Business Commons^™

A Review Of Selected Usaf Life Cycle Costing Models, Mark G. Twomey

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the history of the development of life cycle costing (LCC) in the DOD and USAF, and reviewed 11 'mainstream' LCC models currently being used by the Air Force including the LSC, LCCH, ZCORE, CASA, PRICE H, PRICE HL, PRICE M, PRICE S, MLCC, Dyna-METRIC, and LCOM models. A literature search revealed that the last comprehensive reviews of LCC modeling in the USAF were conducted in the 1970s by the Joint AFSC/AFLC Commanders' Working Group on LCC and Rand. LCC's initial development, in the 1960s, was prompted by rapid increases in operating and support (O and S) costs …

The Disaster™ Scheduling System: A Review And Case Analysis, Jefferson L. Severs

Theses and Dissertations

This research examined the capabilities of a new scheduling system, called DISASTER, based on the theory of constraints. Use of this system may be beneficial to the Department of Defense, particularly Air Force Logistics Command maintenance organizations. The research begins with a review of literature pertaining to manufacturing planning and control systems, including material requirements planning (MRP), manufacturing resource planning (MRP II), AFLC's Depot Maintenance Management Information System (DMMIS), just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing, and the theory of constraints (drum-buffer-rope scheduling) . The research then examined the logic and operation of the DISASTER system. Next, the research examined the implementation of DISASTER …

Leadership Self-Efficacy: Measuring The Effects Of Leadership Training At Squadron Officer School, Gilbert W. Jennings

Theses and Dissertations

This study used a measure of change in perceived self-efficacy as a method for evaluating the effectiveness of the leadership training conducted at the Air Force's Squadron Officer School (SOS), Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. A self-assessment survey was developed to measure the change in perceived self- efficacy related to leadership behaviors of the students when they compare themselves to their idea of an ideal leader/manager. Dr. Gary A Yukl's (1989) taxonomy of leadership skills was used as the leadership model in the development of the survey instrument. A statistical analysis was done to determine which of Yukl's skills showed …

The Effect Of Defense Management Review Decision 904, Stock Funding Depot Level Reparables, On Cash Flow Within The Reparable Support Division Of The Air Force Stock Fund, Deborah A. Elliot

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated what the potential cash flow condition of the Reparable Support Division of the Air Force Stock Fund might be after final implementation of the procedures outlined in Defense Management Review Decision 904, Stock Funding Depot Level Reparables. The operation of the future Reparable Support Division was modelled using the General Purpose Simulation Software (GPSS/H) package and future cash flow conditions were projected through use of this model. Recommendations were then made based on the results of these projections and based on other data gathered during the course of the research process.

The Development Of An Officer Training School Board Score Prediction Method Using A Multi-Board Approach, Sandra C. Niemi

Theses and Dissertations

One phase in the Officer Training School (OTS) selection process is meeting a selection board. Recruiting Services (HQ ATC/RS) currently uses a regression model (based on data from one board) to evenly distribute 'quality' among the different panels in the selection boards. HQ ATC/RS wanted a method of predicting board scores based on data from multiple boards. This study used the results from eighteen boards and 9215 applicants to develop and validate a multi-board regression model for each of five application categories. Comparisons between the two models showed mixed results. In two categories, non- rated operations and technical, the single-board …

Analysis Of The Effects Of The Commander's Battle Positioning On Unit Combat Performance, Thomas I. Pratt

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the Commander's battle positioning on unit combat performance. Research was focused on analyzing the location of the Battalion/Task Force Commander during daytime deliberate attacks conducted at the U.S. Army's National Training Center, Fort Irwin, CA. Forty battles, from January 1986 to September 1989, provided the basis for this study. Information that described the Commander's location, a general description of the battle, and unit measures of effectiveness, was collected for each battle and put in a format that allowed for ease of analysis. This study database was explored using numerous …

A Study Of Variables To Help Predict Navigator Training Success And Classification, Gary A. Hagler

Theses and Dissertations

This study attempted to build statistical models which could possibly be used to help predict an individual's final outcome of pass or fail from Undergraduate Navigator Training (UNT). Also, the research tried to develop models to help place a potential trainee into one of the three training tracks at UNT. The variables studied were test scores from a computerized testing device which measured psychomotor and cognitive skills of individuals entering training. The Air Force Officers Qualifying Test (AFOQT) scores were also variables considered. Data was from 317 trainees from the years 1988 to 1990. Discriminant analysis was applied in an …

An Empirical Investigation Of A Choice Of Accounting Method For Investments By Colleges And Universities: Positive Accounting Theory Applied In A Not-For-Profit Environment, Bruce W. Chase

Theses and Dissertations

The reasons why managers make certain accounting method choices have been explored by accounting researchers for some time. For over ten years, much of this research has been driven by positive accounting theory, which is based on the underlying assumption that managers act rationally to maximize their own personal wealth when making accounting method choices. This study is an initial attempt to extend positive accounting theory research to a not-for-profit setting; specifically, the choice of accounting method for endowment investments by colleges and universities is examined.

The three objectives of this study are: 1) to determine if the findings of …

An Assessment Of The Factors In Office Automation Systems Affecting Air Force Middle Managers And Clerical Workers In The Information Management Career Field, Loy C. Cook

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis was to investigate the attitudes and opinions of personnel affected by two office automation systems. Reprographics Automated Management System (RAMS) and Records Information Management System (RIMS). Eight investigative questions were posed: (1) How receptive were information management personnel to the office automation systems (RAMS and RIMS)? (2) Were information management personnel's perception different now from the period prior to installation of the office automation systems? (3) What is the frequency of use for each office automation system? (4) What major factors impede these office automation projects (RAMS/RIMS)? (5) What major factors facilitate these office automation …

Air Force Information Management (Im): A 1990 Snapshot And 1995 Future Look At Air Force Im Needs And Preferred Education/Training Approaches, Richard T. Mcghee

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigated 37 training topics which were of interest to Air Force (AF) information managers, Air Force Specialty Code 70XX. The topics were grouped into the following seven information resource related clusters; (1) computer operating systems, (2) data communications, (3) Air Force Standard Systems (PDOS, RAMS, and PCIII), (4) information resource management concepts, (5) AF/IM career field issues, (6) computer hardware, and finally, (7) computer software. Twenty-four graduates of the AF Institute of Technology's (AFIT) Information Resource Management program were asked to provide their perceptions of AF information managers (IMs) current (1990) and needed (1995) knowledge/skill levels on each …

An Evaluation Of The Educational Background And Knowledge Base Of Air Force Information Management Officers, Summer E. Scott

Theses and Dissertations

This study compares the educational background and knowledge base recommended for Information Management professionals to that currently possessed by Air Force Information Management (IM) officers. The literature review revealed that information managers should have an educational background that provides them with knowledge in the areas of people, computers, systems, models, organization, and society. Statistics made available through the Air Force Manpower and Personnel Center (AFMPC) indicated that only 2.1% of all 70XX officers have a complete information resource management background, and only 7% have a technical or computer-related background.

An Examination Of The Perceived Computer Literacy Of Enlisted Air Force Administration Personnel And An Analysis Of Their Perceived Training Needs, Howard A. Bass

Theses and Dissertations

With the realignment of the Air Force administration career field under the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Air Force on November 19, 1987, came a new set of requirements for all Air Force administrators. They were now responsible for electronic information as well as the written word. The question was, did the administrators have the technical capabilities, or computer literacy, needed to handle these new requirements. This study made that assessment and additionally made a determination of the enlisted administrators perceived computer training needs. The results revealed that only 64.3% of the respondents perceived themselves as computer literate. …

Executive Information Systems For Usaf Hospital Administrators: A Feasibility Assessment, Alan R. Constantian

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigated the feasibility of implementing an executive information system (EIS) for hospital administrators at CONUS-based USAF inpatient medical facilities. A literature search determined that successful system implementation would require that such an EIS be found technically, economically, operationally, and motivationally feasible. Failure to meet any of these feasibility factors would jeopardize successful implementation. Surveys were mailed to each of the administrators and medical systems officers of CONUS- based USAF inpatient medical facilities in order to gather data on these feasibility issues. Approximately eighty percent of the survey population of 66 in each group responded to the survey. There …

Investigating The Application Of The Theory Of Constraints To The Scheduling Environment Of The Iaf's Depots, Lewis S. Trigger

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigated the application and merits of the Theory of Constraints (TOC) to the scheduling environment of the Israeli Air Force's (IAF) maintenance depots. TOC was extensively reviewed including an elaboration of the TOC paradigm and the scheduling procedures developed for a commercial manufacturing setting. Background information was also presented on the IAF depots and traditional scheduling rules. An experiment was designed and conducted that simulated a simplified version of the process flow of the armaments depot. the simulation compared the terms of lower inventory and makespan. The experiment did not conclusively show any difference in standard throughput hours …

Fund Accounting Principles Advocated By Accounting Educators And Hospital/Municipal/College Chief Accountants, Carol S. Dobitz

Theses and Dissertations

The study was designed to determine appropriate content for the Fund Accounting topic offered in college accounting programs to aid in ensuring that accounting graduates have adequate preparation for accounting positions with nonprofit entities.Two questionnaires, containing the same fifty-seven nonprofit accounting principles and different demographic variables, were developed with the input from a panel of experts. These were mailed nationally to Accounting Educators and Chief Accountants employed by nonprofit hospitals, nonprofit colleges, and municipalities. The respondents indicated (1) the nonprofit accounting principles that are in current usage and (2) the principles respondents believed are appropriate.The findings were based on the …

A Study Of The Elimination Of Corporate Income Taxes In America, Ronald E. Hansen

Theses and Dissertations

A study advocating the elimination of corporate income taxes. Resulting benefits and savings are described including the creation of a more progressive personal tax structure and a reduction of general price levels. The shift in tax burden from public to private sectors is examined along with the determination of an average corporate tax rate used to calculate the expected price reductions. Implementation strategy is discussed and focuses on public acceptance and flexibility.

The Phenomenon Of Superconductivity: A Feasibility Study For Business, Julian E. Thrash

Theses and Dissertations

Why should American industries risk future viability in order to invest in superconductivity? This independent study explored this question in order to reach a more informed conclusion. The tendency for American firms is to plan for short-term profits at the expense of research and development programs. By cutting research and development funds, firms are losing a proprietary knowledge base necessary to compete in a dynamic environment. A loss of proprietary knowledge in the field of science, severely handicaps a firm in its drive for success.

The information presented in this study is an attempt to give the average corporate executive …

Effect Of Mergers And Acquisitions On Stockholders And The Economy, Timothy J. Parker

Theses and Dissertations

The size and volume of takeover activity has increased astronomically since the frenzy of current takeover activity began with the 1974 raid on ESB, Inc. in Philadelphia. Since then we have witnessed the growth of the raider financing tool: the junk bond. This high yield but incredibly risky bond has helped finance some of the largest mergers and acquisitions in history. The risk has not driven away investors looking for substantial fast earnings. The demand for these so called bellow-investment-grade bonds continue to grow.

Are these bonds causing companies to take on too much debt to finance takeovers? Does this …

The Training Function In Business, Terry A. Huseth

Theses and Dissertations

The problem statement to be discussed is the training function in business today, including a review of training alternatives available and how these alternatives can be made to fit a company's needs in a cost-effective manner. The method used for this paper is a review of recent articles regarding training. The majority of the materials reviewed were written by professional training management persons or training consultants. These people should have a working knowledge of the training function. Information was also drawn from personal experience, since a portion of my job includes being education officer for the company. The resulting information …

Problems In Applying Auditing And Accounting Standards To The Small Business, Sandra L. Thornton

Theses and Dissertations

For several years, the small business constituency has encountered problems in applying both auditing standards and accounting standards to the small business. These application problems are inherent in the standards themselves since they appear to have been developed and written for the large, public businesses rather than small, private businesses.

There are several characteristics that distinguish small, private businesses from large, public businesses. These characteristics often cause many difficulties to the auditor of small businesses because they either do not apply to small business or they are difficult to apply simply because the business is small.

The problems auditors of …

Financial Management For The New Entrepreneur, Janna L. Rohrer

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Healthcare And The Evolution Of Managed Care Plans, James S. Bogan

Theses and Dissertations

Many consumers and employers are becoming increasingly concerned about the cost, quality, and appropriateness of health care services. This study examines the different managed care systems that integrate financing and delivery of health services. It describes the three most common managed care systems in use today and discusses the issues that medical providers must deal with in contracting with these systems. The study also explores the limitations of the different systems in curtailing the costs of health services or increasing the quality. The research is conducted in current literature. Details of a specific HMO plan are presented. The level at …

Why Small Businesses Fail, William W. Schlepuetz

Theses and Dissertations

Small businesses fail at an alarmingly high rate. The seriousness of this is underscored by the impact of small business on the economy. Small business accounts for 45% of the U. s. gross national product and employs nearly 60% of the work force.

External factors such as the environment are responsible for some failures. Internal causes of failure parallel all functional areas of the business: however, approximately 90 percent of all small business failures are related to management incompetence or inexperience.

Two major failings of the incompetent or inexperienced manager are the lack of a business plan and poor managerial …

Management Practices In Family Practice Residency Programs, Carol L. Schwan

Theses and Dissertations

N/A

Has The Small Business Administrations Minority Business Development Program Been Successful?, Rese E. Farrish Jr

Theses and Dissertations

Minorities are less likely to own a firm than their non-minority counterparts and many continue to form businesses with little growth potential. The Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Section 8(a) Minority Business Development Program is responsible for assisting small minority owned businesses in making a successful transition into the competitive marketplace. Using congressional reports, surveys, and independent reports, this study attempted to answer the question, "Has the 8(a) program been serving its purpose? Is it working?" To answer this question several problem areas were discussed. These centered in two areas, problems within the SBA and problems encountered in the …

Intervention In The Foreign Exchange Markets: How Effective Is It?, Betty A. Herre

Theses and Dissertations

Intervention in the foreign-exchange markets by the central banks of the major industrial nations has been the norm for a little over 40 years. The level of intervention exercised by these central banks during these 40 years has ranged from very heavy to very light. At one extreme was the Bretton Woods period which was characterized by extensive, cooperative intervention among central banks to maintain fixed exchange rates between currencies. At the other extreme were periods like the early to mid-1970's and the early to mid-1980's which were characterized by the use of only occasional intervention. The most recent round …

A Management Perspective On The People, Procedures And Prevention Of Computer Crime, Lt. James B. Roan

Theses and Dissertations

The area of computer crime is a new and complex one. Corporations are increasingly feeling the ramifications of computer crime. It is estimated that computer crime has an impact of over four billion dollars yearly.

The types of computer crime include vandalism, theft of industrial secrets, and theft of financial assets. The range of computer crime includes profit organizations, service centers, and research facilities. A new danger for research and medical centers is the possibility of destroying vital research data.

The type of people involved in computer crime are varied. Most of the people are not super intelligent; rather they …

The Position Of The Stockholder In Corporate Bankruptcy, Daniel S. Yinger

Theses and Dissertations

The fate of a stockholder's investment in declining corporation depends on what the company does before and during bankruptcy. It is certainly possible that the firm may end up being liquidated with the stockholder loosing everything. On the other hand, the company can be bought by another firm, merge with a more successful entity, or even successfully reorganize alone to become a highly profitable firm. Just which of these events will come to pas~ is not always certain. It depends on the legal environment the company is faced with before and after the bankruptcy decision is made. In addition, market …

The Future Of The Small Business Administration And Their Lending Program, Gregory D. Shirley

Theses and Dissertations

The SBA is one of many federal agencies that are being scrutinized as to the use of the funds they receive from the Federal Government. The SBA's loan programs have been criticized for not being cost effective. This paper will examine the types of loans the SBA makes, the cost of these loans and the procedures for determining who obtains the loans. There are major flaws in the way the SBA manages its current loan portfolio. These flaws have resulted in an above average rate of default on SBA loans. Chapter III examines these faults. Chapter IV deals with solutions …

A Study Of The Stock Market Crash Of October 1987, Jonathan D. Rudman

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the situation surrounding the stock market crash of 1987. The research was conducted in current literature and government reports. The goal of the study is to provide a background on the operations of the stock markets, examine factors leading to and contributing to the crash of 1987, and compare the crash of 1987 to the crash of 1929 in order to provide possible insight to weaknesses in the market system.

The conclusions support specific recommendations that are designed to correct market inefficiencies. These recommendations include increasing margin requirements on index futures, monitoring the performance of specialists, and …