Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Business Commons™

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Theses and Dissertations

Discipline
Institution
Keyword
Publication Year
File Type

Articles 2071 - 2100 of 2719

Full-Text Articles in Business

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. …


Changes Needed In Sarbanes-Oxley, Jeffrey Alan Halstead Ii. Jan 2004

Changes Needed In Sarbanes-Oxley, Jeffrey Alan Halstead Ii.

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is a requirement for completion of the Honors Program at Columbus State University . It is to be completed in the final year of the student ' s undergraduate course work at the institution . Its contents must address a controversial topic related to the graduate' s chosen field of study or major. Each student must present his or her argument to a hearing board, which consists of three professors from the related department and the chair of the Honors Program . In order to achieve successful completion of the thesis, the committee must deem that the student …


International Advertising And The Use Of The Sex Appeal: Acceptance Of Sex Appeal In China, Katie Hunt Apr 2003

International Advertising And The Use Of The Sex Appeal: Acceptance Of Sex Appeal In China, Katie Hunt

Theses and Dissertations

China is the most populated country in the world. With a population of over a billion people, it is an attractive market to many companies. However, China has traditionally been a market that was difficult to access due to its communist government and strict regulations. In 1978, China began changing the economy from a centrally planned system to a more market-oriented economy. By 2001, "China stood as the second largest economy in the world after the U.S., measured on a purchasing power parity basis" (World Factbook, 2002). China is a strong business partner with the U.S.; 21% of China's exports …


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 …


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 …


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 …


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 …


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 …


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 …


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 …


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 …


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.


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 …


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 …


Developing Cost Per Flying Hour Factors For The Operations And Maintenance Phase Of The Satellite Life Cycle, Anthony K. Kimbrough Mar 2003

Developing Cost Per Flying Hour Factors For The Operations And Maintenance Phase Of The Satellite Life Cycle, Anthony K. Kimbrough

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis was to develop cost per flying hour factors for the operations and maintenance (O&M) phase of the satellite life cycle. At a time when space system platforms are becoming some of the most strategic weapons in the military arsenal, it is critical that accurate cost models and factors be developed to assist in budgeting for the O&M of these assets.


Integrating Cost As An Independent Variable Analysis With Evolutionary Acquisition - A Multiattribute Design Evaluation Approach, Marc T. Lewis Mar 2003

Integrating Cost As An Independent Variable Analysis With Evolutionary Acquisition - A Multiattribute Design Evaluation Approach, Marc T. Lewis

Theses and Dissertations

Guidance from the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics (USD(AT&L)) requires 100 percent of defense programs to incorporate cost as an independent variable (CAIV) and evolutionary acquisition (EA) plans within their management baselines. Historically, these two concepts have been implemented independent of one another. In reality, CAIV and EA are tightly coupled, Integration of these two initiatives enables warfighters and developers to better allocate constrained resources, respond to fluctuations in program funding, and plan for future development activities. This research creates a decision tool to assist the DoD acquisition community in satisfying the intent of the USD(AT&L) …


A Comparative Analysis Of The Cost Estimating Error Risk Associated With Fly Away Costs Vs Individual Components Of Aircraft, Jonathan D. Ritschel Mar 2003

A Comparative Analysis Of The Cost Estimating Error Risk Associated With Fly Away Costs Vs Individual Components Of Aircraft, Jonathan D. Ritschel

Theses and Dissertations

A shrinking workforce, unstable budgets, and rapidly changing objectives under stricter time constraints characterize today's cost analysis and acquisition environment. In concert with this environment, cost analyst positions have rapidly decreased as demonstrated by Aeronautical Systems Centers 54% decline in total authorized slots from 1992 to 2001. The question is how to deal with this more with less' mentality. The purpose of this research is to investigate and measure the risks associated with taking a macro versus micro approach to aircraft cost estimation. By analyzing the fidelity of a cost estimate developed at the flyaway cost level versus a cost …


An Analysis Of The Air Force Working Capital Fund's Performance And The Pricing Strategy Of The Materiel Support Division, Lisa M. Stanley Mar 2003

An Analysis Of The Air Force Working Capital Fund's Performance And The Pricing Strategy Of The Materiel Support Division, Lisa M. Stanley

Theses and Dissertations

The Air Force Working Capital Fund (AFWCF), a revolving fund established to create a more business-like environment between the Air Force and its customers, is comprised of several divisions providing depot level repairs, supplies and inventory, information technology solutions and transportation services to military customers, Since its establishment, the AFWCF has been the source of much criticism due to its inability to meet its primary goal of operating on a break-even basis. Ideally, the Fund will generate enough revenue from the sale of goods or services to cover its expenses and break-even. Instead, there is either a surplus that must …


Combat Air Forces Campaign Level Modernization Planning-A Study In Group Decision Making, Ian L. Walker Mar 2003

Combat Air Forces Campaign Level Modernization Planning-A Study In Group Decision Making, Ian L. Walker

Theses and Dissertations

Modernization is a critical component of the current transformation effort within the Department of Defense (DoD) Effective and efficient modernization planning will provide for the improved allocation of limited funding. The Air Force currently conducts capabilities based modernization planning to identify shortfalls. Air Combat Command (ACC) utilizes multi-objective decision analysis (MODA) techniques to support the modernization planning process (MPP). A MODA model has been created to identify and quantify capability shortfalls across a diverse range of mission areas. Groups of subject matter experts are utilized to provide model inputs improving the usefulness and credibility of the model. The intent of …


Strategies Leaders Should Use To Respond To Hostile Questions Regarding Organizational Changes: An Empirical Investigation, Michael S. Gore Mar 2003

Strategies Leaders Should Use To Respond To Hostile Questions Regarding Organizational Changes: An Empirical Investigation, Michael S. Gore

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to develop a tool, using Speech Act Theory, which will help leaders better handle hostile questions they face during organizational change. Specifically, speech act theory, which outlines five question-response strategies, was used to test the effectiveness of question responses to hostile questions encountered during organizational change.


A Study Of Voluntary Turnover Of Air Force Officers In Critically-Manned Career Fields, Jeffrey H. S. Lin Mar 2003

A Study Of Voluntary Turnover Of Air Force Officers In Critically-Manned Career Fields, Jeffrey H. S. Lin

Theses and Dissertations

Turnover in the Air Force has always been a subject of importance. As the costs associated with losing an individual are high, it would be in the best interest of an organization to understand the main reasons for voluntary turnover in order to facilitate retention. Current research has yielded the Unfolding Model of Voluntary Turnover developed by Lee, Mitchell, Holtom, McDaniel and Hill (1999), which identified 5 different paths people take as they voluntary leave organizations. This research effort tested to see if this model held true for a group of former Air Force officers from career fields experiencing low …


Analysis Of Air Force Civil Engineering Strategic Planning, Francis J. Mondo Jr. Mar 2003

Analysis Of Air Force Civil Engineering Strategic Planning, Francis J. Mondo Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

Several organizations within the Department of Defense, including the Air Force Civil Engineer, are actively engaged in strategic planning in an effort to create a roadmap for future capabilities and performance. The objective of this research was to analyze the strategic planning process of the Air Force Civil Engineer (CE) as well as the effectiveness of the Civil Engineer Strategic Plan (CESP). The methodology used to complete this analysis was conducted in two distinct phases: 1) process modeling and evaluation, and 2) performance measure evaluation. The first phase compared the CE strategic planning process to a theoretical planning model developed …


Visualization Of Career-Related Computer-Mediated Communication For Increased Knowledge Management, Marc A. Grayson Mar 2003

Visualization Of Career-Related Computer-Mediated Communication For Increased Knowledge Management, Marc A. Grayson

Theses and Dissertations

Retention and retrieval of organizational memory has been the concentration of many conceptualized models of an organizational memory information system (OMIS). This thesis presents an extended view for system development of an OMIS from a knowledge management perspective. The United States Air Force maintains various career-related mailing lists (listservs) for information technology (IT) specialists sponsored by the Air Force Communications Agency (AFCA). AFCA has realized the importance of monitoring the communication for patterns in content and behavior. This thesis details an experimental study, which includes a repository of computer-mediated communication (CMC) of IT specialists, analyzed by software created for this …


Perceptions Vs Reality: A Longitudinal Experiment In Influence Judgment Performance, Monti L. Knode Mar 2003

Perceptions Vs Reality: A Longitudinal Experiment In Influence Judgment Performance, Monti L. Knode

Theses and Dissertations

Government reliance on computer-mediated information has transformed it from "enabler" to "target" which now demands the detection of manipulated and deceptive measures a primary security objective. As people are not inherently good performers at detecting deceptive communications, this study draws on interpersonal deception theory (Burgoon, 1986) and social cognitive theory (Bandura, 1986) to measure personal perceptions that influence decisions operationalized as the successful detection of a deceptive measure. Department of Defense personnel (N--119) participated in a longitudinal experiment that measured detection performance before and after training and feedback treatments. Self-efficacy and perceived training effectiveness emerged as dominant factors in predicting …


Analyzing Differences Between Public And Private Sector Information Resource Management: Chief Information Officer Challenges And Critical Technologies, Scott M. Mitchell Mar 2003

Analyzing Differences Between Public And Private Sector Information Resource Management: Chief Information Officer Challenges And Critical Technologies, Scott M. Mitchell

Theses and Dissertations

The office of the Chief Information Officer is still new within public sector organizations. Further, the office of the CIO was hastily created by Federal laws that provide only broad direction for its implementation and practice while at the same time limiting each office's power and reach within Federal agencies. Presently, because of broadly defined scope and the newness of the office in the public sector, Federal CIOs now face many challenges and critical technologies in managing their agency's information resources. Private sector organizations have a valuable knowledge base from their CIO office implementation efforts and subsequent operations. This private …


Incorporating Organizational Culture Into A Decision Framework For Identifying And Selecting Knowledge Management Projects, Jeffrey A. Phillips Mar 2003

Incorporating Organizational Culture Into A Decision Framework For Identifying And Selecting Knowledge Management Projects, Jeffrey A. Phillips

Theses and Dissertations

Knowledge management is an emerging business practice throughout commercial industry and is becoming more recognized as a valuable concept in the Department of Defense and the Federal government. In March 2001, Captain William Bower completed a research effort that proposed a framework model for guiding the identification and selection of knowledge management initiatives within the Air Force. The members of the Delphi committee that participated in the original research to develop the decision framework recommended that organizational culture be more emphasized. Therefore, this research effort evaluated the decision framework proposed by Captain Bower and adapted the framework by including organizational …


The Effects Of Technology Turnover On Workplace Productivity Perceptions, Robert W. Povlich Jr. Mar 2003

The Effects Of Technology Turnover On Workplace Productivity Perceptions, Robert W. Povlich Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

The productivity paradox is a theory that suggests that investments in Information Technology (IT) do not necessarily lead to associated gains in the productivity of the organization (Malakoff 2000; Hitt and Brynjolfsson, 1996). This perception leads practitioners to question if acquiring new IT systems for the sake of having the latest technology will make their organization any more productive (Liebmann, 1996). Understanding the problem that is facing the practitioners, this research was undertaken to attempt to answer some of the underlying questions relating to the perceptions held about the relationship between IT expenditures and workplace productivity with respect to Air …


Analysis Of The Theoretical Relationships Between Work Exhaustion, Job Satisfaction, And Turnover Intention Of Air Force Information Systems Managers, Alfred D. Ray Mar 2003

Analysis Of The Theoretical Relationships Between Work Exhaustion, Job Satisfaction, And Turnover Intention Of Air Force Information Systems Managers, Alfred D. Ray

Theses and Dissertations

The use of information technology has increased exponentially over the last two decades (Cohen and Burton, 2001), Accordingly, the ability of organizations to retain their information systems staff has been a critical factor in the effort to achieve strategic goals (Moore, 2002), When IS professionals leave an organization, not only is the number of them available for assignment to projects depleted, the professionals themselves often take specialized skills, tacit knowledge, and understanding of specific business operations and information systems with them (Agarwal and Ferratt, 2002), Chief Executives have become increasingly interested in issues related to the recruitment, development, and retention …


Text Manipulation Judgment Accuracy: An Exploratory Study, Randy S. Wardak Mar 2003

Text Manipulation Judgment Accuracy: An Exploratory Study, Randy S. Wardak

Theses and Dissertations

Deception aims to affect a decision-making process in a way that somehow benefits the deceiver. More knowledge is desired in the area of purely text-based scenarios. Thirty-seven graduate students at the Air Force Institute of Technology participated in an experiment in order to gain an initial understanding of how people determine whether text has been manipulated, and to identify specific areas that may be more closely investigated in future research. Excerpts were drawn from editions of a current-events newsletter that the participants receive on a weekly basis as part of their enrollment in the graduate program. Some of the excerpts …


A Theoretical Framework For Turnover Intention Of Air Force Enlisted Information Systems Personnel, Dan W. Smith Mar 2003

A Theoretical Framework For Turnover Intention Of Air Force Enlisted Information Systems Personnel, Dan W. Smith

Theses and Dissertations

Retention of valuable information systems (IS) personnel has become increasingly more difficult over the past decade, even during the current economic downturn (ITAA, 2002). The United States Air Force (AF) also suffers from declining retention of its enlisted IS workforce. This research studies the job satisfaction-to-turnover intention relationship of AF IS workers through extensions to the Mobley et al. (1979) turnover model by assessing the effects of work exhaustion (Moore, 2000), interrole conflict (Hom & Kinicki, 2001), and perceived cohesion (Bollen & Hoyle, 1990) to determine if those with high work exhaustion, high interrole conflict, and low perceived cohesion report …