Business Commons^™

An Analysis Of The Effectiveness Of The Air Force Drug Testing Program And Four Potential Modifications, Thomas R. Doster, Hubert A. Ross

Theses and Dissertations

This study evaluated the 1992 USAF Drug Testing Program and potential improvements, based on the number of drug users detected, cost, and legal issues. Four potential improvements were examined: (1) increasing the annual amount of random urinalysis; (2) increasing the proportion of commander-directed testing; (3) using a weighted selection technique, and (4) replacing urinalysis with hair testing. For each improvement, the researchers used test and survey results to estimate the number of drug users detected, a cost formula to estimate any changes in cost, and interviews with legal experts to identify any legal issues associated with implementing the modification. Researchers …

Cost Constrained Improvements To The Military Retirement System, Cynthia A. Brown

Theses and Dissertations

This research studies possible changes to the current military retirement system. The current military retirement system refers to the system provided under the Military Reform Act of 1986, A new system is proposed which would provide the retiree with four options. Option 1 would provide a pay annuity and medical benefits to the retiree (this is the current system). Option 2 would provide a pay lump sum in place of the, annuity and would offer medical benefits. Option 3 would offer the pay annuity but give a medical lump sum amount in place of the medical benefit. Finally, option 4 …

Predicting The Productive Capacity Of Air Force Aerospace Ground Equipment Personnel Using Aptitude And Experience Measures, Robert S. Faneuff

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the effects of mechanical aptitude and job experience on the job performance of 204 Air Force Aerospace Group Equipment (AGE) mechanics. Job performance was expressed as productive capacity (PC), which is derived from estimated performance times on job tasks. PC measures were derived for 50 tasks typically performed by airmen in the specialty. Aptitude measures took the form of Mechanical percentile composite scores on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). A second-order logistic model was used to regress PC on aptitude and experience at the task level and at the overall job, or aggregate, level. Model …

Scheduling Air Mobility Command's Channel Cargo Missions, Gregory S. Rau

Theses and Dissertations

Through the use of a linear programming model, this research revised the initial schedule for AMC's channel cargo missions to eliminate any excess delay enroute by minimizing the cumulative, weighted time-in-system for all cargo, according to a given cargo flow. In fact, the revised schedule minimizes any assigned nonnegative weighting of the time-in-system, due to the properties of equivalent measures of performance. When combined with Step One of a proposed two-step process for revising AMC's channel mission schedule, this research can be used to improve the current schedule based on Step One's cargo flow. By carefully defining the notation and …

Determining Cargo Flow For Air Mobility Command's Channel Cargo System, Michael Del Rosario

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigated using a multiperiod multicommodity minimal cost flow (M2MCF) formulation to model the channel cargo system of the United States Air Force's Air Mobility Command (AMC). The objective of this research was to determine how cargo should flow in the channel cargo system in order to minimize the cargo's delay enroute from its origin to its destination. This research showed the size of an M2MCF model of the channel cargo system exceeds AMC's computational capabilities. Additionally, this research describes three approaches to reduce the problem size. Because of the problem size and other modeling limitations discovered during this …

An Analysis Of Tactical Airlifter Characteristics And Their Impact On Theater Airlift System Performance, John J. Koger

Theses and Dissertations

This study used computer simulation and Response Surface Technology to determine what tactical airlifter characteristics most impact theater airlift system performance in a Southwest Asia (SWA) scenario. Some Aircraft characteristics were grouped into functional sets, while others were considered individually. After screening one characteristic, reliability, with a two-level factorial experiment, a Box-Behnken design was used to estimate second-order metamodels. A stepwise regression procedure indicated that, if attrition rates are ignored, airlift system performance is most impacted by the aircraft's size, survivability, cruise speed, and ability to operate on short fields. The SWA scenario used in this study covers a large …

An Investigation Of Bank Lending Practices To Test Portfolio Theory And Theories Of Credit Rationing And Customer Relationships, Christine Chmura

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to consider the theoretical basis of commercial loan pricing. Is commercial loan pricing most representative of pricing to reflect risk in the Markowitz sense or do banks ration their loanable funds based on credit risk or expected long-term customer value? Alternatively, does each theory contribute to the explanation of loan pricing?

Some of the pricing theories noted in this study have been tested at the aggregate banking level, however, few studies have been performed at the loan level. Moreover, the author is not aware of any study that tests which theory noted here best …

An Analysis Of The Effectiveness Of Air Force Information Management Officer Training Based On The Perceived Needs Of Current Information Management Officers, David P. Biros, Stewart J. Cole

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if the computer orientation courses provided Air Force information managers are properly focused. This study found that the courses have made the desired impact and, with minor exceptions, information managers perceive then-selves to be more knowledgeable after the training. From the results of the survey it is apparent that information managers are more knowledgeable of computers than they were in a study completed in 1988. The officers who attended training after the course was modified to include computer orientation were much more satisfied with their training than previous graduates. They indicated a …

Corporate Information Management And Business Process Improvement Under The Unit Cost Program: An Analysis Of A System For The Air Force Institute Of Technology, Kevin D. Kettell, Fredrick T. Ziegler Ii

Theses and Dissertations

DOD has been undergoing changes toward a competitive business-type environment as a result of the Packard Commission and -the Goldwater-Nichols Act. As a result of the Goldwater-Nichols Act, two programs directly affect the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT): Defense Management Report Decision 971, better known as the Defense Business Operations Fund (DBOF); and, the Corporate Information Management (CIM) initiative. DBOF requires that organizations provide unit cost per output figures as the basis for organizational funding. Unit cost resourcing changes the way federal managers manage and allocate resources, and promotes quality management and continuous improvement principles. Defense Information Management recognizes …

Automated Logistics Information Systems: A Case Study, James E. Hogue

Theses and Dissertations

A change within the Air Force has shifted management responsibilities within the logistics community. Formerly diverse functions have come under the purview of a single manager-the Logistics Group Commander-who has inherited information systems that may riot be able to provide consolidated information for informed and accurate decision making. The purpose of this thesis was to describe the current and potential ability for three logistics information management systems to share data: Standard Base Supply System, Consolidated Aircraft Management System, and On-Line Vehicle Information Management System. A systems model was synthesized from the literature review to determine what components of a system …

Staffing Sources Of Usaf Medical Center Systems Offices: A Study Of Their Relation To Information Systems Quality, William K. Dorr, Shelley D. Christia

Theses and Dissertations

This study measured the relationship between Medical Systems Office staffing source (i.e., military medical, military communications/computer, civilian government, and contractor personnel) and quality of automated information services provided at CONUS USAF medical centers. A literature search determined that information system quality is best measured on eight dimensions: performance, features, reliability, conformance, durability, serviceability, aesthetics, and perceived quality. The CIO at each medical center was surveyed to determine the level of system conformance to Air Force standards and to gather data on each MSO staff. Users at the medical centers were also surveyed in order to measure performance, features, reliability, serviceability, …

Integrated Diagnostic Expert System Model (Idesm): A Model For The Conversion Of Fault Isolation Procedures Into An Integrated Diagnostic Expert System, Robert J. Lacey, Glen D. Steemson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to develop a model to convert existing hardcopy maintenance manual fault isolation procedures into electronic format and to partially automate the fault isolation process. A comprehensive model was developed which comprised four major components: user interface, expert system submodel, hypermedia submodel, and a submodel integration shell. Using this model, the F 15E nose landing gear fault isolation procedures were transformed into a rule based expert system. An existing hypermedia information base was expanded and subsequently integrated with the expert system to form the prototype application. The prototype was evaluated by engineering and maintenance personnel …

Analysis Of Standard Type Unit Development, Jeffrey M. Hess, Merry D. Wermund

Theses and Dissertations

This research study examined the standard type unit development process for the Air Force. Current standard type unit development procedures were determined by a literature review. The literature review, with the interviews, provided information regarding the history of, purpose for, and possible alternatives for developing standard type units. A Delphi questionnaire was developed to determine how well the current process works, how standard type units worked for Desert Shield/Storm, and possible ways to improve the development process. This questionnaire was distributed to F-15 units, F-16 units, and major command personnel in Tactical Air Command (now Air Combat Command). All three …

An Analysis Of Depot Maintenance Interservicing Source Of Repair Selection And Acquisition Program Incompatibilities, Robert N. Mcgarry, Gregory K. Owens

Theses and Dissertations

This study revealed that although the Depot Maintenance Interservicing (DMI) study process has the potential for considerable savings in the Depot Source of Repair (DSOR) decision it has failed to do so. The DMI study process and the acquisition programs are well established. However, there are various incompatibilities between the two which interfere with the interaction between them and prevent a timely decision. We performed an examination of the DMI study process and its impact on six acquisition programs which have either undergone or are presently undergoing the study process. The results of personal interviews with program office and Joint …

Is Nipars Working As Advertised? An Analysis Of Nipars Program Customer Service, Peter F. De Kam, Dorothy J. Tribble

Theses and Dissertations

Historically, Foreign Military Sales non-standard item support has been a labor-intensive, time-consuming process. Additionally, when forced to compete for USAF resources, the foreign customer's need is often subjugated to the higher priority active USAF requirements. These problems motivated the Air Force to initiate a program to streamline procedures for the procurement of non- standard items. The program is the Nonstandard Item Parts Acquisition and Repair Support (NIPARS) program. The basic program concept is to move the management tasks for nonstandard items from USAF resources to a contractor in order to 'fix' the inefficiencies of the previous system. This thesis explores …

An Investigation Of The Influence Of Advanced Aircraft Diagnostics On The Technological Sophistication Of Maintenance Personnel, Chris R. Collins, Clete W. Knaub

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to determine what effect automated diagnostic systems will have on the maintenance worker's technological capabilities. Four investigative questions guided the project: 1. What effect has automation of skilled jobs had on workers in the civilian community?; 2. What technological and psychological traits have led to success in past military conflicts?; 3. What types of technological and psychological traits will technicians have who are heavily dependent on diagnostic systems? (For example, to what degree will maintenance technicians be able to improvise when deployed to a combat area?); and, 4. What lessons can Air Force maintenance …

A Study Of Organizational Downsizing And Information Management Strategies, Terry L. Brown, Dale J. Long

Theses and Dissertations

Organizational downsizing and strategic information management are two important trends that have developed in the business world over the last 10 years. This study was conducted to identify possible links between these two trends. It also tries to identify some potential benefits and pitfalls associated with simultaneously restructuring an organization and upgrading its information management systems. This study is initial, descriptive research in this area. Interviews were conducted with six organizations of varying size and type that had both downsized and upgraded information systems within the past five years. While the small size of the sample and time constraints on …

Analysis Of U. S. Military Mobilizations, Demobilizations, And Peacetime Force Maintenance From 1890 To 1991, Gottfried Kloimwieder, Noel P. Owen

Theses and Dissertations

Military manpower management principles and policies are in constant flux as the military forces mobilize and demobilize during periods of war and peace. This study identifies trends in U.S. military manpower policies and procedures from 1890 to 1991. Major military conflicts reviewed are the Spanish- American War, World wars I and II, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam War, and the Persian Gulf War. In all wars until Vietnam, post war active duty forces were larger than prewar forces. However, these active duty forces tended to be relatively small until the Cold War period. This tendency is driven by a combination …

A Benchmark Of Vehicle Maintenance Training Between The U.S. Air Force And A Civilian Industry Leader, James J. Meersman, Inez A. Sookma

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis compared vehicle maintenance training between the U.S. Air Force (USAF) and a leading civilian training organization, Cuyahoga Valley Joint Vocational School (CVJVS), using benchmarking. First, the study identified the USAF and civilian automotive training industries conduct training. Next, the researchers identified common areas for comparison between training programs. Then, the industry leader's best practice was identified. The best practice at CVJVS as the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) certification process. In applying this practice at Chanute, the researchers identified three deficient areas, or negative gaps. The first gap was in the number of hours of instruction. The …

Nasa And Logistics-A Match For The 21st Century, Stephan P. Brady, Jay R. Jennings

Theses and Dissertations

This research evaluated current NASA organizational and logistical strategy processes to compare them with current academic theory and make recommendations to improve the processes. Various strategy theories were explored, resulting in a model synthesizing the various elements. The organizational, cultural, and political environment surrounding NASA was studied. Personal interviews were conducted and various NASA strategic plans and other documents were analyzed. From these activities emerged six recommendations: (1) Create a formal strategy process for NASA logistics (and NASA), (2) Tie logistics strategies directly to organizational strategies/goals, (3) Get logisticians from different functions/programs/centers to crossflow information, (4) Identify redundancies in logistics …

Cost/Schedule Control Systems Criteria: A Reference Guide To C/Scsc Information, Erik G. Cummings, Kirk A. Schneider

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis effort provides a valuable tool for contract performance measurement (CPM) analysts to use both while attending formalized Cost/Schedule Control Systems Criteria (C/SCSC) training, and while on the job. Research indicated a large amount of written material existed on contract performance measurement and the more specific topic of C/SCSC, yet this information was hidden in a wide array of unindexed professional journals, master's thesis, and texts. Further, while many professions have a reference guide of annotated bibliographies, CPM had none. Through an extensive literature review using several search and retrieval methods, the authors were able to amass a bibliography …

An Analysis Of The Foreign Military Sales Pipeline Of Repair And Replace Reparable Assets, Lawrence M. Orlando, George F. Rhame

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the reparable logistics pipeline and identified characteristics and associated problems with the processing of Foreign Military Sales (FMS) repair and replace aircraft assets. Areas of investigation included examining the FMS logistics reparable pipeline and determining what section of the pipeline the USAF controls or can influence, identifying the individual problems within that section of pipeline, and collecting and analyzing data pertaining to FMS repair and replace requisitions. The methodology used in these areas involved a literature review, personal interviews with Foreign Liaison Officers to obtain customer perspectives, and a statistical analysis of pipeline times for all FMS …

Graphic Representation In Managerial Decision Making: The Effect Of Scale Break On The Dependent Axis, Clark R. Carvalho, Michael D. Mcmillan

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigated whether a scale break on the dependent axis a affects a decision maker's interpretation of the data presented in the graph. A literature search revealed criteria for constructing high integrity graphs and formatting scale breaks. An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of a scale break on the dependent axis. Graphs following the criteria for high integrity graphs were presented to the control group, while graphs following the criteria for high integrity graphs, with the exception of the scale break, were presented to the experimental group. Using a parametric two-sample t test and a non-parametric Rank …

An Analysis Of Joint Ventures Between The United States And The Commonwealth Of Independent States, Brian P. Davis, Daniel L. Demott

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to develop insights for those who wish to engage in joint ventures with the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Over the last 70 years, joint ventures with the West have been scarce in the USSR. With the dissolution of the USSR, opportunities for commerce have greatly improved. Most Western countries are seeking to take advantage of the natural resources and untapped consumer market in the CIS. Consequently, companies wanting to engage in commercial endeavors will need current information on the different financial, cultural, organizational, and logistical issues that are peculiar to the CIS. This …

Desert Express: Framework For Institutionalization Of Express Airlift Procedures, Terry D. Basham, Jason G. Evgenides

Theses and Dissertations

This study was sponsored by the Military Airlift Command to examine the Desert Express airlift channel used during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. The goal was to determine what changes or improvements should be made prior to formalizing Desert Express procedures into Department of Defense doctrine. The research method used was a Literature Review supported by an application of the Delphi Technique. The Literature Review reviewed past military express operations and current regulatory procedures to raise key issues. These issues were then presented to 19 airlift experts in two-separate rounds of written questionnaires. The research revealed that Desert Express was the …

Public Space Launch Acquisition: A Comparative Case Study, Kenneth R. Leeson, Lee W. Rosen

Theses and Dissertations

This study analyzes three commonly practiced approaches to Government acquisition of space launch services. These approaches are employed by The U.S. Air Force, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the Strategic Defense Initiative Organization. The literature review provides a comprehensive overview of the commercial space launch industry and details critical perspectives on commercial, launch. Launch contracts which were representative of each organization's acquisition procedures were investigated and evaluated along several critical issues and elements of the space launch acquisition process. These issues included payload characteristics, government oversight, contractor incentives, insurance, liability and cost. The critical issues and elements were …

A Methodology For Project Selection Using Economic Analysis And The Analytic Hierarchy Process, Jeffrey L. Battin, Thomas J. Bender

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the applicability of a multiple criterion decision making method, known as the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) , to economic analysis decisions involving project selection. Through a survey of the literature and current practices, it was determined that qualitative criteria were not adequately represented in a typical economic analysis of projects. Several MCDM methods were examined and the AHP was found to be the most promising technique to rate projects on a ratio scale. Two types of project selection problems, those involving nonmutually exclusive alternatives and those involving mutually exclusive alternatives, were examined. It was determined that the …

Offsets In Weapon System Sales: A Case Study Of The Korean Fighter Program, Deborah L. Kremer, Bill Sain

Theses and Dissertations

This study sought to develop a framework of factors which impact the success of offset agreements. These agreements have impacts on the U.S. defense industrial base, employment, the balance of trade, and the ability of the U.S. to protect its technology. Consequently, their study is important. A framework of twenty-two factors was developed through an extensive literature review and then tested against the offset proposals in the Korean Fighter Program (KFP). In the KFP case study, only one of the factors, high visibility of the product, appeared to differentiate between the two proposals and have an impact on the final …

The Theory Of Constraints Applied To Project Scheduling: The Critical Chain Concept Defined, Andrew D. Ingram, Paul E. Scherer

Theses and Dissertations

This research applies the Theory of Constraints' principles to a project management environment. The Constraint Theory developed by Dr. Eliyahu M. Goldratt has been successfully applied in many manufacturing settings. Researchers are now beginning to apply Theory of Constraints' principles and techniques outside the manufacturing environment. Specific objectives of this research effort include: to develop and demonstrate a resource constrained project scheduling algorithm based on the Theory of Constraints' principles and techniques: to perform a detailed comparison of the manufacturing and project scheduling environments designed to support algorithm development; and to lay the foundation for additional research in this area …

Applying Commercial Style Acquisition Practices To The Procurement Of Commercially Available Aircraft, Douglas W. Humerick, Steven H. Minnich

Theses and Dissertations

This study was performed to recommend which commercial acquisition practices should be adopted in government acquisitions of commercially available aircraft. Previous studies, dating to 1972, illustrate the value of adopting commercial style acquisition practices in government acquisitions. Using commercial style acquisition practices can provide the government with lower costs and faster delivery with no sacrifice of quality. As a customer of the aircraft manufacturing community, the government must adapt to global market changes. Procedure reviews and changes must occur on an ongoing basis to take advantage of standard industry practices. Telephone interviews of nineteen top level personnel representing twelve domestic …