Business Commons^™

Achieving Alignment: An Analysis Of Enterprise Architecture Best Practices Within The United States Air Force, Michael A. Fetters

Theses and Dissertations

This research uncovers areas of best practices that support achieving alignment between an organization’s Information Technology (IT) and its business processes. One principal finding of this effort revealed that the means used to achieve alignment exists within the effective application of Enterprise Architecture (EA), a common practice found throughout the Federal Government, Department of Defense, and the Air Force. EA is the tool used to achieve alignment; likewise, the reason for developing IT architecture is to achieve alignment of IT investments and mission objectives. This research groups the best practices into vision, identification, framework, and governance. Interestingly, these practices relate …

Classification Of Schedule Management Barriers Through Concept Mapping, Gregory W. Voth

Theses and Dissertations

Barriers to adoption of schedule management processes are a matter of serious concern to the acquisition community. Schedule management has been widely accepted to contribute to the successful execution of complicated system development processes since the 1950s. However, studies of recent acquisition failures illustrate that over the last 15 years, there has been significant internal resistance to the adoption of schedule management processes. This exploratory effort used concept mapping to identify and classify the types of barriers existing in the Aeronautical Systems Center (ASC). A series of open-ended questions were posed to four experienced program managers in ASC. Units of …

Education And Training As Part Of An Expeditionary Combat Support System Implementation Strategy, Thomas M. Sprague

Theses and Dissertations

One current venture of the United States Air Force (USAF) is the implementation of the largest ever single-instance of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. This project, dubbed Enterprise Combat Support System (ECSS), has the potential to integrate the USAF worldwide supply chain and make transparent the currently cloudy connections between parts, people and processes. Unfortunately, ERP implementations are rife with potential problems and there is no guarantee of successfully implementing ECSS unless the USAF properly manages these problems. One problem area the USAF must manage is ERP education and training. According to the literature, this area is consistently underestimated. …

Cost Forecasting Models For The Air Force Flying Hour Program, Tyler J. Hess

Theses and Dissertations

The fiscally constrained environment in which the Air Force executes its mission places great emphasis on accurate cost estimates for planning and budgeting purposes. Inaccurate estimates result in budget risks and undermine the ability of Air Force leadership to allocate resources efficiently. This thesis evaluates the current method used by the Air Force and introduces new methods to forecast future Flying Hour Program costs. The findings suggest the current forecasting method’s assumption of a proportional relationship between cost and flying hours is inappropriate and the relationship is actually inelastic. Prior research has used log-linear least squares regression techniques to forecast …

The Correlation Of Human Capital On Costs Of Air Force Acquisition Programs, Stephen E. Gray

Theses and Dissertations

Previous studies have linked human capital with performance. The studies have shown performance, measured as output, of a firm can be increased by adding more personnel and/or increasing education levels. This research uses the Cobb-Douglas Production function to build upon that relationship of inputs to outputs. The output in this study is the average cost overrun of Aeronautical Systems Center research, development, test, and evaluation contracts managed from 1994 to 2008. The inputs are the numbers of military/government employee financial managers, program managers, engineers, rated personnel, and military/government employees in those career fields possessing a graduate degree or higher. A …

An Assessment Of The Air Force Weather Agency's Readiness For Knowledge Management Initiatives, Daniel Tucker

Theses and Dissertations

The successful implementation of knowledge management (KM) initiatives requires a level of commitment and preparedness by the organization that is commensurate with the expected results. An organization must be willing to allocate the necessary resources to ensure their readiness to undertake new KM projects. The purpose of this study is to review AFWA’s organizational culture and measure its propensity for accepting KM initiatives. The study uses empirically validated constructs to evaluate and assess the organization’s people, culture, climate, processes and attitudes as they relate to KM. This research was conducted using semi-structured interviews to elicit respondents’ views about KM practices. …

Value-Driven Enterprise Architecture Score: Evaluation Applied To Joint Force Protection Future State Design, Larry D. Cotton, Gary A. Haase

Theses and Dissertations

This research presents a methodology to evaluate the quality of a system's architecture using principles drawn from Value-Focused Thinking (VFT) and resulting in a Value-Driven Enterprise Architecture Score (VDEA-Score). This is an overall numerical architecture quality score useful to a system's management team to identify the advantages and disadvantages of a system design and associated architecture documentation or to track its quality across discrete evaluation epochs. This effort determined which aspects of the architecture are most valuable to the stakeholder in the areas of (1) the system effectiveness values (quality of the instantiated system being represented and its ability to …

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

A Critical Analysis Of The Kosova Customs Service Process And Procedure: Internal Customs Clearing; Opportunities For Increased Efficiency And Regional Success, Perparim Muja

Theses and Dissertations

If one were to ask if re-engineering various systems and procedures of the Kosova Customs Service would be in the service of government of Kosova, the service itself, the broader local, regional and international business community, and the general population as a function of a national strategy designed to bring Kosova closer to European Union Standards the answer to that question would be a simple yes.

The more precise question needs to identify specific process and procedure, and in this regard the question then becomes has the time come for the Kosova Customs Service to implement Internal Customs Clearance procedures? …

Strategic Management Of Sme Construction Companies In Kosovo, Lulzim Beqiri

Theses and Dissertations

Now days there are a lot of books, journals, international conferences in regards of Strategic Planning that shows to be a very interesting subject to be discussed and focused our studies in this field.

Kosovo, a part that is a newborn country, as well was release from a communist way of organising economy therefore I thing that we do not have that much experience in strategic management of Small and Medium Size (SME) companies, and my study is focused on strategic management of SME construction Companies in Kosovo as a contemporary need of development in construction field.

The SME have …

“Investments From Foreign Financial Institutions During The Period 2000-2008 And Their Impact In The Job Creation By Smes In, Agnesa Vezgishi

Theses and Dissertations

I would like to express my acknowledgement to everyone that contributed in one way or another to the completion of this master work, which I hope is just a beginning of my contribution to the economy development of Kosovo as well as that it will create a significant basis for my further studies.

There are several factors and people that helped me to come to hopefully very valuable conclusions in this master work. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my mentor professor M. Bazaz for his efforts in helping me do this master work. Also, many thanks …

Key Performance Indicators In Business, Dedë Hiseni

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

“Sistemi Tatimor Dhe Tatimi Në Të Ardhura Personale Në Kosovë”, Samire Pireva

Theses and Dissertations

Qëllimi i këtij studimi është që ne të kuptojmë rëndësinë dhe rolin e sistemit tatimor, në mënyrë më të detajizuar, ndërtimin e sistemit tatimor në periudhën e pasluftës dhe tatimin në të ardhura personale në Kosovë. Gjithashtu vlen të përmendet se ky punim është fokusuar në ndikimin e politikës fiskale me qëllim të nxitjes se investimeve, që është më se e nevojshme për Kosovën në këtë periudhë të tranzicionit. Rëndësi të madhe i kushtohet zhvillimit të sistemit tatimor me aplikimin e normave tatimore dhe ndikimi i reformave të reja të këtij viti 2009, në bizneset afariste. Ky punim është i …

6 Sigma Helping Achieve Cost Reduction And Process Improvement/Productivity In The Service Industries (Bank), Shukri Mustafa

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Firm's Image Restoration Strategies: Cases In Ethical Apologia In Corporate Crisis, Kristin D. Mcdonald

Theses and Dissertations

This paper examines ethical behavior in organizations and the decisions made when faced with a crisis. The research looks at the anatomy of a crisis and the stages of a crisis (Gottschalk, 1993). The image restoration strategies are also included, along with the justification for image restoration in organizations. The five image restoration strategies are denial, evading responsibility, reducing the offensiveness, corrective action, and mortification (Benoit, 1995). Ethical apologia theory is described in the paper as well as the four factors of verbal defense (Ware and Linkugel, 1973). These four factors are denial, differentiation, bolstering, and transcendence. The paper also …

Defining Value Based Information Security Governance Objectives, Sushma Mishra

Theses and Dissertations

This research argues that the information security governance objectives should be grounded in the values of organizational members. Research literature in decision sciences suggest that individual values play an important role in developing decision objectives. Information security governance objectives, based on values of the stakeholders, are essential for a comprehensive security control program. The study uses Value Theory as a theoretical basis and value focused thinking as a methodology to develop 23 objectives for information security governance. A case study was conducted to reexamine and interpret the significance of the proposed objectives in an organizational context. The results suggest three …

Work Is Fun: The Phenomenon Of Boys Enjoying Work In A Camp Setting, Zina Lenore Bennion

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceived outcomes of participation in a summer camp that included physical work and service as a major component. A qualitative data analysis approach was used. A convenience sample of 10 male adolescents and 10 parents were selected. The data was analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding. Data analysis was used to ascertain perceived outcomes from the program from both boys and their parents. Analysis of the data showed the emergence of a core theme of boys learning to work and enjoying work. Enjoying work was the term chosen to represent …

Why Do People Use Or Not Use An Information Technology: An Interpretive Investigation On The Adoption And Use Of An Electronic Medical Records System, Li Long

Theses and Dissertations

In the literature of information technology acceptance, much empirical evidence exists that is inconsistent with Technology Acceptance (TA) Models. The purpose of this study is to find out why the extant TA models fail to predict in reality as they purport to in theory. This research argues that the extant literature has not been able to explain how individuals actually form their perceptions about using an information technology. Since past research attempting to do this has been unsuccessful or empirically refuted, this research uses an interpretive case study to investigate the experiences of professionals’ adoption and use of an information …

Increasing The Effectiveness Of Central Public Administration In Republic Of Kosovo, Florina Mehaj Kosumi

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Contribution Of Family Leisure To Family Functioning Among Families With Adolescents In Mental Health Treatment, Jasmine Aileen Nutter

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between family leisure involvement and family functioning among families with an adolescent in mental health treatment. The sample (N=181) was obtained by sampling parents and adolescents enrolled in mental health treatment at Heritage Schools. Of the 181 participants, 52 cases consisted of matched parent and youth responses, 24 cases consisted of just parent responses, and 53 cases consisted of just adolescent responses. It was hypothesized that there would be a relationship between family leisure involvement and family functioning among families with youth in mental health treatment, and that when comparing …

Lean Six Sigma As A Source Of Competitive Advantage, Alessandro Giorgio Cavallini

Theses and Dissertations

Anecdotal data affirms that companies applying Lean Six Sigma in their operations not only deliver higher quality products and services, but also obtain superior financial results. The goal of this research was to empirically verify anecdotal data. The study proposed to analyze a group of publicly traded manufacturing companies with the intent of verifying if a correlation exists between companies being lean and the attainment of superior returns on investments. The researcher performed a series of statistical tests comparing key Financial Performance Indicators (FPI) extracted from annual reports (10-K) from a large pool of companies. The outcome of this study …

An Integrated Knowledge Discovery And Data Mining Process Model, Sumana Sharma

Theses and Dissertations

Enterprise decision making is continuously transforming in the wake of ever increasing amounts of data. Organizations are collecting massive amounts of data in their quest for knowledge nuggets in form of novel, interesting, understandable patterns that underlie these data. The search for knowledge is a multi-step process comprising of various phases including development of domain (business) understanding, data understanding, data preparation, modeling, evaluation and ultimately, the deployment of the discovered knowledge. These phases are represented in form of Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining (KDDM) Process Models that are meant to provide explicit support towards execution of the complex and iterative …

The Effects Of Reputation Threat And Whistle-Blowing Report Source On Chief Audit Executives' Investigation Decisions, Cynthia Guthrie

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the effects of reputation threats and anonymous whistle-blowing channels on Chief Audit Executives’ (CAEs) decisions to investigate whistle-blowing allegations. Participants were 94 CAEs and Deputy CAEs from publicly traded companies in the eastern half of the United States. Participants received whistle-blowing reports from either an anonymous or a non-anonymous source. In the high reputation threat condition the whistle-blowing report alleged that the wrongdoing was perpetrated by the exploitation of substantial weaknesses in internal controls that had been previously evaluated by external auditors and the internal audit function. The report in the lower threat condition alleged that the …