Business Commons^™

Usaf Aircraft Maintenance Officer Knowledge, Skills And Abilities And Commonalities Among The Logistics Officer Corps, David M. Thompson

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated options to improve 21A training and education by first validating the Air Force's logistics mission sets as Deployment, Distribution, Supply Management, Repair Network Integration, Mission Generation, Lifecycle Logistics and Joint Logistics. Then, the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) considered important to execute each mission set were gathered from a representative sample of Air Force Logistics Officers via field interviews and focus groups. An analysis of results categorizes probable needs (high, medium, low) of KSAs for each mission set and assesses how well they are currently taught, if at all. Additionally, lists of KSAs that overlap multiple mission …

Analysis Of Effects Of Organizational Behavior On Evolving System Of Systems Acquisition Programs Through Agent Based Modeling, Klayton S. Bobsein

Theses and Dissertations

Every weapon system operates in context with one or more system of systems (SoS). It is the SoS that provides warfighting capability. Each system is managed independently by a program office with program-centric priorities. These systems must be interconnected and interoperable, so the program office must collaborate across the SoS. The SoS are always changing and evolving, triggered by variety of stimuli. Acquisition program offices can be characterized with a set of organizational behaviors that respond to the environment, are influenced by SoS architecture, and can be described by their fitness and contribution to SoS. Using Geert Hofstede's cultural dimensions, …

Investigation Into Risk And Uncertainty: Identifying Coefficient Of Variation Benchmarks For Air Force Acat I Programs, Shaun T. Carney

Theses and Dissertations

Previous DoD cost growth studies found typical cost growth in defense acquisitions is around forty-six to sixty percent of the original estimate. The research in this study addresses the identification of risk and uncertainty benchmarks by providing decision makers with coefficient of variation ranges for cost estimates. The study recommends coefficient of variation (CV) ranges for Air Force Acquisition programs, determines if different CV ranges should be used based on platform type, and determines if CV decreases over the course of the program's acquisition lifecycle. The analysis found that the Air Force should enhance the CV review process to ensure …

Cognitive Mentorship: Mediating Protégé Performance, Brian R. Mauntel

Theses and Dissertations

The role of cognitive apprenticeship has been emphasized in facilitating individual performance in the classroom, but there is limited quantitative research directly linking cognitive behaviors to mentoring relationships and workplace performance. This study investigates the characteristics of mentoring behavior that influence group performance using archival data from 52 different organizations. A mediation model is developed and the results indicate that the group-level of mentors' cognitive behavior plays a central role in the mentor-protege relationship. The findings suggest that the mentors' collective articulation of problem solving processes fully mediate the unit's performance, while reflection and exploration partially mediate the relationship. The …

Management Information Systems And The Age Of Social Media: An Investigation Of Social Network Research, Carissa M. Parker

Theses and Dissertations

Due to the up-rise of social media, social networking sites have increased in popularity and use over the last few years. During this time, research related to social networks has also escalated. This study presents social network research trends found in ISR, JMIS, and MISQ for a six year period, 2005-2010. The social network-related articles from these premier MIS journals were examined in terms of topical theme and research strategy employed. Furthermore, the most productive authors and affiliations were identified and presented individually, by state, and by region. An additional outcome of this research is the presentation of a preliminary …

Supplementary Computer Generated Cueing To Enhance Air Traffic Controller Efficiency, Laurienne Cibelle Rodrigues De Assis Santana

Theses and Dissertations

Air traffic controllers are often required to simultaneously communicate with several aircraft over multiple radio frequencies. As a result, during peak loading, it is common for the controller to receive multiple concurrent communications, each from a different aircraft, making it difficult to discern audio messages received from multiple pilots simultaneously. To address this problem, a modified air traffic control (ATC) interface was prototyped with the goal of increasing controller-to-pilot communication efficiency. This prototype included supplementary text cueing which was provided by a hypothetical automated text to speech system in an on-screen text box for controller reference in the event of …

Vehicle Minimization For The Multimodal Pickup And Delivery Problem With Time Windows, Benjamin A . Clapp

Theses and Dissertations

The algorithm proposed here is used for heuristic solutions for the Multimodal Multiple Vehicle Routing Problem with Unloading Capacity, Pickup and Dropoff, and Time Windows, solved so as to minimize the number of vehicles used, subject to varying objective function values for each vehicle. The MVRP is simplified and split into a routing problem and a scheduling problem. The routing problem is addressed by Dijkstra's Algorithm. This generates a new network for the second stage of the algorithm. It is assumed that the shortest path is the correct path to use, and shipments each travel unimodally. The scheduling problem is …

A Comparison Of Earned Value Management And Earned Schedule As Schedule Predictors On Dod Acat I Programs, Kevin T. Crumrine

Theses and Dissertations

Earned Schedule, since it was introduced by Walt Lipke in 2003, has been studied extensively in a variety of different fields and on programs of all sizes. However, Earned Schedule's viability as an extension of Earned Value Management (EVM) in Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAP) has yet to be effectively answered. The first aspect of this research explores the breadth of Earned Schedule's adoption by the System Program Offices (SPO) of the United States Air Force. The second phase of this research explores whether Earned Schedule is a more accurate and timely schedule predictor than the EVM technique currently employed …

Meaningful Learning Experiences: The Influence Of Group-Based Adventure Recreation On Behavioral Addiction Treatment, Robert Levon Henderson

Theses and Dissertations

Adventure recreation (AR) has been found to supplement addiction treatment and recovery in valuable ways. However, questions about the components and processes of AR and its influence on behavioral addiction specifically, e.g., gambling, video gaming, pornography, etc., still remain. Using the Meaningful Learning Experiences Model (an AR-based framework) and a quasi-experimental pre-post design, the present study examined AR's influence on three therapeutic principles (authenticity, social network support, and therapeutic engagement) that have been found to significantly influence addiction recovery. Seventy-five participants with sexually related addictions, namely pornography addicts, supplemented their 12-Steps recovery meetings with a Meaningful Learning Experience and scuba …

The Business Ethics Curriculum: An Exploration Of External And Internal Influences, Academic Plan Elements, And Other Environmental Variables Comprising The Undergraduate Business Ethics Curriculum In Aacsb-Accredited Schools Of Business, Gerald Lee Plumlee

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the current undergraduate business ethics curriculum in AACSB-accredited business schools in the U.S. to determine what external and internal influences affected the curriculum, what academic plan elements and other environmental variables comprised the current business ethics curriculum, and what differences existed among the business ethics curriculum in programs based on institutional control, size, or approach to including business ethics in the undergraduate curriculum. A literature review in the areas of curriculum and curriculum design guided the conceptual framework for the study. A web-based survey was designed to collect quantitative and qualitative data …

Activity-Based Calculation Models For The Brazilian Air Force Cellular Unit Of Intendancy, Paula Ferreira Da Silva

Theses and Dissertations

During a military operation, besides providing technological infrastructure and specific weapons, it is also essential to have physical logistics to support the basic needs of troops. To provide this specific care, the Brazilian Air Force (BAF) has the Cellular Unit of Intendancy (CUI). Annually several support operations are planned, and events that cannot be predicted are estimated. Currently, the estimated budget and the report of total costs calculated after missions do not reflect the reality of the CUI expenses. The estimated budget presents values much lower than those presented in the reports of total costs, prepared after finishing each support …

Organizational Culture, Job Satisfaction And Turnover Intentions: The Mediating Role Of Perceived Organizational Support, David Emerson

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates how the culture of an organization is related to the job satisfaction and turnover intentions of government accountants. I show that perceived organizational support serves as a mediator between organizational culture and both turnover intentions and job satisfaction. I evaluate how cultural effects have changed over time, and assess how the relations between the hypothesized associations differ between supervisory and staff accountants. I also look for differences in how accountants and primary care nurses may perceive organizational culture. I develop the constructs of interest, describe the proposed relationships, develop hypotheses, describe the sample frame, provide a detailed …

Location-Allocation Optimization Of Supply Chain Distribution Networks: A Case Study, Mark Nicholas Helberg

Theses and Dissertations

The location of distribution centers is an important strategic decision in supply chain design, particularly as it relates to service quality, productivity, and profitability of the firm. There has been extensive research performed on distribution location models which require the use of complex algorithms and assumptions that make use of these models difficult in practice for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that have limited capital and resources. Studies have also failed to capture and quantify potential business results of using more sophisticated methods. In this study, a deterministic and static location-allocation model is designed using a prototype software tool. The …

Portable Hammock Stand Design And Business Model Development, Evan Keith

Industrial Technology and Packaging

Currently hammocks are thought of as stationary relaxation devices that use tress as support structures. The industry mainly focuses on hammock innovation over the way in which the hammock is actually hung. Having been around for thousands of years, reinventing the idea of the hammock is not something that is occurring or has been thought of.

This senior project proposes the idea of a portable or more adaptable hammock stand. It takes the idea of hammocks as stationary devices to them being something that can be taken almost anywhere. Shifting how hammocks are thought of and exposing the potential they …

Agricultural Credit Analysis, Tyler Culp

Agribusiness

This project was a case study completed to find a specific time where an agricultural borrower’s credit began to have problems, and to find new measures agricultural lenders can utilize as a way to predict future defaults and better analyze credit risk.

These calculations were used on actual borrower information generously provided by Farm Credit West. All information that could divulge the identity of the borrower and any private business measures taken by Farm Credit West have been purposefully omitted from this report. This project used common credit risk ratios and values: Current Ratio, Debt-to-Equity, Loan-to-Value, and Debt Coverage Ratio. …

Effects Of Sample Taste-Testing On Gluten Free Awareness And The Likelihood To Purchase Udi’S Gluten Free Products On Cal Poly San Luis Obispo’S Campus, Kylee Anne Gibson

Agribusiness

Celiac disease is becoming an increasingly recognized autoimmune pathology of the intestine caused by permanent intolerance to gluten (Niewinski 2008). For those with Celiac disease, or gluten intolerance, gluten-free foods are hard to come by, especially on college campuses. Eating gluten free products has positive health effects on numerous diseases. It has been shown that eating gluten free foods can help alleviate symptoms of numerous diseases such as ADHD, autism, and type 2 diabetes (UDI’s Gluten Free website 2012). Throughout the past few years, more gluten free companies have been advocating to promote their products on college campuses for people …

The Preferences In Wine Of Various Aged Consumers, Jacob Clinite

Agribusiness

No abstract provided.

U.S. Multinationals Abroad: Fdi Determinants In The Global Food Sector, Brandon Charles Banner

Master's Theses

The following study assesses economic and political determinants of foreign direct investment by U.S. firms. Data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis at the U.S. Department of Commerce was used for total and food sector FDI for 35 countries from the years 2001-2008. Using these data in three econometric models, the paper examines the effect on FDI of regional trade blocs as well as political factors such as labor and credit market regulations, and transfers and subsidies. Finally, the thesis provides a comparison of each model on two dependent variables: food sector and total FDI. The study finds that management …

Time To Graduation Improvement Study - A Lean Flow Chart Approach At California Polytechnic State University, Angel Morales, Quentin Greenlaw

Industrial Technology and Packaging

In order for Cal Poly to continue to stand out among other universities, there is a strong need to graduate their students in the typical 4 years. With a falling economy, both the budgets of Cal Poly and the student are decreasing. The longer a student takes in receiving their bachelors, the higher the costs will be in both money and time for the student and the university. Today, the average Cal Poly Industrial Technology student takes 5 years to graduate. That extra year of school will cost the student on average $8,523 in tuition fees on top of costs …

Consumer Perception Of Organic Milk, Christina Puetz

Dairy Science

The objective of this study was to determine the potential factors, reasons and beliefs that contribute to college aged consumers’ choice to purchase organic milk. The data were from survey of students using questions that were modeled after consumer issues and concerns over conventional milk as discussed in the literature review. This study was particularly interested in exploring differences between students in agriculture classes and non-agriculture classes. The literature referenced came from a variety of sources, including scientific journals, online articles, milk advisory boards, and governmental agencies. According to the literature review, consumer concerns and reasons for purchase of organic …

Feasibility Test Of San Vicente Cellar's Expansion, Taylor Lew

Agribusiness

San Vicente Cellars is a small tasting room and production facility in Ventura County. As of now, the winery’s revenue just barely covers the cost of production and other expenses. It is believed that due to their poor location the tasting room is not receiving maximum customers in reflection to the quality of the wines. San Vicente’s owner has a vision of opening an additional tasting room in a higher trafficking location. This project is based on this vision and tests whether or not this new location is financially feasible. After all costs are factored in, the breakeven point of …

Assessing A Pumpkin Butter Enterprise For Bishop's Pumpkin Farm, Meghan Bishop

Agribusiness

Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm is a 40-year-old agriculture tourism destination looking to expand their brand name. One way to do this is through value-added products and in the case of this study, by producing pumpkin butter. To determine if this would be a revenue enhancing enterprise for the business, expenses were analyzed for the ingredients in the product and the processing at an offsite processor. A break-even analysis was performed to determine a minimum price required to cover variable production prices and a minimum required price to cover total costs which would include establishment costs. The numbers were based on a …

A Business Plan For A Custom Dry Cow Transition Facility And A Calf Ranch, Landon Joseph Fernandes

Dairy Science

In recent economic times the dairy industry has witnessed historic lows in milk price and historic highs in feed prices. As a result many dairies have been forced out of business or have found other ways to diversify in order to offset the accumulated debt from dairying. One possible way a dairy can minimize debt is by sending its transition cows to custom transition cow management facility from dry-off through freshening. This management facility would give optimal care and attention to these cows to ensure metabolic and post calving health issues are minimal and that cows are returned to the …

A Business Model For The Small-Scale, Start-Up, Organic Jersey Dairy, Jim Moreda

Dairy Science

To determine the financial feasibility and stability of starting a small-scale organic jersey dairy in Northern California, given the changes and restrictions that must take place in all aspects of production while operating organically. Using a unique combination of ownership and borrowing, I have created a business model made to appropriately fit the organic dairy system, addressing every area of the operation whether it be business or animal related. Through experience, reviews, and research of organic techniques allowable to apply, I was able to reveal and identify specific areas of husbandry and financing in which I would need to excel …

Senior Project Report - Doctest, Stephen Weessies

Computer Engineering

DocTest is a program that, simply put, allows a programmer or user to document STANAG 4586 (a standard for unmanned aerial vehicle interoperability) messages and test the vehicle system at Lockheed Martin [5]. The program is extensible to allow for further development aiding our software team to do what they do best and not get bogged down in tedious but necessary documentation. DocTest is also used to aid in testing, keeping track of the issues and bugs found and creating a document that captures each issue so an issue is not missed or forgotten. This program was made for use …

Implementimi I Cefta-S, Arlinda Kasapolli

Theses and Dissertations

Qëllimi i këtij studimi të rastit është të kuptojmë ndikimin e implementimit të marrëveshjes CEFTA në komunitetin e biznesit, institucionet qeveritare dhe në ekonominë e vendit. Përveç qëllimit kryesor objektivat të tjera të këtij studimi janë:  Vlerësimi i aftësive konkurruese të bizneseve që janë të nevojshme për qasje në tregjet e jashtme,  Identifikimi i barrierave jo-tarifore që bizneset tona po përballohen me secilin anëtarë të CEFTA-s. Në këtë fazë të studimit, CEFTA në mënyrë të përgjithshme do të analizohet si marrëveshje që ka afektuar në shumicën e bizneseve vendore pasojat e të cilës kanë qenë pozitive dhe negative. …

Shperblimi Për Performancë Si Motivues, Nora Hasani

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Auditimi I Brendshëm Në Kosovë, Besarta Mustafa

Theses and Dissertations

Duke u bazuar në hulumtime të shumëta, në mendime e konkluza të dhëna nga ekonomistë, ekspertë dhe njohës të fushës së ekonomisë, edhe përkundër mendimeve joafirmative të disave, audidimi i brendshëm na paraqetet si shërbim që ka karakter menaxhues të mbarëvajtjes së një veprimtarie, e jo kontrollues apo verifikues. Më konkretisht, auditimi i brendshëm paraqet aktivitetin i cili ofron dhe garanton siguri në sistemin e veprimtarisë, lehtësi të kontrollit të hierarkisë nga udhëheqësit e saj duke raportuar nga nivelet e ulëta tek drejtuesit e niveleve më të larta.

Fillimisht, auditimi paraqitej si një shërbim që kryhej nga një palë e …

Increasing California Dairy Exports To Japan And South Korea, Kristina Soper

Dairy Science

The opportunities for increasing exports of California dairy products to the Japanese and South Korean markets were determined by identifying current obstacles in the California dairy industry and determining the characteristics of consumers in the Japanese and South Korean markets. As the largest milk-producing state and the supplier of 7.5% of total U.S. dairy exports, California’s economic activity greatly affects the rest of the nation and the world. The trends in the California dairy industry include increasing total milk production and per-cow milk production, a diminishing number of total dairy operations, and a rising number of large dairy operations. These …

Digital Marketing: The Re-Imagination Of Technology, Tarin Gyermek

Graphic Communication

As technology continues to advance and improve, marketing trends are beginning to shift into the digital space. Addressing the generation gap within digital marketing, this paper reveals the latest digital strategies being utilized, while comparing results from marketers and the younger generation targets they are trying to hit. Both groups were asked a series of nine questions ranging from the following topics: basic demographics, difficulties faced in digital marketing, views of the industry as a whole, as well as opinions on the digital age gap. Data was collected separately and analyzed quantitatively to provide further insight. Solution paths and methods …