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Full-Text Articles in Business

Calibration Of The Price S Software Cost Model, James C. Galonsky Sep 1995

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 …

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Just In Time Manufacturing: A Migration From Materials Requirements Planning, Scott A. Koehler Sep 1995

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 …

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Calibration Of The Software Life Cycle Model (Slim) To The Space And Missile Systems Center (Smc) Software Database (Swdb), Robert K. Kressin Sep 1995

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 …

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A Study Of Cumulative Trauma Disorders Of The Upper Extremities And Occupation In Wright-Patterson Adir Force Base Civilian Personnel, Scott T. Hillstead Sep 1995

A Study Of Cumulative Trauma Disorders Of The Upper Extremities And Occupation In Wright-Patterson Adir Force Base Civilian Personnel, Scott T. Hillstead

Theses and Dissertations

This study utilized a case-control methodology to describe and analyze the 115 cases of occupational illnesses reported by civilian employees of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (AFB) between 1990 and 1995. Determining if a statistically significant association existed between age and duration of employment risk factors and cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) was a primary objective. The frequency of CTDs among the various organizations at Wright-Patterson AFB are also described. The research could not prove the existence of a significant association for the 44 subjects and 176 controls matched on occupational group. However, the demographic and other descriptive results may form a …

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Cost Management Competencies: The Importance And Frequency As Seen By The Financial Analyst, Diana E. Pry Sep 1995

Cost Management Competencies: The Importance And Frequency As Seen By The Financial Analyst, Diana E. Pry

Theses and Dissertations

This research studied the application of cost management competencies in the financial management career field. The purpose was to determine how frequently these competencies are used by the financial analysts and how important they are in the analysts' work environment. To accomplish this research a mail survey was sent to 978 financial analysts across Air Force Materiel Command. Out of the 978 survey instruments sent 535 were returned with useful data, for a response rate of 54.7%. From these surveys, 24 of the 49 competencies were identified as being valuable to financial analysts. The 24 competencies provide a framework for …

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A Preliminary Analysis Of The Theoretical Parameters Of Organizational Learning, Jeffery D. Loyd Sep 1995

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 …

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A Calibration Of The Revic Software Cost Estimating Model, Betty G. Weber Sep 1995

A Calibration Of The Revic Software Cost Estimating Model, Betty G. Weber

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the change in performance resulting from calibration of the REVIC software cost model and whether calibration improved the model's ability to estimate software development costs. Three calibrations were conducted on two operating environments using the SMC database. The calibrations consisted of one coefficient only and two coefficient and exponent calibrations, using different procedures. Analysis of the goodness of fit" was accomplished using MRE, MMRE, RMS, RRMS, and the prediction test to measure the model's improvement in predicting ability. The Wilcoxon and Wilk-Shapiro tests were used to test for normality of the sample data. The author concluded that …

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The Effect Of A Self-Care Education Program On A Military Medical Beneficiary Population, Christopher S. Svehlak Sep 1995

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 …

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An Empirical Investigation Of The Integrated Weapon System Management Concept Of Seamless Processes, Timothy H. Surabian Sep 1995

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, …

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Corporate Social Responsibility: A Cross Sectional Examination Of Incentivization, Jennifer A. Block Sep 1995

Corporate Social Responsibility: A Cross Sectional Examination Of Incentivization, Jennifer A. Block

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined corporate social responsibility and the most effective ways to incentivize environmentally proactive behavior among federal production contractors. The goal was to isolate factors which have the greatest potential for encouraging corporate environmental responsibility and to use the knowledge gained to construct incentives which can be incorporated into federal contracts. Relying on the concepts developed in organizational theory, four theories were presented to provide support that organizational behavior can be influenced. Previous incentive techniques used by the government were also investigated. From the initial research, a model was developed to describe the relationship between incentives and environmental responsibility. …

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Developing An Integrated Model For Measuring Organizational Effectiveness In Light Of The Government Performance And Results Acts Of 1993, Thomas A. Miller Sep 1995

Developing An Integrated Model For Measuring Organizational Effectiveness In Light Of The Government Performance And Results Acts Of 1993, Thomas A. Miller

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis was to review current Systems Program Office (SPO) effectiveness measures in light of the recently implemented Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 (GPRA), and to develop an integrated model of organizational effectiveness SPOs can use to comply with GPRA. Specifically, this thesis attempted to answer three research propositions addressing whether or not: (1) Current effectiveness measures used within SPOs are strictly output goal measures; (2) GPRA, while emphasizing the need for a more 'holistic' approach has not provided a good model to accomplish this; and (3) An integrated model can be developed to meet …

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An Evaluation Of The Appropriateness Of The Defense Logistics Agency's Model Requirements Model, Harry A. Berry, Edward E. Tatge Sep 1995

An Evaluation Of The Appropriateness Of The Defense Logistics Agency's Model Requirements Model, Harry A. Berry, Edward E. Tatge

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis discusses the appropriateness of the Defense Logistics Agency's (DLA) requirements model in managing consumable support for Air Force peculiar items. Currently, DLA uses a lot sizing technique referred to as the classic Economic Order Quantity, (EOQ) model. One of the key assumptions of this model is that demand is constant and continuous. Yet with Air Force bases using a lot sizing technique to place their demands for consumable items to DLA, it is apparent that the demand pattern that DLA faces, at least for Air Force peculiar items, is not constant and continuous. This study looks at the …

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An Air Force Guide For Effective Meeting Management, Zackery S. Belcher Sep 1995

An Air Force Guide For Effective Meeting Management, Zackery S. Belcher

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to improve the effectiveness of organizational meetings thereby reducing the waste from ineffective meetings. Specifically, this thesis sought to answer three research questions addressing the essential elements for effective meetings, the benefits from productive meetings, and the information and skills critical to conducting meetings. The research questions were essentially answered through a comprehensive literature review and the use of the Delphi Technique. However, the solicitation of meeting materials from 16 Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award winners and 90 Fortune 1,000 firms provided additional information. Seven experts, representing Air Force and industry, participated in two …

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Calibration Of The Software Architecture Sizing And Estimation Tool (Saset), Carl D. Vegas Sep 1995

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 …

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Using Customer Satisfaction For Measuring The Effectiveness Of Integrated Product Teams, Charles H. Embs, James N. Anderson Sep 1995

Using Customer Satisfaction For Measuring The Effectiveness Of Integrated Product Teams, Charles H. Embs, James N. Anderson

Theses and Dissertations

In attempting to develop a performance measurement system for assessing the effectiveness of integrated Product Teams (iPTs), this research focused on the identification of those characteristics that were most important to the customers of Hyrs. Customer satisfaction was selected as the focal point because it is the foundation of the Integrated Weapon System Management (IWSM) philosophy which fostered the IPT approach to conducting business. The customer satisfaction data was gathered from the Quality Air Force self-assessments conducted by the B-1, B-2, F-15, F-16, F-22, and C-17 System Program Offices, as well as interviews conducted by Brigadier General Kenne with several …

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The Impact Of Priority Consistency On The Performance Of A Job Shop, Kenneth W. Bailey Sep 1995

The Impact Of Priority Consistency On The Performance Of A Job Shop, Kenneth W. Bailey

Theses and Dissertations

This study introduces the construct of consistency to production operations management research. As a job passes through a job shop, its priority may or may not remain consistent relative to other jobs in the system. A new classification of priority rules is introduced. Consistent priority rules maintain a jobs priority relative to other jobs throughout the system. Inconsistent priority rules allow a job's relative priority to change as it moves through the system. This study is an initial investigation into the effect of consistency on performance. A simulation experiment was conducted using a full two- factorial repeated measures design with …

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A Study Of The Structural Limitation Affecting Implementation Of The Government Performance And Results Act In Air Force Materiel Command Logistics, Darwina M. Liguori Sep 1995

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) …

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Tracking Air Force Pallets Using Rfid Technology: A Concept Study, Gary A. Gross Sep 1995

Tracking Air Force Pallets Using Rfid Technology: A Concept Study, Gary A. Gross

Theses and Dissertations

The lack of asset visibility experienced at Aerial Ports of Embarkation (APOEs) during Operation Desert Storm is a phenomenon that has occurred in every major conflict for the last 40 years. The costs associated with this lack of control directly relate to the combat readiness and capability of supported units. This study examined the possibility of installing a Radio Frequency Identification (RF-ID) system to track Department of Defense 463L pallets worldwide. Performance characteristics of commercially available RF-ID systems were summarized, and a conceptual Air Mobility Command (AMC) tracking system was presented. For purposes of concept study, Amtech Corporation's Intellitag RT …

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A Performance Analysis Of The Air Force War Time Lean Logistics Pipeline, Craig S. Gaddis, David A. Haase Sep 1995

A Performance Analysis Of The Air Force War Time Lean Logistics Pipeline, Craig S. Gaddis, David A. Haase

Theses and Dissertations

Lean Logistics is an innovative proposal designed to reduce the costs associated with reparable inventory management. The purpose of this thesis is to determine whether a wartime lean logistics pipeline can maintain acceptable aircraft availability rates in response to induced variations of order and ship time (OST) and flying hours for deployed forces. The Dyna-MEIRIC Version 6.4 simulation program was used to evaluate nine different factor-level combinations. The factors, OST and flying hours were varied at three different levels, low, medium, and high. Analysis of the results was accomplished using a two-factor ANOVA. The authors discovered that while increasing OST …

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Evaluation Of The Management Of The Department Of Defense's Wholesale Ammunition Stockpile, David J. Rega Sep 1995

Evaluation Of The Management Of The Department Of Defense's Wholesale Ammunition Stockpile, David J. Rega

Theses and Dissertations

This research solicited expert opinions regarding how well the Single Manager for Conventional Ammunition (SMCA) manages the DoD wholesale ammunition stockpile. Members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps, as well as members of the SMCA, were surveyed twice. The first survey contained four statements, each referring to a different area of responsibility for the SMCA. These four areas of responsibility were SMCA storage of ammunition, SMCA demilitarization of ammunition, SMCA tiering program for depots, and SMCA customer support. The respondents were asked to provide positive and negative aspects for each area, as well as recommendations for improvements. …

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The Effect Of Consolidating Two-Level Reparable Inventories On Aggregate Inventory Requirements And Mission Capability, Glenn R. Barney Sep 1995

The Effect Of Consolidating Two-Level Reparable Inventories On Aggregate Inventory Requirements And Mission Capability, Glenn R. Barney

Theses and Dissertations

One of the proposals of Lean Logistics is the relocation of many inventory assets to Intermediate Supply Points (ISPs). This research investigates the effect of consolidating Two Level Maintenance designated reparable asset inventories. The effects of interest are the potential reduction in aggregate inventory requirement and resulting savings and the effect of delayed issue of the assets on mission capability. The metric selected to measure the effect on mission capability for this study is the Not Mission Capable-Supply (NMCS) rate. A spreadsheet analysis of world-wide Two-Level Maintenance designated reparable asset demands over the study period is used to determine the …

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Order And Ship Times Of Communication-Electronic Components Under Lean Logistics And Conventional Air Force Reparable Pipeline: A Comparative Study, Clifford G. Altizer Sep 1995

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 …

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Model Development For Forecasting Traffic Management Office Shipping And Budget Requirements, Luke E. Closson Iii Sep 1995

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 …

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Effects Of Situational Factors On The Work Performance Of Aerial Port Technicians, Joseph T. Dougherty Sep 1995

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.

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Measuring Behaviors Of Air Force Officers As Indicators Of Effective Performance And Leadership, Linda S. Hurry Sep 1995

Measuring Behaviors Of Air Force Officers As Indicators Of Effective Performance And Leadership, Linda S. Hurry

Theses and Dissertations

It is clear that the officer corps will play a key role in improving the Air Force's efficiency, preserving its traditions, and ensuring it maintains the highest level of combat capability. Yet, surprisingly, there is little agreement about exactly which types of officer performance contribute the most to meeting the Air Force's objectives. Performance requirements for officers have not been defined in terms specific enough to guide training course development and performance evaluations. This study identified the types of performance behaviors Air Force supervisors view as most important for effective officership. It also tested a model of individual officer effectiveness …

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Aligning Demand For Spare Parts With Their Underlying Failure Mode, Steven D. Kephart, Richard C. Roberts Sep 1995

Aligning Demand For Spare Parts With Their Underlying Failure Mode, Steven D. Kephart, Richard C. Roberts

Theses and Dissertations

Current Air Force demand forecasting systems, DO41 and REALM, assume reparable demand is solely flying hour driven. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between demands, flying hours, and number of sorties at the work unit code level and improve reparable demand forecasting. A three phase methodology is used to analyze the demand, flying hour, and sortie relationship. The first phase uses multiple regression to determine a relationship at various work unit code levels. Multiple regression provides limited correlation between demands, flying hours, and sorties. The second phase uses Poisson regression to evaluate the integer, count nature …

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Evaluation Of The Vehicle Out-Of-Commission Standard For Air Force Vehicle Maintenance Units, Christopher K. Arzberger, Lawrence F. Audet Jr. Sep 1995

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 …

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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 Sep 1995

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 …

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Establishing A Standardized Set Of Base-Level Transportation Metrics, Kyle D. Marsh Sep 1995

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 …

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The Implementation Of Federal Government Policy In The Reuse Planning Of Military Installations: A Case Study Of Gentile Air Force Station, John L. Hoover Sep 1995

The Implementation Of Federal Government Policy In The Reuse Planning Of Military Installations: A Case Study Of Gentile Air Force Station, John L. Hoover

Theses and Dissertations

Local communities affected by a base closure are uncertain as to their future and look to the federal government for guidance and economic assistance in rebuilding their local economy. The local communities want to close the base with as little federal government interference as possible and convert the base to civilian use with as much federal financial assistance as possible. During 1993-1994 two Air Force Institute of Technology research teams began longitudinal case studies of the base closure and rescue process at Gentile Air Force Station, Ohio to determine the effectiveness of the federal government's current approach. These research teams …

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