factors Affecting Innovation Within Aeronautical Systems Center (Asc) Organizations - An Inductive Study, Eric D. Feil

Theses and Dissertations

In response to the Air Force transformation movement there is currently a lot of high level interest in instilling cultures that promote innovation and intelligent risk taking in Air Force organizations. This thesis analyzed data collected during the 2002 Chief of Staff of the Air Force Organizational Climate Survey to identify factors that affect innovation within Aeronautical Systems Center (ASC) organizations. A secondary purpose of this study was to identify current enablers or barriers to innovation within these organizations. The first part of the study utilized multiple linear regression to identify the factors within the survey that were most related …

Go to article

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 …

Go to article

Instilling An Entrepreneurial Mindset In Department Of Defense (Dod) Organizations: Evidence From Entrepreneurial Organizations In The Private Sector, Rochelle D. Smith Mar 2003

Instilling An Entrepreneurial Mindset In Department Of Defense (Dod) Organizations: Evidence From Entrepreneurial Organizations In The Private Sector, Rochelle D. Smith

Theses and Dissertations

Calls for transforming government and creating entrepreneurial cultures in non-profit motivated organizations are everywhere today. The primary method proposed for instilling an entrepreneurial mindset is to institute "best practices" or "lessons learned" from commercial firms that have characteristics similar to those of large government organizations. While the similarities between the private and public sector organizations are many, the differences (e.g. legal restrictions, missions, and motivation of members of the organization) are also notable. This exploratory study seeks to more clearly define the commonalities between the experiences of private sector firms and how those experiences can be captured to help DoD …

Go to article

Assessing Organization Culture Readiness For Knowledge Management Implementation: The Case Of Aeronautical Systems Center Directorate Of Contracting, Martin R. Trent Mar 2003

Assessing Organization Culture Readiness For Knowledge Management Implementation: The Case Of Aeronautical Systems Center Directorate Of Contracting, Martin R. Trent

Theses and Dissertations

The DoD is currently pursuing a wholesale transformation that impacts all facets of DoD operations and responsibilities. At the same time, the commercial sector has been experiencing significant changes that drive them to look for new ways of remaining competitive and profitable. Leveraging knowledge (intellectual capital) to increase efficiency and effectiveness within the organization has become a popular management technique that has been successful in many commercial firms. The DoD has noted the commercial sector successes and initiatives to better manage knowledge are being developed and implemented on an enterprise-wide basis as well as on a local- organizational basis. Previous …

Go to article

Human Resource Slack As An Antecedent To Instilling The Entrepreneurial Mindset Within Department Of Defense Organizations, Jason A. Whittle Mar 2003

Human Resource Slack As An Antecedent To Instilling The Entrepreneurial Mindset Within Department Of Defense Organizations, Jason A. Whittle

Theses and Dissertations

The Department of Defense has been called to transform the way it fights, thinks and operates to more effectively counter the changing threats to the United States. Private organizations have long been faced with a similar need to be flexible to meet the dynamic market which they serve. The Office of Force Transformation has been tasked to facilitate the mandated transformation of the DoD. Based on literature on slack resources, slack may be a necessary tool for proper transformation to a more innovative and effective military.

Go to article

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 …

Go to article

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 …

Go to article

First Prev Next Last