Business Commons^™

A Spreadsheet Model That Estimates The Impact Of Reduced Distribution Time On Inventory Investment Savings: What Is A Day Taken Out Of The Pipeline Worth In Inventory?, Serhat Saylam

Theses and Dissertations

In most of the literature dealing with inventory problems, either with a deterministic or probabilistic model, lead time is viewed as a prescribed constant or a stochastic variable that is not subject to control. But in many practical situations, lead time can be reduced by an extra crashing cost; in other words, it is controllable. This study proposes a repeatable spreadsheet optimization model that estimates the impact of reduced replenishment lead time on inventory investment savings at forward and strategic locations to motivate decision makers to support enterprise-wide distribution process improvement. The study provides users with a means of automatically …

A Benchmarking Study Of Air Force Program Manager Competencies, Kristy N. Williams

Theses and Dissertations

Over the last decade, the Department of Defense (DOD) has redesigned its acquisition process and the allocation of funding which in turned has had a major effect on the Air Force Acquisition program management workforce. The current acquisition workforce continues to face serious shortages of highly skilled program managers resulting in programs and projects overrun, undermanaged, and unexplained increased cost. Highly skilled talent with the necessary technology competencies is in high demand. These skills are critical to the success of programs and mission accomplishments.

The purpose of this benchmarking study is to determine if the Air Force are developing and …

An Analysis Of Turnover Intentions: A Reexamination Of Air Force Civil Engineering Company Grade Officers, Joshua D. Connell

Theses and Dissertations

A potential retention problem is facing company grade officers (CGOs) in the Air Force Civil Engineer (CE) career field. This is due to the stress caused by a demanding workload experienced during a prolonged period of conflict (Iraq and Afghanistan), which is compounded by a reduction in force. The possibility of reduced retention is thus a concern for CE leadership. Based on past research, and the prior study conducted by Riddel (2010), a new model of turnover intentions was developed. The new model expands on Riddel's simplified model of turnover and attempts to focus on key factors that may help …

Turnover Intentions: A Quantitative Analysis Of Comments From Air Force Civil Engineering Company Grade Officers, Tj E. Gabrielson

Theses and Dissertations

Voluntary turnover is a concern for the military and many other organizations from a financial and performance standpoint. This study applied grounded theory to code and network comments provided by CE officers in 2010. The results of this study found the most influential construct that predicts turnover intentions to be the relationship of OPSTEMPO influencing interrole conflict. This conflict is increased by the workload at home station due to under manning within CE. OPSTEMPO is an important aspect of a military member's decision to stay or leave the service because it was found to interact with a multitude of other …

The Moderating Effect Of Psychological Empowerment On The Relationship Between Network Centrality And Individual Job Performance, David A. Washington

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to identify the effect of psychological empowerment (PE) on social network location and individual performance. This study sought to test three hypotheses, which were introduced through a comprehensive literature review, regarding the relationships between social network centrality and individual job performance. Research has indicated a positive relationship between network centrality and performance; however, other research suggests performance can be better predicted by including motivation in the model. Therefore a moderation model was developed and tested to identify the relationships between network centrality, PE, and three categories of individual job performance: task performance, organizational citizenship …

High-Performance Work Practices: A Case Study Using The Phenomenological Approach, Aaron J. Zorn

Theses and Dissertations

The fast-paced work environment that exists today requires organizations to adapt quickly in order to sustain high performance. Research suggests that the use of high-performance work practices (HPWPs) in human resource management is a possible way to increase performance. As the United States Air Force continues to face decreasing budgets, possible fixes such as the use of HPWPs may be considered. This research used a phenomenological approach to collect data from civil engineer controllers throughout the Air Force about their experiences and perceptions. The purpose of the study was to investigate whether current human resource practices are potentially contributing to …

Acquisition Program Problem Detection Using Text Mining Methods, Trevor P. Miller

Theses and Dissertations

This research provides program analysts and Department of Defense leadership with an approach to identify problems in real-time for acquisition contracts. Specifically, we test the abilities of statistical algorithms using text mining techniques to detect unusual changes in acquisition programs’ cost estimates at the completion of the programs. Currently, the government purchases monthly written reports, an informational tool on status of an acquisition program, but has not been integrated into problem prediction analysis. We center our research on the following two questions: First, can we quantify the qualitative written reports? Second, can we use these quantifications of the texts to …

Value Focused Thinking In Developing Aerobatic Aircraft Selection Model For Turkish Air Force, Emel Bengoz

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research is to lessen the potential human errors by using decision analysis and cost analysis techniques. This research uses Value- Focused Thinking in conjunction with Multi-Objective Decision Analysis and Cost Analysis. It creates a decision-making model that allows decision makers to interact with analysts by specifying his/her objectives, values and preferences. On the other hand, cost analysis process determines cost effective alternatives. Alternatives are scored using 17 evaluation measures that are identified by interviews with the decision maker and stakeholders. Robustness of the model is tested by sensitivity analysis. Results of sensitivity analysis on current weights …

An Analysis Of The Impact Of Job Search Behaviors On Air Force Company Grade Officer Turnover, Teri M. Hunter

Theses and Dissertations

This study assesses the turnover behavior of Air Force Company Grade Officers (CGO) over a 17-month period. The study separated passive job search --behaviors that demonstrate a search for information to form an employment goal -- and active job search -- behaviors that demonstrate a commitment to pursuing an employment goal. The group of officers just beginning the job search process explain the least amount of variance in intent to turnover, yet explain the greatest amount of variance in actual turnover. Conversely, the group of officers near the end of the job search process explain the greatest amount of variance …

Modeling And Analysis Of Af Depot Business Practices For Supply, Jason A. Blake

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explored the impact of heroic actions on depot maintenance operations in terms of aircraft flow days through programmed depot maintenance and in terms of lost production hours. In an area of fiscal uncertaintly and reducing budgets, an understanding of the impact of heroic actions would lead to efficiency gains for the Air Force. Depots do not routinely report the associated impact of heroic actions on their operations and recent efforts to assess these impacts have not arrived to a definitive conclusion.

To assess the impact of heroic actions on depot processes, a discrete event simulation was developed for …

Decision Analysis Using Value-Focused Thinking For Retention Of Long-Term Officers In The Korean Army, Jaebum Kim

Theses and Dissertations

The North Korean attacks on the South Korean naval vessel, the Cheonan, and on the South Korean island of Yeonpyeong in 2010 have resulted in the deterioration of the relationship between North and South Korea. The death of Kim Jong Il in December 2011 has raised serious concerns over the future of North Korea and political stability on the Korean Peninsula. Against this background, South Korea has continued its agenda of military reform to improve the retention and management of its military personnel. However, South Korea needs better methods and measures for evaluating its personnel to distinguish highly qualified officers …

Minuteman Iii Cost Per Alert Hour Analysis, Allen R. Miller

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis analyzes the cost associated with the Minuteman III (MM III) weapon system. The research develops three models for determining MM III costs per alert hour (CPAH). The first model is based on the Air Force Cost Analysis Improvement Group cost per flying hour model. The model is modified to include depot level reparables, consumables, and personnel costs. The second model is based on the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Cost Analysis Improvement Group cost per flying hour model and is formulated using service-wide data from the Air Force Total Ownership Cost tool. The third model is a …

Evaluation Of Inventory Reduction Strategies: Balad Air Base Case Study, Aaron V. Glassburner

Theses and Dissertations

The end of military operations in Iraq brought a new set of challenges for Air Force supply professionals as they responsibly reduced levels of assets within the country while supporting on-going missions. This research evaluates two separate supply reduction plans that were implemented at Balad Air Base during the Air Force's final months in the area of operations. The logic of Air Force consumable inventory computations are modeled in detail and historical data from supply records are utilized to evaluate each plan's supportability to different notional fleet sizes. Each plan is evaluated under measures of backorders, backorder quantities, and customer …

An Evaluation Of The Argentinean Basic Trainer Aircraft Domestic Development Project, Guillermo A. Stahl

Theses and Dissertations

The Argentine Air Force (AAF) is facing increasing challenges in maintaining and sustaining trainer aircraft. The current trainer aircraft used by the AAF face obsolescence issues and decreased serviceability. Argentina used to have the largest aircraft industry among the Latin America countries, but a number of factors such as not maintaining objectives and policies over time undermined its consolidation and were instrumental in Argentina losing its leadership position. To meet AAF requirements and revive Argentina's domestic aircraft industry, an indigenous basic trainer aircraft project is proposed. The purpose of this thesis is to evaluate the project's viability using a multi-criteria …

An Assessment Tool Of Performance Based Logistics Appropriateness, Korhan G. Yukselen

Theses and Dissertations

Performance-Based Logistics (PBL) is the most preferred product support strategy in the Department of Defense. Using performance-based acquisition methods to the maximum extent practicable when acquiring services is mandated. But although PBL should be used whenever feasible, few documents show how to measure its feasibility. The aim of this research is to fill this gap by answering the following question: What factors determine the appropriateness of the selection of PBL as a strategy for a specific acquisition? This study seeks to determine which factors affect success when selecting PBL as an acquisition method. Each factor is examined in detail and …

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Flight Test Approval Process And Its Implications: A Methodological Approach To Capture And Evaluate Hidden Costs And Value In The Overall Process, Tuan U. Tran

Theses and Dissertations

The advancement in small unmanned aerial vehicle (SUAV) technology has brought a new revolution in the military domain. Their uses have become more synonymous with intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. Concerns over their flight test safety and accountability have been addressed in multiple policies to mitigate mishaps and increase proper accountability. However, current DoD and FAA mandated regulations and policies concerning UAV flight tests are sometimes considered slow and time-consuming, which may lead to delays in UAV research and development. This study explores the quantitative and qualitative measure of benefits associated with an abbreviated flight test process for SUAVs. Specifically, …

Personnel, The Class 0 Supply Item: A Logistics Management Approach To Supplying Combatant Commanders With Warfighters, William P. Beard

Theses and Dissertations

The Air Force's end strength has drawn down from 530,000 to just over 332,000 in the past 20 years. All indications are that resources will continue to become more restricted in the future, including manpower. Meanwhile, studies indicate that the Air Force will likely continue to withdraw permanently stationed forces overseas and rely increasingly on the Air Expeditionary Force (AEF) construct for rapid mobility and force projection. With the AEF and efficient manpower utilization projected to become increasingly important, this study provides the first examination of the AEF as an overarching process for improvement opportunities. It proposes that the concept …

Designing A Comprehensive Framework For E-Government Implementation Success With A Special View Of The Case Of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed Alsaigh

Theses and Dissertations

As a result of the increasing development in the field of Information Systems (IS) in the last decades, new concepts have appeared to serve specific requirements and needs (Smith 2010; Almarabeh and AbuAli 2010). E-government is one of these concepts, which appeared in 1993 (Silva 2006) to become one of the main tools for governments around the world to enhance the services provided by governments and their agencies (Atallah 2001). Investigating the literature shows that there are common issues in all e-government implementation projects which can be summarized as follows: 1) e-government implementation projects in their nature are vast, and …

An Examination Of Self-Directed Learning Readiness In Executive-Level Fire Officers, Steven G. Knight

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the self-directed learning readiness in executive fire officers in relation to the independent variables of personality type, educational attainment, and professional designation. This research utilized a quantitative design.

This study utilized the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and the Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale (SDLRS) with a sample of 250 professional firefighters. The total sample was divided equally between executive-level fire officers and firefighters at 125 each from professional departments in the Southeastern United States. Results were that the mean SDLRS score for the executive-level fire officers was 233.7 and significantly higher than the …

Spousal Connectedness And Information And Communication Technology Use, Chelsea Elizabeth Hutchings

Theses and Dissertations

To meet the purpose of the study, three hypotheses were tested: First, it was predicted there was a relationship between spousal connectedness and personal and spousal ICT (information and communication technology) device usage; second, it was predicted satisfaction with personal or spousal ICT device usage were mediators of the primary relationship between spousal connectedness and ICT device usage; and third, it was expected communication moderated the relationship between spousal connectedness and personal ICT device usage. A representative sample of married adults (n=208) were sampled. Personal and spousal ICT device use, satisfaction with personal and spousal ICT device use, spousal connectedness, …

A Qualitative Exploration Of Family Strength And Unity In Family Crucibles, Taralyn Clark

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to qualitatively examine family relationships in families where one adult member was diagnosed with chronic illness resulting in chronic pain to determine why the crucible, or trial, of chronic illness triggered some families to strengthen while others weakened. The introduction of chronic illness instigates a process of change in family life, yet there is a paucity of research examining families in this situation, specifically when the chronic illness results in chronic pain. Utilizing grounded theory methodology and qualitative data analysis methods, dyadic interviews and periods of observation were conducted with six families across the …

A Qualitative Analysis Of A Corporate Adventure Program, Kimberly Molyneux

Theses and Dissertations

Outdoor adventure learning (OAL) provides a unique environment to teach organizational change. Therefore, there is an implication these programs can be used to foster necessary specific skills such as leading change, innovation, and thriving in hostile environments to lead in the ever-changing corporate world. Little research, however, supports the efficacy of adventure learning in achieving specific outcomes. Skeptics suggested the benefits of OAL programs do not always generalize effectively from the outdoor experience to the workplace. This paper outlines how utilizing strategic skills and theory to conduct OAL programs are effective and impactful in the corporate world. The purpose of …

Exporting United States' Whey Products To The Chinese Market, Rebecca Mellema

Dairy Science

The objective of this research project was to determine the potential for the increase of U.S. whey exports to the Chinese market. The research was gathered from various locations including the United States Dairy Export Council as well as Euromonitor International. From this research the amount of whey that the US produces was compared with the amount of whey that China imports, then analyzed to determine the increased amount that can be exported by the US to China. An analysis of the current and historical situation for dairy products in China was also included to help determine the market potential …

Implementing A Cal Poly Dairy Science Department Farmers Market Booth In The San Luis Obispo, Thursday Night Promotions Farmers Market, Kate Tscharner

Dairy Science

The aim of this project was to implement a successful farmer's market booth and the point of sale at the San Luis Obispo Farmers Market. Through this project success was measured by Cal Poly Creamery product sales, the value of non-tangible assets known as good will and advocacy for the Cal Poly Dairy Science Department and the California dairy industry. Sales were analyzed through a profit and loss statement, product specific calculations, chartings of weekly sales and inventory tracking. The project allowed for the Cal Poly Creamery to have an extension into the San Luis Obispo community and promote their …

Job Expectations Of Agribusiness Students, Robert Richard Everett

Agribusiness

No abstract provided.

The Relationship Between Live Music And Enjoyment Of Wine, Janey Helene Cowan

Agribusiness

This study was performed in order to determine the relationship between enjoyment of music in a live setting and enjoyment of wine consumed while at the concert. Surveys were collected from 113 respondents throughout the summer of 2011 at San Luis Obispo’s “Concerts in the Plaza.” J. Lohr Vineyards and Wines was the wine sponsor throughout the summer concert series, which represented a wide variety of musical genres. Overall, 80% of the sample was women, 69% drank white wine, and 93% had tried J. Lohr wines before the event. With regard to wine opinion, 57% of the sample maintained the …

Influences On Wine Purchases: A Comparison Between Millennials And Prior Generations, Kelsea Nissen

Agribusiness

This study was undertaken to determine the factors that influence wine purchases for wine consumers in San Luis Obispo County. The study was performed in order to compare the influential factors between Millennials and prior generations.

This collected data was analyzed through the use of statistical tests. Frequency tests were used to determine which influential factors and demographics made up the largest percentages. Chi-squared tests were performed in order to determine if a relationship between influential factors and generations was present. The statistical tests of independent t-tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were performed to determine the differences between generations …

Web Based Marketing Plan For The Polished Pet Boarding Kennel In Santa Maria, Ca, Lauren Marie Frias

Agribusiness

The great recession in the United States has caused consumers to change their spending habits. The recession comes at a time when consumers had already become accustomed to increasing levels of service from sellers of goods and services as businesses incorporate new technologies to attract customers and improve cost efficiencies. Customers are now accustomed to and expect price competitiveness, excellent service, 24 hour availability, convenience and value added amenities. For a business to compete in this environment, it must continually find innovative strategies in the utilization of existing and developing technologies and applications to distinguish it from competitors. At the …

A Cost-Benefit Analysis Of A Fertilizer Lab On A Produce Farm In Santa Barbara County, California, Tyler Adam

Agribusiness

The purpose of this study was to determine if a fertilizer lab would be a cost beneficial way of reducing nitrogen costs and consumption for a medium-sized produce farm (The Farm) in Santa Barbara County, California. A cost benefit analysis was performed to determine if the lab, installed in 2011, would provide a net positive benefit. The analysis compares the costs of the lab to the benefits of the lab. The costs of the lab are the annualized initial investment costs (based on costs incurred in 2011), the operating costs, and the opportunity costs of the lab. The benefit of …

Migrant Farmworkers' Access To Medical Care In The U.S., Jeffrey Mccauley

Agribusiness

This is a meta data analysis of migrant and seasonal farmworkers in the United States to see if they receive adequate medical care when it is required. Not a lot of information is known about this population, and this study is trying to bring to light the problems that migrant and seasonal farmworkers are facing with respect to medical care. Studies were collected from across the United States and analyzed to see if migrant and seasonal workers are having difficulties obtaining medical care. It was found that the majority of migrant and seasonal farmworkers do not receive adequate medical care …