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Articles 1 - 30 of 55
Full-Text Articles in Business
The Warehouse Information System (Wins): An Architectural Design For An Information System Employing The World Wide Web To Enhance Foreign Military Sales (Fms) Excess Inventory Management, Chad E. Lemaire
Theses and Dissertations
The United States Government has long provided security assistance to foreign countries. Each year, billions of dollars of military hardware and equipment are sold through a process known as Foreign Military Sales (FMS). Unfortunately, most countries are now reporting that they are holding many items, sometimes billions of dollars worth, that are excess for their needs. At the same time, there are many countries in need of these items. Countries currently have two options for getting rid of the items they can write them off or try to return them. Countries encounter problems with both of these choices. Naturally, if …
Building A Framework For Information Doctrine: A Significant Factor In Managing Air Force Information Resources, Kimberly C. Ullmann
Building A Framework For Information Doctrine: A Significant Factor In Managing Air Force Information Resources, Kimberly C. Ullmann
Theses and Dissertations
The information revolution is sweeping through the mIlitary. At the same time, the Air Force has not fully addressed legal requirements to develop an agency-wide framework for managing information resources. This lack of foundation creates a void for Air Force information resources management practitioners. Since the Department of Defense and the Air Force are engaged in doctrinal revolution, the opportunity exists to consider developing Information Doctrine.This thesis explores the definition and role of doctrine in the Air Force, the doctrine development process, and practical examples of doctrine's use in the Air Force and Department of Defense. It also examines the …
Re-Engineering The Acquisition Process Of Manufactured On-Demand Only Spares, Mark E. Koesters
Re-Engineering The Acquisition Process Of Manufactured On-Demand Only Spares, Mark E. Koesters
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study is to explore potential alternatives to the current Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition process for low demand, high dollar value, not commercially stocked, spare parts in order to better utilize diminishing resources, reduce cycle costs, and sustain the defense industrial base. Demand for these items is insufficient to justify maintaining inventory, while the buy on-demand alternative results in long lead- times and increased costs due to the labor intensiveness of the current process, lack of willing manufacturing sources, and higher prices paid for small quantities of material. An exploratory case study method was used to …
The Comparative Effectiveness Of Computer-Mediated Communication Supplemented Satellite Distance Education And Traditional Face-To-Face Education, Megan C. Block
Theses and Dissertations
Satellite distance education delivery typically has one main drawback -- limited student-to-student and student-to-instructor interaction. Telecommunications technology, more specifically computer-mediated communication (CMC), has made it possible for educational institutions to overcome this drawback. This research examines the comparative effectiveness of CMC supplemented satellite distance education delivery and traditional face-to-face education delivery. The three dependent variables that were measured to compare the two educational delivery methods included: performance, interaction, and attitude outcomes. Pre- and post-course instruments were administered in a non-equivalent quasi-experimental design to students enrolled in an Air Force Institute of Technology's School of Systems and Logistics software engineering Professional …
Development Of A Metric Evaluation Instrument For Use In Measuring Organizational Effectiveness, John J. Dunks
Development Of A Metric Evaluation Instrument For Use In Measuring Organizational Effectiveness, John J. Dunks
Theses and Dissertations
Previous research has resulted in the development of instruments to measure organizational effectiveness. This thesis attempts to develop an instrument to measure how effective the organization's metrics are in relation to their organization effectiveness model, specifically, to the Competing Values Model of organization effectiveness developed by Quinn and Rohrbaugh. This should aid managers in determining whether or not they are measuring what they think they are measuring and how effective they are at measuring organizational effectiveness. The instrument developed can help determine the specific aspects of organizational effectiveness which metrics are measuring according to the Competing Values Model.
An Examination Of Business Process Reengineering Techniques And Their Contribution To Process Improvement, Thomas M. Mcdonnell
An Examination Of Business Process Reengineering Techniques And Their Contribution To Process Improvement, Thomas M. Mcdonnell
Theses and Dissertations
The Department of Defense's Corporate Information Management Initiative is part of an effort to achieve savings through specified programs focused on business process improvement A major process improvement methodology being used by the DoD is Business Process Reengineering (BPR). BPR offers the possibility for a fundamental rethinking and radical redesigning of DoD business processes, but there has been little systematic study of the effectiveness of the various techniques used in BPR projects. This study evaluates whether organizations conducting BPR efforts using five specific techniques (strategic planning, activity modeling, activity based costing, benchmarking, and simulation) achieve improvement in critical process performance …
The Relationship Between Environmental Attitudes And Environmental Behaviors Among Air Force Members, Daniel T. Holt
The Relationship Between Environmental Attitudes And Environmental Behaviors Among Air Force Members, Daniel T. Holt
Theses and Dissertations
A questionnaire was distributed to nearly 2,000 randomly selected active duty Air Force members assigned to locations throughout the continental United States. The survey was designed to determine the extent to which Air Force members expressed support for environmental issues. In addition, the survey measured how frequently Air Force members engaged in specific behaviors that were deemed environmentally protective. Although the Air Force members expressed relatively strong support for environmental issues, they only occasionally engaged in activities that contribute to the preservation or protection of the environment. Correlation analysis revealed that the pro-environmental attitudes were positively linked to the environmentally …
The Effect Of A Self-Care Education Program On A Military Medical Beneficiary Population, Christopher S. Svehlak
The Effect Of A Self-Care Education Program On A Military Medical Beneficiary Population, Christopher S. Svehlak
Theses and Dissertations
Previous research in the area of self-care has focused on medical beneficiaries in a wide range of settings, but the current or former members of the United States Armed Services have largely been ignored. This research concentrates on designing, implementing, and reporting on a study of the impact of a self-care education program on a military beneficiary population. Specifically, retired and active-duty households, whose medical records are maintained by the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Medical Center, were systematically randomly sampled and invited to participate in the study. Those households who responded were given their choice of a self-care book, and …
Effects Of Situational Factors On The Work Performance Of Aerial Port Technicians, Joseph T. Dougherty
Effects Of Situational Factors On The Work Performance Of Aerial Port Technicians, Joseph T. Dougherty
Theses and Dissertations
This research investigated the impact of situational factors on aerial port productivity. Results showed constraints had little impact on performance. However, perceptions of constraints and performance were significantly related to individual differences in temperament.
Evaluation Of The Vehicle Out-Of-Commission Standard For Air Force Vehicle Maintenance Units, Christopher K. Arzberger, Lawrence F. Audet Jr.
Evaluation Of The Vehicle Out-Of-Commission Standard For Air Force Vehicle Maintenance Units, Christopher K. Arzberger, Lawrence F. Audet Jr.
Theses and Dissertations
Because the Department of Defense is facing budget and manpower reductions, the importance of productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness in daily operations is being stressed. Unfortunately, the VOC performance measure does not adequately apply these concepts. By examining the concepts of productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness, the inadequacy of the VOC measure is highlighted. A review of research into performance measurement is conducted, with emphasis on USAF transportation squadrons, to examine perceptions about the VOC measure. Because the VOC measure is viewed as inadequate, a review of performance measurement indicators throughout the government is analyzed to determine the type of performance measurement …
An Investigation Into Aircraft Availability, Michael S. Kapitzke
An Investigation Into Aircraft Availability, Michael S. Kapitzke
Theses and Dissertations
The Air Force currently uses an expected value model in the Aircraft Availability Model (AAM) to calculate aircraft availability. However, even with the application of Lean Logistics, the failure-demand rate and the depot repair time are not fixed and the mean value is still used in the model. This research looks at the effect of the magnitude of the variance of the distributions of failure-demand rate and depot repair time. Also, this research evaluates the effect of variable mean failure-demand rates on the variability of aircraft availability. A simulation model was developed which applied the variable failure-demand rates and depot …
A Comparative Study Of Linear And Nonlinear Estimate At Completion Methods, Todd D. Nystrom
A Comparative Study Of Linear And Nonlinear Estimate At Completion Methods, Todd D. Nystrom
Theses and Dissertations
Controlling costs in the acquisition of new defense systems is a major challenge in today's environment of declining budgets and rapidly changing technology. One of the challenges faced by program managers and cost analysts is selecting the most appropriate Estimate at Completion (EAC) method for their program. This study compares the performance of the popular index-based EAC methods with several newer nonlinear, regression based EAC methods to determine whether the complex nonlinear methods perform better than the simpler index-based methods. In addition, the sensitivity of the results to stage of contract completion, system type, program phase, contract type, Department of …
Identifying Situational Factors Contributing To Combat Performance During Desert Shield And Desert Storm, Gary E. Jandzinski
Identifying Situational Factors Contributing To Combat Performance During Desert Shield And Desert Storm, Gary E. Jandzinski
Theses and Dissertations
Previous research into morale, cohesion, and motivation as determinants of performance during combat concentrates primarily on front-line ground troops. This research focuses on determinants of high performance involving United States Air Force (USAF) aircraft maintenance personnel in rear-echelon contingency bases during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. The significant amount of combat force projected from USAF contingency bases and the likely continued use of such force justifies analysis of determinants of performance for this environment. Basic situational factors (information, food, living conditions, Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) activities, mail and phone service, and entertainment) are potentially influential in motivating maintenance personnel …
An Empirical Investigation Of The Integrated Weapon System Management Concept Of Seamless Processes, Timothy H. Surabian
An Empirical Investigation Of The Integrated Weapon System Management Concept Of Seamless Processes, Timothy H. Surabian
Theses and Dissertations
This research investigated the way four Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) single manager organizations operationalized the Integrated Weapon System Management (IWSM) concept of "seamless processes." In this thesis, the IWSM concept of "seamless processes" refers to the degree of integration between acquisition and sustainment organizations. Four SPO organizations were involved in six case studies. This research focused on the way "seamless processes" affect the shifting of the organizational "center of gravity" within or between single manager organizations. An interview questionnaire was administered to 13 Product Center managers and 6 Logistics Center managers. The interview questions focused on IWSM in general, …
Calibration Of The Price S Software Cost Model, James C. Galonsky
Calibration Of The Price S Software Cost Model, James C. Galonsky
Theses and Dissertations
As more Department of Defense resources are being allocated toward software development, the necessity to accurately plan for software costs has become critical. Obtaining reliable estimates from software cost models, like PRICE S, can be a problem when input parameters are not precisely defined or calibrated. This research effort centered on refining Productivity Factor (PROFAC) values for defense industry applications. The Space and Missile Systems Center Database was used to calibrate PROFAC values for eleven stratified data sets: military ground, military mobile, missile, unmanned space, Ada, Assembly, C, COBOL, FORTRAN, JOVIAL, and PASCAL. The accuracy of the calibrations was determined …
Calibration Of The Software Life Cycle Model (Slim) To The Space And Missile Systems Center (Smc) Software Database (Swdb), Robert K. Kressin
Calibration Of The Software Life Cycle Model (Slim) To The Space And Missile Systems Center (Smc) Software Database (Swdb), Robert K. Kressin
Theses and Dissertations
Several sophisticated Department of Defense (DOD) weapon and space systems depend on a variety of mission-critical computer software applications. Because of the increasing costs to develop these applications, and today's austere defense budget, accurately estimating the costs to develop software is gaining a great deal of attention within the DOD. Unfortunately, software cost estimation models have been encountering difficulties in accurately estimating the costs of software development. However, research has shown that calibrating one's software cost estimation model can improve the predictive capability of that model. As such, this study focused on calibrating the SLIM cost model to sets of …
Order And Ship Times Of Communication-Electronic Components Under Lean Logistics And Conventional Air Force Reparable Pipeline: A Comparative Study, Clifford G. Altizer
Order And Ship Times Of Communication-Electronic Components Under Lean Logistics And Conventional Air Force Reparable Pipeline: A Comparative Study, Clifford G. Altizer
Theses and Dissertations
Lean logistics (LL) is a new logistics system that applies state-of-art business practices utilized in private industry to Air Force logistics processes. Several LL demonstrations have been initiated to develop the best way to implement these new practices in the operational arena. This study focused on the Command, Control, Communications, and Computers (C4) lean logistics demonstration. The repairables in this demonstration differ from aircraft repairables in that they are highly reliable and high-value items. This research determines that the use of LL principles results in shorter order and ship times for the customer. As a follow-on to this finding the …
Establishing A Standardized Set Of Base-Level Transportation Metrics, Kyle D. Marsh
Establishing A Standardized Set Of Base-Level Transportation Metrics, Kyle D. Marsh
Theses and Dissertations
Previous research in transportation performance measures found current measures in the operations and maintenance functions inadequate by transportation officers Air Force wide. Past research forced on existing measures and only two transportation functions. Conversely, this research evaluates existing and proposed measures for all base-level transportation functions. The goal of this research is to establish a standardized set of transportation metrics. Metrics are a measuring tool and a component of strategic planning; metrics help organizations meet goals related to customer satisfaction. The research's goal was accomplished by surveying enlisted personnel, officers, and civilians serving in the Air Force. The sample consisted …
Strategic Planning, Performance Measurement, And The Government Performance And Results Act Of 1993: An Exploratory Study Of Aeronautical Systems Center, Miro Skrodzki
Theses and Dissertations
This study evaluates strategic planning and performance measurement within Aeronautical Systems Center (AS C) to determine if these processes are conducive to effective implementation of the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 (OPRA). OPRA is a law that will soon affect every federal government agency, and is intended to redirect government attention from internal activities, processes, and products to external outcomes and results. A review of literature allowed the researcher to identify two elements of strategic planning and performance measurement that are critical to effective implementation of OPRA: measurable strategic goals and objectives related to outcomes; and measurement of …
A Preliminary Analysis Of The Theoretical Parameters Of Organizational Learning, Jeffery D. Loyd
A Preliminary Analysis Of The Theoretical Parameters Of Organizational Learning, Jeffery D. Loyd
Theses and Dissertations
The goal of this research was to develop an instrument capable of measuring the theoretical parameters of organizational learning that could be used as a diagnostic tool to measure an organization's learning potential. This goal was accomplished by developing a pilot questionnaire based on 27 potential learning parameters. The potential parameters of learning were extracted from the literature. A scale of behavioral statements was developed for each potential parameter. The pilot questionnaire was completed by 108 Air Force personnel in Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) graduate education programs. The results confirmed 85% of the original scales. Ten refined scales …
Calibration Of The Software Architecture Sizing And Estimation Tool (Saset), Carl D. Vegas
Calibration Of The Software Architecture Sizing And Estimation Tool (Saset), Carl D. Vegas
Theses and Dissertations
This study attempted to analyze the effect of calibration on the performance of the SASET computer software cost estimating model. Data used for input into the model were drawn from the most current USAF SMC Software Database (SWDB). Once all the records to be used for analysis were identified, the DBMS-Calibration tool (which is part of SASET) was used to perform regression analysis on the relationship between program size (measured in SLOC) and the effort required to develop the program (measured in man-months). Productivity information reported from this tool was then input into equations used to calculate the Productivity Calibration …
A Study Of The Structural Limitation Affecting Implementation Of The Government Performance And Results Act In Air Force Materiel Command Logistics, Darwina M. Liguori
A Study Of The Structural Limitation Affecting Implementation Of The Government Performance And Results Act In Air Force Materiel Command Logistics, Darwina M. Liguori
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis provides an in-depth discussion of the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) of 1993. The GPRA is a new law that mandates strategic management be conducted in all federal government agencies. Soon all federal government agencies will be directed to comply with the requirements of the law and implement strategic management within their organizations. This study selected Air Force Materiel Command Headquarters (AFMC) logistics organizations and subordinate units as the test organization. Interviews were conducted with headquarters AFMC logistics and strategic planning personnel, as well as 88th Logistics Group personnel to evaluate several issues within their organization: (1) …
Model Development For Forecasting Traffic Management Office Shipping And Budget Requirements, Luke E. Closson Iii
Model Development For Forecasting Traffic Management Office Shipping And Budget Requirements, Luke E. Closson Iii
Theses and Dissertations
This research represents an attempt to develop a quantitative tool that could be used to forecast Traffic Management Office (IMO) budget requirements for freight movements at base level within Air Combat Command. Regression analysis, using aircraft flying hours, aircraft sorties, and wing manpower levels as independent variables to predict shipping costs, was used in this research project. Each of the independent variables was aggregated and disaggregated at various levels in an attempt to develop a simple but accurate model. The results seem to suggest that aircraft flying hours, aircraft sorties, and wing manpower levels are not accurate predictors of TMO …
Pharmaceutical Inventory Forecasting At The Wright-Patterson Medical Center, Patrick J. Reymann
Pharmaceutical Inventory Forecasting At The Wright-Patterson Medical Center, Patrick J. Reymann
Theses and Dissertations
This research was conducted to determine the accuracy of statistical forecasting techniques forecasting the inventory of pharmaceutical items. Because pharmaceutical items are subject to a degree of seasonality of demand, the Director of Medical Logistics at the Wright-Patterson Medical Center believed that the use of such techniques may provide a more accurate forecast for the items stocked by the Outpatient Pharmacy. In addition to the technique used by the Outpatient Pharmacy (the 12 month simple moving average) three statistical forecasting methods were employed: the 6 month simple moving average, simple exponential smoothing, and the Winter's exponential smoothing. These techniques were …
An Evaluation Of Cost Metrics Used Within Aeronautical Systems Center, Kevin M. Byrne
An Evaluation Of Cost Metrics Used Within Aeronautical Systems Center, Kevin M. Byrne
Theses and Dissertations
Aeronautical Systems Center (ASC) system program offices rely on cost metrics to acquire information on program effectiveness and organizational improvement. This study was an attempt to determine the effectiveness of ASC’s cost metrics. The effectiveness of the metrics were determined by the desirability of the behaviors which are exhibited when individuals utilize the specific metrics. Using an expert panel to evaluate the metrics, data was collected using the Group Research Laboratory for Logistics located in Armstrong Laboratory at Wright Patterson AFB, OH. Metric diagnostic charts were utilized to arrange the data into a format which would provide effectiveness information. The …
Why Schedules Slip: Actual Reasons For Schedule Problems Across Large Air Force System Development Efforts, William M. Cashman
Why Schedules Slip: Actual Reasons For Schedule Problems Across Large Air Force System Development Efforts, William M. Cashman
Theses and Dissertations
The three main objectives of this research were to identify the actual reasons for schedule problems across large Air Force system development efforts, to quantity the importance of each category of reasons in terms of frequency and severity, and to demonstrate that the reasons for schedule problems are not program unique, but are common across system development efforts. To this end, this thesis contains a categorization and analysis of 549 reasons for schedule difficulties on 22 large Air Force Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) programs from 1981 to 1994. These aircraft, missile, aircraft equipment, aircraft upgrade, and simulator programs had …
Aggregating Organizational Performance Metrics Using The Analytic Hierarchy Process, Bret L. Indermill
Aggregating Organizational Performance Metrics Using The Analytic Hierarchy Process, Bret L. Indermill
Theses and Dissertations
Measurement provides factual information which is necessary for effective control of business processes. Implementing a Total Quality Management (TQM) philosophy is a common process in many organizations today. The United States Air Force is using the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award criteria to measure organizational performance in implementing the Quality Air Force (QAF) initiative. Unfortunately, the Baldrige-based unit self-assessment (USA) process is an inconsistent measure due to its subjectivity, and is also time consuming to use. This study determined that a new USA method based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was not a significant improvement over the existing QAF-USA …
A Comparison Of The Standard Base Supply System And The Distribution And Repair In Variable Environments Models In Determining A Depot Working Level, Joseph M. Ferris
A Comparison Of The Standard Base Supply System And The Distribution And Repair In Variable Environments Models In Determining A Depot Working Level, Joseph M. Ferris
Theses and Dissertations
The Air Force has adopted a philosophy of logistics operations directed toward improving the products, costs, and responsiveness of the Air Force's reparable pipeline. The philosophy was termed Lean Logistics. This research addressed one problem created through the implementation of Lean Logistics. The problem was determining a depot Working LeveL The Air Force Materiel Command needed to determine an appropriate method to use when determining the depot Working Level. To help determine the appropriate method, this research compared the Standard Base Supply System (SBSS) and the Distribution and Repair In Variable Environments (DRIVE) model. Both models were utilized in two …
An Air Force Guide To Team Building, Roy M. Gozum
An Air Force Guide To Team Building, Roy M. Gozum
Theses and Dissertations
Team structures are used extensively in civilian, government, and military organizations to accomplish modem task demands that almost always exceed the capabilities of single individuals. As team structures became larger and more complex, managers realized the need for formal team building education. Team building programs serve to facilitate an environment for productive teamwork. However, despite the apparent importance of teams, most organizations overlook the implementation of formal team building programs. Therefore, the purpose of this research is two-fold. First, this thesis examines the evolution and importance of teams, and the subsequent need for the development of formal team building programs. …
Just In Time Manufacturing: A Migration From Materials Requirements Planning, Scott A. Koehler
Just In Time Manufacturing: A Migration From Materials Requirements Planning, Scott A. Koehler
Theses and Dissertations
Manufacturing planning and control systems play an important role in an organization's effectiveness. Over the past twenty to thirty years, U.S. manufacturing companies have faced increasing competition for market share from Japanese and other Pacific rim countries. This thesis will investigate the evolutionary path followed by manufacturing companies that have implemented various manufacturing planning and control systems. Specifically, Materials Requirements Planning (MRP) and Just In Time (JIT) production will be analyzed. MRP is a means of convening demand for the final product into a requirements schedule for the various components comprising that product. The JIT philosophy calls for continuously improving …