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An Analysis Of Contract Cost Overruns And Their Impacts, Brian D. Wilson Sep 1992

An Analysis Of Contract Cost Overruns And Their Impacts, Brian D. Wilson

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the tendency of major program DoD contracts, once in an overrun status, to remain in that status and in many cases, further deteriorate. In these times of budgetary constraints, it is important that government program managers and other key decision makers understand the ramifications of contract overruns especially early in a program's life. The overruns on the A-12 program, for instance, could have possibly been predicted much earlier and the program cancellation avoided if only the program manager had understood the implications of significant cost overruns early in the life of the program.


The Davis-Bacon Act: Cost Impact On The Air Force, Raymond Carpenter Sep 1992

The Davis-Bacon Act: Cost Impact On The Air Force, Raymond Carpenter

Theses and Dissertations

This study was performed to determine what cost impact, if any, the Davis-Bacon Act has on the cost of Air Force construction contracts. The Davis- Bacon Act is a federal labor statute requiring the payment of pre-established wages to workers employed under Federally funded construction projects. The research found that contract award prices could be approximately 22% lower if the payment of these wages were not required. This estimate was made based on the results of a survey of bidders competing for award of construction contracts issued by bases within the former Strategic Air Command. Additional findings and survey response …


An Evaluation Of Schedule Metrics Used Within Aeronautical Systems Center, Robert J. Hayes, Lawrence M. Miller Sep 1992

An Evaluation Of Schedule Metrics Used Within Aeronautical Systems Center, Robert J. Hayes, Lawrence M. Miller

Theses and Dissertations

This study focused on a selected group of schedule metrics in use at Aeronautical Systems Center (ASC) acquisition program offices. Over 300 metrics were collected from the System Program Offices (SPOs). The metrics data were sorted into the categories of cost, schedule, and performance. In order to narrow the scope of the project, the team decided to focus on schedule metrics. Seven of the most common schedule metrics were selected for evaluation by a group of five experienced acquisition professionals. The group was asked to input the likely behaviors driven by the metrics being addressed by the study. Next, they …


Risk Identification In Major Weapon Systems Acquisition In The Republic Of China Air Force, Te-Lung Tsai Sep 1992

Risk Identification In Major Weapon Systems Acquisition In The Republic Of China Air Force, Te-Lung Tsai

Theses and Dissertations

This research examined the magnitudes of the performance, supportability, life-cycle cost, schedule, and management risk factors in current Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) weapon systems acquisition programs and analyzed the risk drivers with respect to those risk factors. Mid-to-high level managers in the ROCAF and Chung-Sun Institute of Science and Technology (CSIST) were surveyed to determine the extent to which various risk factors were contributing to program risk. A total of fifty-four (54) managers responded to the survey. The results indicate: high risks to performance, supportability, life cycle cost, and schedule, and moderate risk to management. Risk-drivers that contributed …


Intra-Theater Mobilization: Guidance, Process, And Tools, Christopher S. Cummins Sep 1992

Intra-Theater Mobilization: Guidance, Process, And Tools, Christopher S. Cummins

Theses and Dissertations

The study investigated the process of USAF unit level mobilization for movement within a theater of operations. Virtually all of the guidance and organization for unit level mobilization within the USAF is focused on inter- theater movement. Consequently, while the need for theater mobility is real, USAF units may not be well grounded in the procedures and techniques necessary to move successfully. The purpose of the study was to describe the essential process of unit level mobilization and determine the differences from inter- theater mobilizations. In addition, the available tools for accomplishing the tasks of mobilization within a theater of …


The Application Of Function Points To Predict Source Lines Of Code For Software Development, Garland S. Henderson Sep 1992

The Application Of Function Points To Predict Source Lines Of Code For Software Development, Garland S. Henderson

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigated the results of using function point analysis-based estimates to predict source lines of code (SLOC) for software development projects. The majority of software cost and effort estimating parametric tools are categorized as SLOC-based, meaning SLOC is the primary input. Early in a program, an accurate estimate of SLOC is difficult to project. Function points, another parametric software estimating tool, bases software cost and effort estimates on the functionality of a system. This functionality is described by documents available early in a program. Using a modeling methodology, the research focuses on function point's ability to accurately estimate SLOC …


An Analysis Of The Potential Use Of Red Horse Capabilities And Training Activities To Perform Or Accelerate Air Force Environmental Cleanups, E. Alexander Stokes Iii, Randy A. Carpenter Sep 1992

An Analysis Of The Potential Use Of Red Horse Capabilities And Training Activities To Perform Or Accelerate Air Force Environmental Cleanups, E. Alexander Stokes Iii, Randy A. Carpenter

Theses and Dissertations

There are more than 4,000 Air Force (AF) sites requiring restoration due to hazardous waste contamination. The AF goal is to completely restore all sites by 2000. One method of achieving this ambitious goal is to use in-house capabilities. This study examined the potential use of RED HORSE capabilities and training activities to assist with cleanup of contaminated sites. RED HORSE capabilities and training requirements were compared to the primary cleanup needs of the AF. One finding of this study suggests cleanup of sites contaminated by volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) is the primary need of the AF. The findings also …


The Development Of A Tri-Service Notification System For Type 1 Medical Materiel Complaints, Edmund K. Haraguchi, Christopher J. Harrington Sep 1992

The Development Of A Tri-Service Notification System For Type 1 Medical Materiel Complaints, Edmund K. Haraguchi, Christopher J. Harrington

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the notification process for defective medical materiel within the Department of Defense. The study first evaluated the efficiency of the current notification process for defective medical materiel within the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Second, a streamlined notification process and tri-service Type 1 message for defective medical materiel was developed. Finally, the effectiveness of this tri-service message was evaluated in comparison to the current notification messages used by the three services. Investigations using observational studies revealed duplication of both function and resources among the medical logistics offices of the three services. Through …


A Study Of The Relationship Between Personality Characteristics And Ethical Sensitivity In Business, Ronald A. Ortiz, David Petrillo Sep 1992

A Study Of The Relationship Between Personality Characteristics And Ethical Sensitivity In Business, Ronald A. Ortiz, David Petrillo

Theses and Dissertations

This research establishes a significant relationship between ethical sensitivity (the perception that a situation requires ethical consideration), and personality type, as characterized by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). A simple random sampling from the membership of the National Contract Management Association yielded 466 responses. The sample was analyzed by segmentation into government (181) and industry (285) respondents. The average ethical sensitivity response of 5.28 out of seven is considered high. Differences in perceptions of ethical sensitivity were significant among government and industry, and among ten scenarios often faced by contracting professionals. In the majority of scenarios, the government segment reported …


A Qualitative Study Of The European Trucking Industry And Logistics Strategies Using The United States Motor Carrier Industry As A Guide, David W. Butler, Andrew P. Wilhelm Sep 1992

A Qualitative Study Of The European Trucking Industry And Logistics Strategies Using The United States Motor Carrier Industry As A Guide, David W. Butler, Andrew P. Wilhelm

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the United States motor carrier industry experience with deregulation to afford a comparison with the European Community's (EC) expanded trade liberalization and harmonization program known as EC '92. Historical backgrounds were provided for the U.S. and European trucking industries highlighting significant similarities between the two. Relevant studies in the fields of trucking deregulation and logistics were reviewed Specifically, route control, price setting, efficiencies, and market share and concentration were analyzed. Logistics strategies arising from trucking deregulation were also examined.


Life-Cycle Costs Of Alternative Icbm Second Stage Designs, Brian D. Joyce, Patrick E. Poppert Sep 1992

Life-Cycle Costs Of Alternative Icbm Second Stage Designs, Brian D. Joyce, Patrick E. Poppert

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was twofold. The primary objective of our research was to develop and report life-cycle cost estimates for new second stage ICBM booster designs to Phillips Laboratory. Our second objective (perhaps of equal or greater importance as the first), was to provide the users of these estimates with a taste of what exactly is involved in life-cycle costs, the cost estimating process, and factors that influence these items. Life-cycle cost estimates were requested to supplement separate engineering and research efforts of both Phillips Laboratory and graduate students at the School of Engineering, Air Force Institute of …


A Feasibility Study On Consolidating Air Force Cost Reduction Programs, Joseph H. Donohoe, Mark A. Hobson Sep 1992

A Feasibility Study On Consolidating Air Force Cost Reduction Programs, Joseph H. Donohoe, Mark A. Hobson

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the possibility of consolidating available manufacturing cost savings programs into one concise effort with common ground rules and regulations. The current manufacturing cost savings program include the Industrial Modernization Incentive Program (IMIP), the Manufacturing Technology Program (MANTECH), and the Value Engineering Program (VE). A literature search revealed that there are problems associated with each of these cost savings programs. A case study was conducted on the B-2 System Program Office's effort to consolidate cost savings programs into one common effort. This case study revealed that there were positive benefits in reducing cost after consolidation. A survey of …


An Evaluation Of Measurements Used To Drive Competitiveness In A Depot Maintenance Environment, Jack A. Meyer Jr., Timothy A. Widowfield Sep 1992

An Evaluation Of Measurements Used To Drive Competitiveness In A Depot Maintenance Environment, Jack A. Meyer Jr., Timothy A. Widowfield

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis acknowledges that Air Force Materiel Command maintenance depots will face increased competition for workload, especially exchangeable items, both from other Service depots and from civilian contractors. The authors identify quality, delivery, and cost as the three primary competitive edges firms can use to gain advantage in the marketplace. Further, a recent study confirms that Air Force depot managers also consider these three factors of competitiveness to be most important. The authors tested two depot measurement systems: the Defense Depot Performance Measurement System (DDPMS) and measurements based on the Theory of Constraints (TOC). During personal interviews, 10 depot managers …


Award Fee In Software Acquisition, Mark T. Hunter Sep 1992

Award Fee In Software Acquisition, Mark T. Hunter

Theses and Dissertations

The focus of this research effort was to determine, in general terms, what contractual tools are available to influence contractor performance during the software development process and, specifically, whether or not award fee contracts are appropriate tools. First, a qualitative, in depth literature review was done. Next, personal interviews were conducted with Program Directors and Deputy Program Directors at Aeronautical Systems Center, Electronic Systems Center, and Space and Missiles Systems Center. Then, after the results were summarized, the data was analyzed and findings were made. Findings include: award fee was found to be the most flexible provision in the FAR …


A Study Of Configuration Management At Headquarters Logistics Command (Royal Australian Air Force), John F. Turner Sep 1992

A Study Of Configuration Management At Headquarters Logistics Command (Royal Australian Air Force), John F. Turner

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to provide insight into configuration management at the Royal Australian Air Force's Headquarters Logistics Command (HQLC) by determining whether current configuration management practices have any impact on HQLC's ability to meet its mission of providing logistics support. The research begins with a review of RAAF configuration management policy and procedures as applicable to in-service systems or technical equipment. A case study is used to investigate problems associated with inadequate configuration management being experienced by one HQLC engineering section, and to identify subsequent effects on engineering logistics capability. The case study results are used to …


A Study Of The Air Force Logistics Professional Development Model, David E. Gressman Mar 1992

A Study Of The Air Force Logistics Professional Development Model, David E. Gressman

Theses and Dissertations

The personnel population in the field of logistics has two major divisions. The first, is to organizations providing logistic support for the Air Force mission and is the Operations and maintenance area. The second area is Acquisition, which supports the Air Force mission to acquire new weapon systems. Until recently, there was no clear plan for logisticians assigned in these two major divisions to enhance their educational development. This research project reviewed several logistic career enhancement programs focusing on two new programs, the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP) and the Logistics Professional Development Program (LOGPDP). The APDP program has received …


Quantifying The Impact Of The Acquisition Professional Development Program Certification Requirements On The Air Force Institute Of Technology, Paul A. Nicholson Mar 1992

Quantifying The Impact Of The Acquisition Professional Development Program Certification Requirements On The Air Force Institute Of Technology, Paul A. Nicholson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research is to determine the impact of implementing the Acquisition Professional Development Program on the Air Force Institute of Technology. APDP is part of a DOD-wide effort to decrease inefficiency in the procurement process. The program encompasses a tri-level certification process based on experience, training, and educational standards. APDP serves as a guideline for professional development of acquisition personnel from entry to senior level management. Many of the courses required for certification are offered through AFIT School of Systems and Logistics. Integrating the new educational requirements as a standard for career development is expected to produce …


A Study To Improve The Brazilian Air Force's Material Management System, Nelson R. Farias, Pedro R. Boareto Dec 1991

A Study To Improve The Brazilian Air Force's Material Management System, Nelson R. Farias, Pedro R. Boareto

Theses and Dissertations

The first objective of this study was to identify all the common supply items currently being managed separately in the inventory of the various types of aircraft employed by the Brazilian Air Force, and to show how the system could be reorganized to consider the compatibility among these items. DBASE III programs were used to examine a file with 30103 registers containing part numbers occurring more than once in different aircraft's inventory, and to classify them in groups of identical items likely to be centrally managed. In addition, it was demonstrated that the system's structure would support the proposed reorganization …


Software Cost Estimating Models: A Calibration, Validation, And Comparison, Gerald L. Ourada Dec 1991

Software Cost Estimating Models: A Calibration, Validation, And Comparison, Gerald L. Ourada

Theses and Dissertations

This study was a calibration, validation and comparison of four software effort estimation models. The four models evaluated were REVIC, SASET, SEER, and COSTMODL. A historical database was obtained from Space Systems Division, in Los Angeles, and used as the input data. Two software environments were selected, one used to calibrate and validate the models outside their environment of calibration. REVIC and COSTMODL are COCOMO derivatives and were calibrated using Dr. Boehm's procedure. SASET and SEER were found to be un-calibratable for this effort. Accuracy of all the models was significantly low; none of the models performed better against the …


A Study Of The Adoption And Effectiveness Of Electronic Mail At The Air Force Institute Of Technology, Douglas D. White Dec 1991

A Study Of The Adoption And Effectiveness Of Electronic Mail At The Air Force Institute Of Technology, Douglas D. White

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigated the relationship between the adoption and effectiveness of electronic mail at the Air Force institute of Technology's School of Systems and Logistics (LS). In this research, theories concerning innovation adoption and measurement of system effectiveness are discussed. Survey instruments from both areas were selected, tested, and used to collect data from the LS faculty and staff. Correlation analysis was performed using the data collected. Findings indicate a correlation does exist between the adoption of electronic mail and the effectiveness surrogate measurement, user satisfaction. There was a significantly strong negative correlation between electronic mail complexity and user satisfaction.


Possible Application Of Quality Function Deployment In Software Systems Development In The United States Air Force, Craig R. Lamb Dec 1991

Possible Application Of Quality Function Deployment In Software Systems Development In The United States Air Force, Craig R. Lamb

Theses and Dissertations

The objectives of the thesis were to determine whether the methods of Quality Function Deployment (QFD) could be used in the software development environment within the USAF, and whether or not this area should be researched further. The research was limited to the requirements analysis and definition phase. The different areas of study included a brief review of the structured analysis methodology, a detailed review of the QFD models currently being used in the product industries, a review of how QFD fits into the software development cycle, and specific software modifications to the QFD methodology. A review of some applications …


An Expert System For Measuring, Interpreting, And Managing System Performance Factors For The Work Information Management System, Billy J. C. Irwin Dec 1991

An Expert System For Measuring, Interpreting, And Managing System Performance Factors For The Work Information Management System, Billy J. C. Irwin

Theses and Dissertations

This study develops an expert system for measuring, interpreting, and managing the Wang VS operating system performance factors for the Work Information Management System. The system's performance concerns least known to system administrators are identified. Of these, SHARER buffers and VTOC cache are identified as factors that can significantly impact system performance with little effort. A six step process is used in developing the expert system. Concept maps representing the structure of the Wang VS Disk Input/Output problem domain are provided. The expert system provides information about the system parameters, SHARER buffers and VTOC cache, and recommends main memory allocations. …


Investigative Search Of Quality Historical Software Support Cost Data And Software Support Cost-Related Data, Brent L. Barber Dec 1991

Investigative Search Of Quality Historical Software Support Cost Data And Software Support Cost-Related Data, Brent L. Barber

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to determine what software support cost data and software support cost-related data should and can be collected by the Air Force. In addition, the study was to determine how the subject data should be collected. The collection of this data is necessary in order to measure the accuracy and calibration requirements of the software support cost models used by the Air Force. The study found there was no standard set of data items, and no standard procedures in place for the collection of this data. In most cases data were available or easily accessible, …


A Comparative Study Of Dod And Civilian Hospital Inventory Management Systems, Karen A. Lemay Dec 1991

A Comparative Study Of Dod And Civilian Hospital Inventory Management Systems, Karen A. Lemay

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis was to determine if one method of inventory management would standardize procedures and minimize costs for Department of Defense and civilian hospitals. This was accomplished by conducting a comparative analysis of inventory management systems, used at Wright-Patterson Medical Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio; Kettering Medical Center, Kettering, Ohio; and Evans US Army Community Hospital, Ft. Carson, Colorado. The literature review examined various inventory management methods used for both general and hospital specific inventories. The thesis concluded that, although different automated systems were used at the three hospitals studied, the basis of each inventory …


Improving Royal Australian Air Force Strategic Airlift Planning By Application Of A Computer Based Management Information System, Neil A. Cooper Dec 1991

Improving Royal Australian Air Force Strategic Airlift Planning By Application Of A Computer Based Management Information System, Neil A. Cooper

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to propose a MIS to assist RAAF strategic operational airlift planning. The present manual approach suffers deficiencies in flexibility, consistency and timeliness. Airlift planning was first analysed and found to comprise activities of investigation, detailed static planning, implementation and dynamic planning, and review. Planning performance is measured by the effectiveness and efficiency of resulting airlift. Automation of planning functions was investigated, especially the routing and scheduling of airlift. USAF systems, including ADANS, were reviewed and applicability to the RAAF evaluated. Automation of planning functions was investigated, especially the routing and scheduling of airlift. USAF …


An Analysis Of The Information Requirements Of Conus Based Deputy Commanders For Maintenance, Daniel J. Green Dec 1991

An Analysis Of The Information Requirements Of Conus Based Deputy Commanders For Maintenance, Daniel J. Green

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to identify the information requirements of Air Force Deputy Commanders for Maintenance. It had three basic objectives: (1) identify the critical success factors that they monitor on a continuous basis, (2) identify similarities in those requirements for all DGMs and across major commands, and (3) determine if the application of information technology would enhance their decision making. Surveys were sent to all CONUS based Deputy Commanders for Maintenance. The study found that there were nine critical success factors that were used by a majority of all respondents. In addition, nine command-specific critical success factors …


A Delphi Forecast Of 1996 Roles: Air Force Institute Of Technology Information Resource Management Graduates Assigned To Base Level, David O. Block Dec 1991

A Delphi Forecast Of 1996 Roles: Air Force Institute Of Technology Information Resource Management Graduates Assigned To Base Level, David O. Block

Theses and Dissertations

Graduates of the Air Force Institute of Technology's Information Resource Management master's degree program who are subsequently assigned to base-level positions believe their IRM expertise is wasted in base administration roles that preclude the use of their up-to-date technical educations in managing automated information resources. This research forecasts the role AFIT IRM graduates assigned to base-level positions will need to fill by the year 1996. The research further determined what changes are necessary to resolve the perceived differences between current and forecast roles for these graduates. The Delphi survey method of forecasting was selected as an effective method of discovering …


Effective Design Of Strategic Control Systems For Air Force Information Management: A Program Evaluation, B. Bruce Cowser Dec 1991

Effective Design Of Strategic Control Systems For Air Force Information Management: A Program Evaluation, B. Bruce Cowser

Theses and Dissertations

Strategic planning and implementation and strategic controls offer organizations powerful and essential tools for proactive management. In Information Management (IM), they hold the key to successfully navigating the current turbulent environment. This study was conducted in order to evaluate strategic controls in Air Force Information Management, and to recommend ways to improve them. A model for strategic controls was developed from the literature to serve as a standard for evaluating current programs. Interviews were conducted at three major commands to gather data on the current state of strategic controls. A qualitative analysis methodology was selected, and recommendations include the following …


An Investigation Of Project Management Techniques For Scheduling Raaf Depot Level Maintenance, Kerry M. Bayley Sep 1991

An Investigation Of Project Management Techniques For Scheduling Raaf Depot Level Maintenance, Kerry M. Bayley

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigates scheduling performances of commercial project management software. It is based on difficulties that the Royal Australian Air Force experienced in evaluating microcomputer-based packages in maintenance task scheduling of aircraft undergoing Depot Level Maintenance. A literature review found only one paper quantifying commercial software performances. No standard performance metrics or test data were found. Several packages were evaluated using a common set of 110 single-project resource- constrained networks. The performance measure used was closeness to optimally minimum Total Durations. No package performed best on all problems. On average, the best produced schedules 5.2% longer than optimal, with 95 …


An Analysis Of Fixed Wing Tactical Airlifter Characteristics Using An Intra-Theater Airlift Computer Model, Paul Pappas Sep 1991

An Analysis Of Fixed Wing Tactical Airlifter Characteristics Using An Intra-Theater Airlift Computer Model, Paul Pappas

Theses and Dissertations

This study used computer simulation to identify which tactical airlifter characteristics most significantly affected tactical airlift capability in a given scenario. The Generalized Air Mobility model was used to simulate a tactical airlift system. Aircraft characteristics within the model were grouped into six variables. A 2(6) two level full factorial experimental design was used to assess the effect of changes in aircraft characteristics on the effectiveness of the tactical airlift system. Yates algorithm was used to identify significant terms based upon the results of the factorial experiment. These significant terms were used to develop a parsimonious regression model that represented …