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Full-Text Articles in Business

Strategic Sourcing For A Competitive Advantage In The Hotel Industry, Debbie J. Pattni Apr 2006

Strategic Sourcing For A Competitive Advantage In The Hotel Industry, Debbie J. Pattni

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

In order to remain competitive in an intensely competitive business environment, many companies have resorted to cost-cutting, lay-offs, restructuring, and increased productivity measures to manage expenses and to increase profits. Senior executives in organizations have realized that on average, 50% or more of an organization’s operating budget is spent on purchased goods and services. Therefore, the decisions made by purchasing professionals can help to determine the financial viability of the organization (Ball, 2005). Firms can increase the so-called “bottom line” by either increasing revenues or by decreasing costs. Under economic conditions of strong competition and uncertainty, it is often difficult …

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Multi-Brand Hospitality Operations Branding Strategies, Rikki Tanenbaum Apr 2006

Multi-Brand Hospitality Operations Branding Strategies, Rikki Tanenbaum

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this professional paper is to identify the optimal brand architecture for MGM MIRAGE’s Project CityCenter through synthesis of a review of branding strategies throughout the hospitality industry and a review of Project CityCenter’s goals. As Project CityCenter represents such a massive undertaking from both a financial and marketing perspective, a review of strategies external to MGM MIRAGE is critical; this paper endeavors to highlight branding strategies for potential adoption at Project CityCenter. The project’s significance is affirmed by Terri Lanni, Chairman and CEO of MGM MIRAGE, “Project CityCenter confirms a cultural and lifestyle revival of city living, …

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Hotel Employee Morale During Periods Of Low Occupancy, Nicholas J. Thomas Apr 2006

Hotel Employee Morale During Periods Of Low Occupancy, Nicholas J. Thomas

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

According to the Monterey County Chamber of Commerce, each year an estimated 3 million tourists, who spend nearly $2 billion and create 36,600 jobs, visit the Monterey Peninsula in California (Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, 2000). Unfortunately, this area suffers from hospitality industry-wide low occupancy from late fall until early spring, mainly due to the cooler, rainy weather (Boerner, 2004). During these periods of low occupancy, I believe that there is a challenge in maintaining employee morale. The impetus of this research is my belief that there is a correlation between an increase or decrease in employee morale and the …

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Anheuser-Busch And The Eu, Keith Tolbert Apr 2006

Anheuser-Busch And The Eu, Keith Tolbert

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

The following paper provides analysis of Anheuser-Busch, its current position within the European Union (EU), and its opportunities/threats that exist in the EU. Included is background information about Anheuser-Busch containing its products, financial condition, and major competitors within the EU. I have provided extensive analysis o f the areas of concern for Anheuser-Busch in the EU as well as recommendations for the company to consider. The major market for opportunity covered is Germany. Anheuser-Busch is not a current competitor in Germany, however, possible expansion opportunities into the country is addressed. Additionally, a realistic outlook of Anheuser-Busch’s future other EU countries …

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Embracing Uncertainty: The Passing Of A Legendary Casino/Hotel — Tropicana Resort And Casino, Bill Hiers Apr 2006

Embracing Uncertainty: The Passing Of A Legendary Casino/Hotel — Tropicana Resort And Casino, Bill Hiers

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Las Vegas is on the cutting-edge of today’s world, showcasing the newest and best of everything that can be offered at premium hotels. In this one isolated location of the United States, there have been dramatic changes to the philosophy of conducting business. In the past ten years Las Vegas has defined to the world that new innovations to hotel projects can be developed to achieve maximum profitability. Casino companies strive to build the next premier, exciting, state of the art, five star hotels. Change in the casino industry is always exciting with the prospect of a better way to …

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The Analytic Hierarchy & The Analytic Network Processes In Multicriteria Decision Making: A Comparative Study, Ali K. Taslicali Apr 2006

The Analytic Hierarchy & The Analytic Network Processes In Multicriteria Decision Making: A Comparative Study, Ali K. Taslicali

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The objective of this investigation is to identify the critical benefits and factors of decision making models in a changing technological environment. Decision making models are helping tools for the managers or decision makers to make future plans by using qualitative or quantitative data. In this research, a general idea about decision making models and, comparison between the two important models, the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Analytical Network Process (ANP), are introduced. The research was done by using the information in the literature and expert judgment. This paper can be used by academics as a foundation for further …

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Crisis Management In Projects, Senol Nazikkol Apr 2006

Crisis Management In Projects, Senol Nazikkol

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The objective of this investigation is to identify the processes, benefits and important tools of crisis management in projects. Crisis management is a system that helps managers to prevent and overcome crises. In this research, a general review about crisis, crisis management processes and tools are discussed. The research was done by using the information in the literature and expert judgment. This paper can be used by academics as a foundation for further research and development in the area of crisis management in projects. Managers of projects can use this study for improving their projects and project-based organizations' crisis management …

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Collegiate Employers Preferred Characteristics In Potential Job Candidates, Amber S. Landis Apr 2006

Collegiate Employers Preferred Characteristics In Potential Job Candidates, Amber S. Landis

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to identify specific characteristics collegiate employers prefer in potential athletic training job candidates. A secondary purpose was to determine any relationships or differences in employer preferences based on characteristics of the employer or demographics of the institution. A survey instrument was developed to gather background information about the employer and hiring institution, rate the preferences of employers and collect information about the candidate who was actually hired. The instrument was piloted among survey experts and employers who had recently hired an athletic trainer at the college setting and the survey was considered reliable. Email …

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An Examination Of The Relationship Between Family Of Origin Rituals And Young Adult Attachment Style, Melissa Monell Homer Mar 2006

An Examination Of The Relationship Between Family Of Origin Rituals And Young Adult Attachment Style, Melissa Monell Homer

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between family of origin rituals and young adults' attachment style when controlling for parents' attachment style. The sample consisted of 222 paired young adults and one parent (representing 208 families) from 36 different states. Family of origin rituals were measured using the Family Ritual Questionnaire (FRQ) and attachment was measured using the Experiences in Close Relationships Revised (ECR-R) questionnaire. Results indicated a negative relationship between family of origin ritual meaning and young adult attachment anxiety. Results also indicated that family of origin ritual meaning significantly predicted young adult anxiety after …

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The Art And Science Of Discontinuous Innovation: A Case Study In Product Reinvention, Daniel C. Smoot Mar 2006

The Art And Science Of Discontinuous Innovation: A Case Study In Product Reinvention, Daniel C. Smoot

Theses and Dissertations

Divergence of new and old technologies is a source of tremendous innovation potential. As the dizzying pace of technological innovation accelerates indefinitely into tomorrow, not only do new paths diverge exponentially; doors already opened are increasingly abandoned for the allure of things undiscovered. Mature, late-stage life-cycle products left behind in today's fast-paced world open the floodgates to reinvention. This paper tests the hypothesis that innovativeness can be encouraged through the learning and application of universal innovation principles and processes. The implications of this research area are far-reaching. If innovation can be encouraged, then it can likely be taught. If it …

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Factors Impacting Key Management Effectiveness In Secured Wireless Networks, Yongjoo Shin Mar 2006

Factors Impacting Key Management Effectiveness In Secured Wireless Networks, Yongjoo Shin

Theses and Dissertations

The use of a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) offers a cryptographic solution that can overcome many, but not all, of the MANET security problems. One of the most critical aspects of a PKI system is how well it implements Key Management. Key Management deals with key generation, key storage, key distribution, key updating, key revocation, and certificate service in accordance with security policies over the lifecycle of the cryptography. The approach supported by traditional PKI works well in fixed wired networks, but it may not appropriate for MANET due to the lack of fixed infrastructure to support the PKI. This …

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A Hedonic Approach To Estimating Software Cost Using Ordinary Least Squares Regression And Nominal Attribute Variables, Marc D. Ellis Mar 2006

A Hedonic Approach To Estimating Software Cost Using Ordinary Least Squares Regression And Nominal Attribute Variables, Marc D. Ellis

Theses and Dissertations

Software spending is increasing within the DoD, NASA, and other technologically advanced organizations, with significant effects on program budgets. Cost estimators must have the best tools available. However, many current models are problematic due to inaccuracy and unavailability of the input parameters, the technical expertise and expense required to operate them, and the difficulty in explaining their outputs. Two databases were analyzed: 60 NASA/JPL software projects and 116 projects from the International Software Benchmarking and Standards Group database. Models developed using ordinary least squares regression employed parameters representing the presence of project characteristics. The models' predictive characteristics were compared based …

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The Effect Of Major Organizational Policy On Employee Attitudes Toward Graduate Degrees, Frank R. Hughes Mar 2006

The Effect Of Major Organizational Policy On Employee Attitudes Toward Graduate Degrees, Frank R. Hughes

Theses and Dissertations

Leaders initiate policies not only to improve the success of their organizations, but to influence employee performance, whereby employee attitudes toward a policy objective can influence their resulting behaviors. One group of employees, Air Force officers, experienced a policy change in 2005 that discontinued the use of academic degrees as criteria for officer promotions. With this change, there is a concern that the number of Air Force officers with graduate degrees might decrease. In particular, senior leaders in the Civil Engineer (CE) officer career field are concerned that this policy change might reduce the number of officers available to fill …

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Moderating Effects Of Perceived Organizational Support On The Relationship Between Job Satisfaction And Turnover Intentions For Recently Retrained Usaf Enlisted Members, Jennifer A. Phelps Mar 2006

Moderating Effects Of Perceived Organizational Support On The Relationship Between Job Satisfaction And Turnover Intentions For Recently Retrained Usaf Enlisted Members, Jennifer A. Phelps

Theses and Dissertations

The U.S. Air Force uses a variety of human resource practices to manage nearly 350,000 personnel worldwide. Programs already in place, such as enlistment bonuses, base of preference selection, and voluntary retraining, are some of the methods currently utilized to retain Air Force personnel. One program, the Noncommissioned Officer Retraining Program (NCORP), allows for the movement of mid- to senior-level enlisted members to critically manned career fields. In recent years, this program has not met its quota of volunteers and has relied on involuntary retrainees to fill training slots. This study assessed the attitudinal variables of job satisfaction, perceived organizational …

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Reducing Uncertainty In Effects-Based Operations, Wilburn B. Mclamb Mar 2006

Reducing Uncertainty In Effects-Based Operations, Wilburn B. Mclamb

Theses and Dissertations

Known as the fog of war, uncertainty has been prevalent in the conduct of military operations throughout human history. Intelligence collection efforts are tasked to reduce this uncertainty through the collection of information. Utilizing Shannon's entropy as a measure of the expected information gain due to an intelligence collection effort, a methodology is developed to prioritize and allocate intelligence assets in an efficient manner. Incorporated in this methodology are target priority and the requirement to reassess dynamic targets. The application area for the methodology is Effects-Based Operations. A generalized state model is developed to conduct adversary system-of-systems analysis. This model …

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An Evaluation Of How Organizational Culture Can Perpetuate A Formal Mentoring Relationship, Daniel J. Rieker Mar 2006

An Evaluation Of How Organizational Culture Can Perpetuate A Formal Mentoring Relationship, Daniel J. Rieker

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to investigate how an organization's culture can have an effect on formal mentoring. Specifically, this thesis sought to determine if perceptions among gender, ethnicity, and organizational position differ for mentoring and organizational culture. Additionally, this thesis sought to determine if any correlations may exist between organizational culture and formal mentoring overall.

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High Performance Individuals And How They Manage Their Personal Knowledge For Decision-Making: An Exploratory Study Of Us Air Force Leaders, Kenneth M. Ivey Mar 2006

High Performance Individuals And How They Manage Their Personal Knowledge For Decision-Making: An Exploratory Study Of Us Air Force Leaders, Kenneth M. Ivey

Theses and Dissertations

The ability of Colonels, Generals, and Chiefs to effectively manage their personal knowledge may lead to better decisions; however, the Air Force does not have an understanding of how these high performance leaders manage their personal knowledge. This research used a multiple-case study methodology to explore how USAF leaders manage their personal knowledge when making routine and novel decisions. Viewing personal knowledge management as it related to sociotechnical theory provided the basis to determine how the need to accomplish the tasks associated with personal knowledge management impacted the people, technology, organizational structure, and the tasks associated with managing personal knowledge. …

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Perceptions Of The Pure Pallet Program, Michael T. Dye Mar 2006

Perceptions Of The Pure Pallet Program, Michael T. Dye

Theses and Dissertations

In coordination with USCENTCOM, USTRANSCOM, and the DLA, AMC implements the pure pallet program to improve warfighter support. The cornerstone of the pure pallet program rests upon the consolidation of materiel early in the supply-chain by constructing end-user specific pallets. This research utilized a web-based survey to measure the perceptions of the air transportation specialists and logistics readiness officers who are implementing the program on behalf of the Air Force. The results indicate that the pure pallet program is achieving its intended results; however, there is a perception problem. Recommendations center on educating personnel on the importance of suboptimization avoidance …

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An Analysis Of Usaf Aircraft Noise And Hedonic Property Values, Melissa R. Johnson Mar 2006

An Analysis Of Usaf Aircraft Noise And Hedonic Property Values, Melissa R. Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

The primary purpose of the research was to evaluate whether there was a significant difference in housing values of those affected by the noise of USAF aircraft. The secondary purpose was to evaluate whether there was a significant difference in housing values located near USAF bases with and without aircraft noise and to evaluate whether type of aircraft changed the results created by the aircraft noise. This research effort found that homes located within the 65 dB DNL contour of US Air Force installations showed a significant negative impact due to the presence of aircraft noise when studied with the …

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Evaluating Km Journal Content: An Assessment Of Trends (2000-2005), Donnie O. Harp Mar 2006

Evaluating Km Journal Content: An Assessment Of Trends (2000-2005), Donnie O. Harp

Theses and Dissertations

Knowledge management (KM) has been receiving ever increasing attention from researchers and practitioners, especially over the last 5 years. Consequently, some researchers and practitioners now believe that KM should be its own discipline and have established KM-specific journals in an effort to further this idea. Many of these journal founders believe that KM has emerged as a mixture of many disciplines and have written the goal of being interdisciplinary into their charters. This research reviews the KM literature published in KM-specific journals from 2000 to 2005. Specifically, using a content analysis methodology, this research reviews and analyzes the body of …

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Access Based Cost Estimation For Beddown Analysis, Jasper E. Pennington Mar 2006

Access Based Cost Estimation For Beddown Analysis, Jasper E. Pennington

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research is to develop an automated web-enabled beddown estimation application for Air Mobility Command in order to increase the effectiveness and enhance the robustness of beddown estimates. This includes generating rough order of magnitude cost estimates for the potential beddown of air mobility assets as well as serving as a centralized data warehouse for current and future scenarios. The application developed is intended to provide the analyst with the maximum amount of both quantitative and qualitative input for any potential decision to quickly identify infrastructure requirement shortfalls and associated costs to satisfy those shortfalls. The application …

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Headquarters Air Force Material Command Customer Relationship Study, Damelsa D. White Mar 2006

Headquarters Air Force Material Command Customer Relationship Study, Damelsa D. White

Theses and Dissertations

Because of the lack of product and price differentiation, many organizations consider Customer Relationship Management (CRM) their primary focus. CRM uses information about each customer to make each customer more valuable to the organization, and the organization more valuable to the customer, while decreasing the cost of servicing the customer. However, an organization cannot conform to customer specifications if the needs of the customers as well as what the customer values is not known. As a result, Headquarters (HQ) Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) is taking the initiative to gain an understanding of their customers. The purpose of this study …

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Application Of The Strategic Alignment Model And Information Technology Governance Concepts To Support Network Centric Warfare, Jennifer R. Valentine Mar 2006

Application Of The Strategic Alignment Model And Information Technology Governance Concepts To Support Network Centric Warfare, Jennifer R. Valentine

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis analyzes the fields of E-Business and Network Centric Warfare (NCW) in order to identify gaps and overlaps within the two bodies of knowledge. Successful implementation of E-business is more than simply applying a technology to an existing business model. It is about evolving business processes and structures in order for the organization to accommodate for this new dynamic environment. This thesis proposes that while the two areas' success fundamentally resides in the implementation and exploitation of technology, it is only through sound IT Governance policies and strategic alignment practices that success can be measured. Technology has the ability …

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A Comparative Assessment Of Knowledge Management Programs Across The United States Armed Services, Patrick L. Booker Mar 2006

A Comparative Assessment Of Knowledge Management Programs Across The United States Armed Services, Patrick L. Booker

Theses and Dissertations

Knowledge is a corporate resource that is required to accomplish business processes, to make decisions, and to improve efficiency and effectiveness. To completely take advantage of the benefits of knowledge, organizations must harvest and leverage the collective knowledge of the entire workforce. This can be achieved through effective knowledge management. Knowledge management involves processes to create, to store, and transfer knowledge to accomplish business objectives and to achieve a competitive advantage. The United States armed services have also recognized the benefits of knowledge management in meeting the emerging challenges of modern warfare. This study investigated knowledge management programs in the …

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Data Analysis And Its Impact On Predicting Schedule & Cost Risk, Steven M. Cross Mar 2006

Data Analysis And Its Impact On Predicting Schedule & Cost Risk, Steven M. Cross

Theses and Dissertations

Many databases rely on documents (research) of the past to input data to create a comprehensive database. The Selected Acquisition Report (SAR) is one such document. The SARs are pervasive documents that have undergone decades of scrutiny by Congress and watchdog organizations such as the Government Accountability Office. Since the SAR has undergone such massive evolutionary changes, creating an accurate acquisition database presents a daunting task for the analyst and researcher alike. This research concerns itself with one such database. From this prior research database, we look to fill in missing data. We first conduct a literature review to determine …

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Contemplating A New Model For Air Force Aerospace Medical Technician Skills Sustainment Training, Robert M. Corrigan Mar 2006

Contemplating A New Model For Air Force Aerospace Medical Technician Skills Sustainment Training, Robert M. Corrigan

Theses and Dissertations

Two decades ago, Aerospace Medical Technicians received robust skills sustainment training through exposure to multifaceted patient treatment environments. Available training environments included inpatient care, outpatient care, and emergency services. This diverse training environment made possible through large operating budgets and an extraordinary infrastructure could not last. Today (after five separate base closure and realignment initiatives), medical funding and infrastructure is but a shadow of what it once was. Budget constraints and the rising cost of healthcare have necessitated a purposeful movement away from inpatient and emergency care, toward outpatient and preventative medicine. Although changes in Air Force health care delivery …

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Corporate Entrepreneurship Assessment Instrument (Ceai): Systematic Validation Of A Measure, Tassika M. Davis Mar 2006

Corporate Entrepreneurship Assessment Instrument (Ceai): Systematic Validation Of A Measure, Tassika M. Davis

Theses and Dissertations

The implementation of corporate entrepreneurship is becoming an important activity for private- and public-sector organizations. Organizational factors have been linked to successful corporate entrepreneurship. The Corporate Entrepreneurship Assessment Instrument (CEAI) is an instrument that attempts to measure the effectiveness of the key internal organizational factors, or climate, that influence innovative activities and behaviors. This study attempted to assess the content validity and factor structure of the CEAI and thus add weight to the psychometric soundness of the instrument. In sum, the effectiveness of the instrument was tested using the framework for scale development presented by Hinkin (1998). Overall, the CEAI …

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Afmc Civilian Retention: Forecasting Policy On The Future Of The Civilian Workforce, Dex Y. Landreth Mar 2006

Afmc Civilian Retention: Forecasting Policy On The Future Of The Civilian Workforce, Dex Y. Landreth

Theses and Dissertations

The Department of Defense's (DoD) achievement of its mission is dependent in large part on the skills and expertise of its civilian workforce. DoD's civilian workforce develops policy, provides intelligence, manages finances, and acquires and maintains weapon systems, to name a few areas of work. During its downsizing in the early 1990s, DoD did not focus on reshaping the civilian workforce in a strategic manner. This resulted in a workforce characterized by a growing gap between older, experienced employees and younger, less experienced ones. With more than 60 percent of its civilian personnel becoming eligible to retire by 2010, DoD …

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An Asymmetrical Look At Air Force Human Capital Management: More Emphasis On Qualifications And Less On Rank, Daniel M. Romano Mar 2006

An Asymmetrical Look At Air Force Human Capital Management: More Emphasis On Qualifications And Less On Rank, Daniel M. Romano

Theses and Dissertations

This research explored an asymmetrical concept of personnel management, specifically whether status, rank, is an artificial barrier to employing qualified enlisted personnel in some company grade officer duties. It takes the approach under the Human Capital Theory and questions whether rank plays a roll in effective performance and whether eliminating rank as a criterion to employment, in some duties, can support Air Force transformation efforts, without negatively affecting culture (i.e. chain-of-command, customs and courtesies). It describes a concept where more emphasis is put on meeting the knowledge, education, experience, and training qualifications and the required rank be interchangeable between enlisted …

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Understanding Innovation Adoption In The Air Force, Morgan J. Evans Mar 2006

Understanding Innovation Adoption In The Air Force, Morgan J. Evans

Theses and Dissertations

Innovation adoption has become a critical issue for organizations in both the public and private sectors. The search for competitive advantage has led to the recognition that innovation is a vital ingredient for an organization's survival and profitability in this information age. The United States Air Force is seeking to adapt to this new information age by transforming its business processes in order to sustain its competitive advantage as the world's most respected air force. Adopting innovations and integrating new or improved technologies, capabilities, concepts, and processes into Air Force planning and acquisition activities, organizations, and operations are goals of …

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