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Theses/Dissertations

1996

Theses and Dissertations

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Full-Text Articles in Business

A Preliminary Study Of Using The Sei's Capability Maturity Model To Set Statistical Control Bounds On Dod Contractor Cost And Schedule Performance, Jeffrey A. Schaefer Dec 1996

A Preliminary Study Of Using The Sei's Capability Maturity Model To Set Statistical Control Bounds On Dod Contractor Cost And Schedule Performance, Jeffrey A. Schaefer

Theses and Dissertations

Current methods for monitoring the performance of Department of Defense (DOD) software development contractors have not been successful in reversing the current trend of over budget and behind schedule software development. The DOD has adopted the Software Engineering Institute's (SEI's) Capability Maturity Model (CMM) as a method of determining the process maturity of a software developer with the idea that a more mature process will lead to improved cost and schedule performance. The goal of this research was to determine if a model based on the CMM rating level of a contractor could be developed and used in conjunction with …

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Whose Information Is It Anyway? An Argument For Information Stewardship, Trevor W. Plant Dec 1996

Whose Information Is It Anyway? An Argument For Information Stewardship, Trevor W. Plant

Theses and Dissertations

Information is an important resource for businesses and government, with information quality influencing decision quality, and highlighting our need to manage our information well: as a resource. Information Resource Management (IRM) has as its goal the management of information as a resource, but has not been implemented with the level of success expected. Problems with the implementation of IRM are indicated by the presence of redundant or inconsistent data, inability to share information across systems, and difficulty finding the information on systems. We propose that these difficulties are related to behaviours linked to perceived ownership of corporate information by organisational …

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Some Empirical Evidence On The Non-Normality Of Cost Variances On Defense Contracts, Robert J. Conley Iv Nov 1996

Some Empirical Evidence On The Non-Normality Of Cost Variances On Defense Contracts, Robert J. Conley Iv

Theses and Dissertations

This study tested the hypothesis that defense cost variances reported on the Cost Performance Report are normally distributed. The DOD requires that all defense cost variances which breech a pre-specified threshold be investigated. The present variance investigation model has been criticized because it can prompt frivolous investigations. In theory, statistical models could reduce the number of frivolous investigations, but they are not used because they require too much information about the cost variance, including its distributional form. Often such models assume a normal distribution, but researchers have shown that the models do not work properly if the assumption is fallacious. …

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Privatization-In-Place And The Impact On The Department Of Defense Depots: A Case Study At Newark Afb, Mark Luttschwager Sep 1996

Privatization-In-Place And The Impact On The Department Of Defense Depots: A Case Study At Newark Afb, Mark Luttschwager

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to document the change in organizational structure when military jobs and production are transferred to civilian corporations under privatization in place (PIP). Privatization-in-place is a new concept that is being implemented, at Newark AFB, as a result of base closure and the desire to maintain as many jobs as possible in the local community. In the course of this research, it is shown how the new civilian management structure compares to the existing military structure and functions. The purpose was to provide insight into what changes would occur under private management as opposed to …

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Integration Of The Distribution And Repair In Variable Environments (Drive) Model Into Micap Policy, Bradley E. Anderson Sep 1996

Integration Of The Distribution And Repair In Variable Environments (Drive) Model Into Micap Policy, Bradley E. Anderson

Theses and Dissertations

The United States Air Force has implemented the Distribution and Repair In Variable Environments (DRIVE) Model to a limited degree for a limited range of items, and policy makers seem unsure as to the proper level of DRIVE utilization. New asset release sequences and policies have been proposed without evidence to support those decisions. The purpose of this study is to explore different levels of DRIVE implementation relating to proposed asset release policies in order to provide some evidence on which policy could best support Air Force weapon systems. A second purpose of this study is to show how the …

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An Analysis Of Foreign Military Sales Follow-On Logistics Support And Industry's Future Role, Curtis L. Wilken Sep 1996

An Analysis Of Foreign Military Sales Follow-On Logistics Support And Industry's Future Role, Curtis L. Wilken

Theses and Dissertations

This research describes how Foreign Military Sales follow-on support will be provided for in the future based on changes currently taking place in the Department of Defense, Air Force, and industry today. Information on the current system was gathered through a thorough review of the literature. Interviews were used extensively To determine the future plans of industry. In the Department of Defense, outsourcing and privatization, most notably depot privatization will affect the way that follow-on support is provided in the future. Due in large part to shrinking arms sales, private industry is increasing the emphasis placed on providing follow-on support …

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A Model For Successful Reutilization Of A Military Installation: A Case Study Of Gentile Air Force Station, Maria L. Garcia Sep 1996

A Model For Successful Reutilization Of A Military Installation: A Case Study Of Gentile Air Force Station, Maria L. Garcia

Theses and Dissertations

Previous research concerning base closure and reutilization focused on the roles of government agencies and the assistance they provided. This study looks at the community and the impact of installation closure. The process of planning for reuse of an installation is difficult and confusing. The guidance provided by the government has changed drastically since the first closures announced in the 1988 Base Realignment and Closure Committee recommendations. This study focuses on the strategy employed by Kettering, OH to successfully reuse Gentile AFS upon closure. As the final part in a longitudinal study, the research focus was lessons learned and implementation …

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The Design Of A Financial Management Database System, Edward G. Leszynski Sep 1996

The Design Of A Financial Management Database System, Edward G. Leszynski

Theses and Dissertations

This research led to the design and development of a financial management database system for the Aeronautical Systems Center (AS C) Environmental Management (EM) Systems Program Office (SPO), which has the responsibility of managing the environmental contracts for the Government-Owned, Contractor-Operated (GOCO) plants that are owned by the Air Force. This thesis investigated the various 'development strategies' and 'methodologies' described in the Management Information Systems literature in order to devise an end-user development strategy capable of meeting the EM SPO's requirements. In addition, the information requirements, conceptual design and prototyping, and procedures phases of the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) …

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An Exploratory Study Of The Benefits Received By Wright Laboratory (Wl) From Technology Transfer Activities, Clinton J. Braun Sep 1996

An Exploratory Study Of The Benefits Received By Wright Laboratory (Wl) From Technology Transfer Activities, Clinton J. Braun

Theses and Dissertations

The allocation of resources should be a rational decision making process where alternatives can be compared based on their estimated costs and benefits to the organization. In order to justify technology transfer activities, a sound methodology must be developed that will document the benefits derived from transfer activities. The risks or uncertainties associated with those benefits must also be estimated and analyzed. By detailing the costs, benefits, and uncertainties associated with technology transfer activities, decision makers will have a logical framework that can be used to determine the cost effectiveness of technology transfer. Leaders within the technology transfer arena are …

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An Evaluation Of U.S. Air Force Aviation Fuel Consumption Factors To Accurately Predict Aviation Fuel Costs By Aircraft Mission, Design, And Series, Jodi A. Clayton Sep 1996

An Evaluation Of U.S. Air Force Aviation Fuel Consumption Factors To Accurately Predict Aviation Fuel Costs By Aircraft Mission, Design, And Series, Jodi A. Clayton

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis was to undertake a systematic, scientific study of the accuracy of Air Force published fuel factors to estimate fuel costs at MAJCOM level by mission, design, and series (MDS) since the implementation of the Fuels Automated Management System (FAMS) under the current environment of decentralized aviation fuel (AVFUEL) funding. The research found that, at MAJCOM level, the use of USAF published AVFUEL factors in estimating out-year costs would have overstated costs in both fiscal year (FY) 1994 and FY 1995 by $2.5 M (FY 1994), by $.25 M (FY 1995), and may potentially understate costs …

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Factors For Effective Facilitator Training Evaluation, Mark I. Wade Sep 1996

Factors For Effective Facilitator Training Evaluation, Mark I. Wade

Theses and Dissertations

This study evaluated the TQM facilitator training course at Wright-Patt Campus, Wright-Patterson AFB. One-hundred sixty-two civilian and military trainees completed a 113 item survey containing 7 outcome scales based on Kraiger's (1993) cognitive, skill based and affective training outcomes. Additional criteria, including experience, training, attitudinal, personality, and organizational support factors, were evaluated for their influence on training outcomes. Results from intercorrelational and hierarchical regression analysis strongly supported the theoretical model of effective facilitator training and suggest that the Wright-Patt Campus does provide effective TQM facilitator training. This study also identified several factors that appear to contribute to improved facilitator effectiveness: …

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An Analysis Of Third Party Logistics And Implications For Usaf Logistics, Thomas J. Thompson Sep 1996

An Analysis Of Third Party Logistics And Implications For Usaf Logistics, Thomas J. Thompson

Theses and Dissertations

This study was undertaken to determine the current trends in third party logistics. The Air Force Material Command Lean Logistics office sought information for improving USAF logistics support. The purposes of this study were to report results of third party logistics use, determine characteristics of successful third party relationships, and to discuss the implications for USAF logistics managers. A qualitative research methodology was chosen using multiple case studies. Logistics managers from eight third party users and ten third party providers were administered an extensive research protocol. The results revealed an industry which is growing rapidly. While the momentum for third …

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Prioritization Schemes Of The Air Force Logistics Reparable Pipeline, Brigham K. Briggs Sep 1996

Prioritization Schemes Of The Air Force Logistics Reparable Pipeline, Brigham K. Briggs

Theses and Dissertations

This study describes the prioritization schemes utilized in the Air Force logistics reparable pipeline. The reparable pipeline is defined and illustrated with flowcharts. A literature review examines previous research conducted on the reparable pipeline, including analytic and conceptual pipeline models, and pipeline management studies. In addition, the topic of prioritization as defined in the production/operations management academic discipline is reviewed. Prioritization schemes of the reparable pipeline are reported in tabular format in addition to descriptions of the various prioritization schemes. Recommendations for pipeline improvement and further research form a basis from which pipeline operation may be improved. p9

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The Effects Of Managerial Succession On Air Force Members, Todd M. Young Sep 1996

The Effects Of Managerial Succession On Air Force Members, Todd M. Young

Theses and Dissertations

Managerial succession causes disruption that impacts the incoming leader and members of the organization. Yet, surprisingly, there has been little research investigating the effects of succession on Air Force members. This study investigated four typical reactions to succession that seemed likely to be experienced by most employees. They included changes in: (1) member's attitudes about their job, (2) member's attitudes about their leader's behavior, (3) member's behavior on the job, and (4) the leader's behavior (as observed by the members). The mean responses of workers from organizations that had recently experienced succession (i.e., the supervisor has been in place for …

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Consolidation And Realignment Of Base-Level Support Equipment Maintenance, James C. Katrenak Sep 1996

Consolidation And Realignment Of Base-Level Support Equipment Maintenance, James C. Katrenak

Theses and Dissertations

The adoption of the 'Objective Wing' organization in the U.S. Air Force has realigned many base-level maintenance functions. Support equipment is currently maintained and accounted for by several units under the Logistics Group Commander. This research determined the feasibility and consequences of consolidating or realigning maintenance of powered and non-powered AGE, MMHE, engine trailers, and vehicles into one consolidated maintenance shop or unit per base. This study consulted many sources, ranging from occupational survey reports and career field education and training plans to actual field observations of maintenance processes and unstructured interviews of personnel and supervisors. This study determined that …

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The Implementation Of An Enhanced Activity-Based Costing Model At The Defense Supply Center Columbus, James A. Neice Jr., Vernon L. Scribner Sep 1996

The Implementation Of An Enhanced Activity-Based Costing Model At The Defense Supply Center Columbus, James A. Neice Jr., Vernon L. Scribner

Theses and Dissertations

This research explored the problems with ABC implementation at a government service organization. ABC implementation efforts within other government organizations were examined to determine what caused different organizations to implement ABC. Next a case study analysis was performed, following the implementation of an expanded ABC model within a government service organization. The research used unstructured open-ended interviews, on-site visits, and archival analysis to conduct the case study. The study examined how the organization developed its initial model and subsequently introduced an enhanced model. The enhanced ABC Model had not been implemented at DSCC as of the conclusion of this case …

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A Statistical Analysis Of Variables Related To Officer Retention, Gerald A. Scheuchner Sep 1996

A Statistical Analysis Of Variables Related To Officer Retention, Gerald A. Scheuchner

Theses and Dissertations

The overall objective of this research effort was to statistically analyze survey responses which indicate the extent to which exiting officers say different variables affected their decision to separate. Two surveys were utilized for this analysis. These surveys were administered by the Air Force Personnel and Survey Branch in 1991 and 1993. The first analysis tested whether significant differences existed between rated and non-rated officers with regard to how strongly they feel about each of the variables with respect to their separation decision. The second analysis tested whether significant differences existed between the rated and the non-rated officers respectively, with …

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A Survey Of Activity-Based Costing (Abc) Practices Within The Department Of The Army, Seon-Mook Lee, David S. Ryder Sep 1996

A Survey Of Activity-Based Costing (Abc) Practices Within The Department Of The Army, Seon-Mook Lee, David S. Ryder

Theses and Dissertations

Activity-Based Costing (ABC) does not appear to have been as readily accepted within the Department of the Army as within private industry (Kehoe et al., 1995). Barely able to accomplish their missions at current resource levels, military resource managers know historically that identified efficiencies and savings often are translated into self inflicted budget and manpower cuts. Yet, it is almost universally accepted that the benefits of using Activity-Based Costing are real and obtainable, but not yet worth the effort required with the perceived risk being taken. Current conventional wisdom is for Army Resource Managers to wait and see what benefits …

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A Study Of Defense Logistics Agency Inventory Classifications: Application Of Inventory Control Methods To Reduce Total Variable Cost And Stockage Levels, Wayne C. Goulet, Michael L. Rollman Sep 1996

A Study Of Defense Logistics Agency Inventory Classifications: Application Of Inventory Control Methods To Reduce Total Variable Cost And Stockage Levels, Wayne C. Goulet, Michael L. Rollman

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis analyzes the financial impact of applying a single inventory requirements model to three separate classes of inventory at the Defense Logistics Agency's (DLA) Defense Supply Center-Columbus (DSCC) commodity management facility. DLA' 5 blanket application of its variation of the Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) requirements model may not be appropriate for all levels of demand, possibly suboptimizing DLA's desire to minimize inventory costs while still providing an appropriate level of customer service. Simulation analyses of the DLA EOQ requirements model, the Silver-Meal heuristic, and Periodic Order Quantity models were conducted to examine which dynamic lot-sizing model is more effective …

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A Follow-On Study Of University Efforts To Provide Students With The Ability To Comprehend And Apply Total-Quality Principles In Their Fields Of Study, Joseph J. Koizen, Michael D. Allen Sep 1996

A Follow-On Study Of University Efforts To Provide Students With The Ability To Comprehend And Apply Total-Quality Principles In Their Fields Of Study, Joseph J. Koizen, Michael D. Allen

Theses and Dissertations

This follow-on research investigated the educational processes employed by universities to enable their students to comprehend and apply Total Quality principles. The results of this research are intended to be used by Department of Defense institutions of higher education as a current guide to help them adopt practices which will enable their students to comprehend and apply Total Quality in their future assignments. Using a source list of schools from Quality Progress (Sept. 1995), contact individuals were interviewed at several civilian and military universities across the United States. Investigative questions were developed and asked concerning the specific educational processes of …

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An Analysis Of Air Mobility Express Requirements Operating Within A Lean Logistics Wartime Environment, Jennifer A. Bollinger, Kellie L. Davila-Martinez Sep 1996

An Analysis Of Air Mobility Express Requirements Operating Within A Lean Logistics Wartime Environment, Jennifer A. Bollinger, Kellie L. Davila-Martinez

Theses and Dissertations

Lean Logistics was developed in response to budget cuts, force reductions, and a new political world order. The primary objective of Lean Logistics is to minimize the total system wide costs of the Air Force organization. Currently, the Air Force is seeking to cut costs by reducing inventories, improving repair processes, and employing faster transportation where possible. The purpose of this thesis is to determine if the Air Mobility Express (AMX) current sizing plan is capable of supporting the retrograde assets generated during the sustainment portion of a war. The Dyna-METRIC version 6.4 simulation program is employed to analyze the …

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Empowerment As An Organizational Tool For Increasing Competitiveness: A Case Study, Carl D. Sweet Sep 1996

Empowerment As An Organizational Tool For Increasing Competitiveness: A Case Study, Carl D. Sweet

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the use of employee empowerment as a means of improving organizational competitiveness in the marketplace. The methodology used is a case study of a small, private-sector company that used this strategy to improve its productivity, product quality and profitability. The results of this research were then examined to determine whether the successful practices identified in this organization can be applied to Air Force attempts to adopt employee empowerment. The paper summarizes the organizational characteristics generally present where employee empowerment has been successfully implemented, as reported in current management literature, including the following: (1) company culture conducive to …

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The Utility Of Using A Third Party In Military To Commercial Technology Transfer, David A. Taylor Sep 1996

The Utility Of Using A Third Party In Military To Commercial Technology Transfer, David A. Taylor

Theses and Dissertations

In the wake of the defense drawdown and end of the Cold War, government laboratories are facing a changing mission. It is not only to maintain technology superiority, but also to promote commercialization of their technologies. Although Congress has tried to facilitate technology transfer from the government to the private sector, the transfer process has been inconsistent. The need for assistance has initiated the use of third parties or intermediaries in the technology transfer process. This thesis evaluates the utility of a third party in the technology transfer process. An examination of Wright Technology Network (WTN), a third party, is …

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Recruitment Analysis Of Air Force Family Day Care Providers, Kimberly A. Rowe Sep 1996

Recruitment Analysis Of Air Force Family Day Care Providers, Kimberly A. Rowe

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is a qualitative, exploratory research effort which seeks to identify the motivators which influence Air Force Family Day Care (FDC) providers at Wright-Patterson AFB to enter and exit the FDC program. Two instruments were developed to measure the degree to which current and former FDC providers were influenced by various motivators identified through literature review and professional observation. Further, this thesis presents the results of the recruitment instrument which indicate the providers in the Wright-Patterson AFB FDC program are primarily motivated by their desire to remain home with their own children. The results also indicate there may be …

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Crisis Airlift Management: Effective Scheduling, David C. Penny Sep 1996

Crisis Airlift Management: Effective Scheduling, David C. Penny

Theses and Dissertations

This is a report on the basis, data, findings, and models developed for US Transportation Command and Headquarters Air Mobility Command. Focusing on the dynamic scheduling problem that arises during management of airlift assets into space-constrained airfields during a crisis, this research explains the conditions surrounding this event, discusses several areas of potential cross-functional applications, presents analysis of current performance, and provides several modeling possibilities for schedule efficiency. Past research in the Flow Management Problem (an airline flow control issue) is extensive, but specific applications in crisis airlift are long in coming, primarily due to the complexity of the environment. …

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Evaluation Of The Goal System™ Version 2.2 Solution Method For Interactive Constraint Scheduling Situations, Michael D. Stephens Sep 1996

Evaluation Of The Goal System™ Version 2.2 Solution Method For Interactive Constraint Scheduling Situations, Michael D. Stephens

Theses and Dissertations

THE GOAL SYSTEM™ version 2.2 is the latest in a lineage that includes Optimized Production Technology (OPT) and DISASTER™. Earlier work with DISASTER™ revealed potential shortcomings with sequential schedule building algorithms when multiple interactive constraints exist. Since THE GOAL SYSTEM™ version 2.2 has a capacity for simultaneous schedule building, this study evaluated differences between the two algorithms. Using benchmark scheduling problems developed during the earlier evaluation of DISASTER™, a set of THE GOAL SYSTEM™ solutions was created and compared quantitatively to both DISASTER™ solutions and solutions which optimally minimize maximum tardiness. A broad set of performance measurement criteria were also …

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Privatization In Place And The Base Closure Community: Newark Air Force Base, Ohio, 1993-1995, Paul D. Pidgeon Sep 1996

Privatization In Place And The Base Closure Community: Newark Air Force Base, Ohio, 1993-1995, Paul D. Pidgeon

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis studies the experience of the local community during the privatization in place of Newark Air Force Base (NAFB), Ohio. Licking County faced the loss of its largest employer after the 1993 Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC), a five-year commission established by President George Bush as a measure to cut national defense spending after the Cold War's end, recommended closing the Air Force repair facility. In its base closure recommendation, the BRAC gave the Air Force flexibility to craft a privatization in place plan. But the Air Force did not know how much the plan would cost …

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Procrastination As A Predictor Of Job Performance, Steven L. Dutschmann Sep 1996

Procrastination As A Predictor Of Job Performance, Steven L. Dutschmann

Theses and Dissertations

It is generally accepted that everyone puts off or delays doing tasks to some extent; however, little is known about how different styles affect job performance. Individual differences in goal orientation (tendency to set goals and objectives), conscientiousness (thoroughness and carefulness in performing a task), autonomy (freedom, independence, and discretion in scheduling work), and temperament (manner of thinking, behaving, and reacting) may have an influence on how efficiently and effectively people prioritize their tasks (or avoid tasks), and thus have an effect on job performance. This study examined the possible importance of procrastination in the workplace, and its effect on …

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A Framework For Developing Marketing Plans For Military To Civilian Technology Transfer, Kenneth R. Hirlinger Jr. Jun 1996

A Framework For Developing Marketing Plans For Military To Civilian Technology Transfer, Kenneth R. Hirlinger Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

The Government of the United States, in particular the Department of Defense, invests a significant amount of funding into the development of technology. This technology, as a critical component of its weaponry, allows the United States to maintain a world-wide qualitative superiority over potential adversaries who may have a quantitative advantage. As industry and government continue to downsize, the transfer of technology from the federal government to the private sector becomes important to ensure the industrial base can continue supporting the military. In addition, transferring technology allows the industrial base to gain international competitive advantages and increase the breadth of …

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Modeling Diminishing Marginal Returns: An Application To The Aircraft Availability Model, Wayne L. Zorn Mar 1996

Modeling Diminishing Marginal Returns: An Application To The Aircraft Availability Model, Wayne L. Zorn

Theses and Dissertations

The Aircraft Availability Model (AAM) provides the Air Force with a worldwide peacetime requirement for reparable spare parts. This research models AAM methodology as it relates to the concept of diminishing marginal returns in resource application. Three separate modeling techniques are investigated with the goal of reformulating the AAM as a mathematical programming model that provides a comparable solution and a capable tool for the conduct of sensitivity analysis. The general formulations presented here are continuous non-linear, continuous linear, and piecewise linear discrete/continuous models. Two formulations of the piecewise linear discrete/continuous model are presented. The piecewise linear model based on …

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