Business Commons^™

The Eu-Egypt Partnership Agreement, Gehan Mamdouh Saleh

Archived Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

An Analysis Of Early Software Reliability Improvement Techniques, John G. Leonard, Ric K. Nordgren

Theses and Dissertations

This research explores early life cycle software reliability prediction models or techniques to predict the reliability of software prior to writing code, and a method for increasing or improving the reliability of software products early in the development life cycle. Five prediction models and two development techniques are examined. Each model is statically analyzed in terms of availability of data early in the life cycle, ease of data collection, and whether data is currently collected. One model and the two techniques satisfied those requirements and are further analyzed for their ability to predict or improve software reliability. While the researchers …

Development Of Activity Based Costing (Abc) Optimization Tool For An Environmental Organization, Anthony J. Gutterman

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis was to develop a tool that would allow the user the ability to determine the activities an organization should track using Activity Based Costing (ABC). This was accomplished through the assignment of costs to the maintenance of ABC data and the determination of the benefit received as a result of using ABC. While obtaining the information pertinent to the cost of ABC was relatively straightforward and well documented, the information regarding the value of the benefit of ABC was not available. Therefore, using information provided in the literature concerning savings resulting from making the polluter …

Information Superiority: Outsourcing An Air Force Core Competency?, Hugh J. Mcterman

Theses and Dissertations

The information age is upon us. More businesses are relying on access to immediate and accurate information just to survive in the global marketplace. This reliance has caused most companies to take a closer look at what core business the firm is actually in, how information impacts those strategic areas, and how best to obtain the needed information. Joint Vision 2010 identifies information superiority as the foundation for joint war fighting doctrine and concepts moving toward the year 2010. This thesis explores the perceived relationship between the core competency requirements for information superiority and the tasks defined for the Air …

Get Your Hands Out Of My Drawers: A Survey Of Information Ownership And Stewardship At The Air Force Institute Of Technology, Keith E. Kolekofski Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

Despite beliefs in the benefits of good Information Resources Management (IRM) practices, executives still find their organizations plagued by outdated, inconsistent, and unavailable information. This information is often stored in disparate, standalone systems spread throughout the business. The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) fails to reap the synergistic benefits of shared information despite its bounty of information systems and proclamations for IRM principles. Previous researcher postulated that this disconnect may be explained, in part, by an ownership attitude at the functional level. Empirical evidence gathered from a survey of AFIT's members failed to support Plant's hypothesis. Exploratory factor analysis …

Usaf Pilot Perceptions Of Workload Assessment In A Combat Or High-Threat Environment, Kadircan Kottas

Theses and Dissertations

This study analyzed the self-reported survey responses of 219 Air Force Pilots concerning their perceptions of workload assessment in a combat or a high threat environment. The first objective of this study was to determine and compare the combat workload factors of varying importance in combat workload assessment by aircraft and mission type flown. The second objective was to examine the pilots' perception of combat mission inflight workload. A stepwise regression model to predict the pilots' perceptions of inflight workload using pilots' characteristics data was explored. Research conclusion varied among aircraft types. Combat workload items indicated as distractingly important were …

An Analysis Of The Air Force Environmental Management System, Christopher M. Lindhorst

Theses and Dissertations

In order to be effective and responsible stewards of the environment, the Air Force needs an environmental management system that is properly constructed, organized, and operated. Unfortunately, the current state of the Air Force's environmental management system is not clear. This research, utilizing a variety of analytical and quantitative tools, provides a better understanding of the current stat of the environmental management system in the Air Force. First, areas of vulnerability within the existing Air Force environmental management system were identified through an analysis of Environmental Compliance Assessment and Management Program (ECAMP) data and a field investigation. Through this analysis, …

Ethical Issues In A Networked Environment, Kristen G. Sallberg

Theses and Dissertations

The research objective was to provide a preliminary understanding of how USAF computer users perceive the ethical considerations of computer networks and how the USAF is addressing ethical issues of networked environments. A survey was undertaken to explore questions of ethics in the use of information networks. The literature review explored issues of ethics in the private sector and USAF guidance regarding use of official government resources. The sample population consisted of military members stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Ohio. The responses regarding certain attitudes about behaviors and actions in a networked environment were consistent overall. A significant difference …

Information Resource Management: An Analysis Of The Critical Skills, Training Sources, And Training Adequacy As Perceived By Air Force Communications And Information Officers, Donald A. Schmidt

Theses and Dissertations

This study explores what Information Resource Management (IRM) skills are required as perceived by the Air Force officers performing IRM duties. The following questions set the stage for this research: (1) What does current literature say about the required skills needed for IRM professionals? (2) What IRM skills do officers in the field perceive as important to the IRM mission? (3) What is the primary source of any IRM training received by the officers? (4) How adequate was this training, if any? The results suggest that Air Force officers have a grasp of IRM concepts and know what skills are …

Organizational Support Of Internet Technology Infusion: An Exploratory Analysis, Anthony J. Davis

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis identifies managerial, organizational, and individual attributes which influence Internet technology infusion. Infusion can be defined as the incorporation of a technology into an organization's key processes. As infusion increases, the extended, integrative and emergent use of the technology increases, leading to increased leveraging of the technology. A survey was distributed to 1100 Air Force members throughout four Major Commands, divided into 600 officers and 500 enlisted. The analysis used Structural Equation Modeling to test models relating managerial, organizational and individual constructs as positive influences on infusion. Findings in the officer group indicate executive involvement and participation, policy, receptivity …

An Analysis Of The Effectiveness Of Online Peer Feedback At The United States Air Force Academy, Annette M. Driscoll

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the effectiveness of the Air Force Academy's Department of English local area network peer feedback system. Four main questions were examined. These questions explored a) whether students reported improvement in their writing, b) whether students reported that feedback is worthwhile, c) whether students reported that LAN sessions increase enjoyment of writing, and d) what types of feedback the students 1) received and 2) found most helpful. Three groups were studied. Forty-six students received feedback online, fifty students received feedback face to face, and thirty-three students did not receive feedback. Comparisons were made for the questions mentioned above …

An Integrated Environment For Problem Solving And Program Development, Fadi Pierre Deek

Dissertations

A framework for an integrated problem solving and program development environment that addresses the needs of students learning programming is proposed. Several objectives have been accomplished: defining the tasks required for program development and a literature review to determine the actual difficulties involved in learning those tasks. A comprehensive Study of environments and tools developed to support the learning of problem solving and programming was then performed, covering programming environments, debugging aids, intelligent tutoring systems, and intelligent programming environments. This was followed by a careful analysis and critique of these systems, which uncovered the limitations that have prevented them from …

The Socio-Economic Role Of Crude Oil In The United States And Finland, Judith Deak Kallo

Theses

Running a company requires daily assessment of opportunities, risks and trends which involve socio-economic changes and scientific uncertainties. Technical-material resources play a major role in the uncertainty of corporate economics. Overproduction combined with increasing efficiencies have resulted in accelerated use and misuse of resources, accompanied by socio-ecological abuses related to wars and pollution. A significant current threat is global warming. As a result of this global challenge several companies have moved towards a more comprehensive environmental business management model. This is seen in corporate management initiating life cycle assessment and risk analysis of their products.

The socio-economic role of crude …

The Effects Of Organizational And Individual Learning On Job Satisfaction And Organizational Commitment, David Lee Wright

Doctoral Dissertations

The objective of this dissertation was to assess how certain organizational-level and individual-level factors affect member job attitudes. Specifically, market orientation and organizational learning, contingent on the individual's orientation toward learning, were examined as potential predictors of job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Individual performance of employees affects organizational performance. Consequently, these organizational and individual factors are significant to management because of their potential influence on the attitudes of employees.

A national sample consisting of sales and marketing executives made up the sample frame. A self-report questionnaire was mailed to 2000 randomly selected potential respondents. The return of 213 usable questionnaires …

A Proposed Approach To Iso Compliance And Validation For Metrology Laboratories, J. Lyle Bagley

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

International competition among metrology laboratories, as well as their customers, has intensified the incentive to seek either accreditation to ISO Guide 25 or ISO 9000 quality system registration for the laboratory. The debate continues as to which is more beneficial to the laboratory and its customers once the decision is made to pursue one or the other. This study addresses the advantages and limitations of each, and how best to prepare for complying with ISO standards. The literature was reviewed and ISO certification experts were questioned about these issues. The results were combined with new applications of existing operations research …

Minimizing Post-Production Weight Growth In Tanks Using A Decision Analysis Model, Michael F. Cochrane

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Post-production weight growth of tanks is an historic problem for the military. Tanks are difficult to transport because of their weight, and post-production modifications tend to cause this weight to increase over the lifecycle of the tank. In this thesis, a computer model is constructed which uses influence diagrams to model tank weight growth as a probabilistic process. Historical weight data for the MI Abrams tank program is used to derive probabilities for the model. The model is used to predict tank weight growth over both the short and long term with the goal of understanding more about how and …

Do Women Have The Same Opportunity As Men To Coach Teams Of The Opposite Sex At The Ncaa Division Ii Level?, Jeff Studdard

Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios

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The Logistics Of Mobilizing And Supplying The Union Army During The Initial Stages Of The American Civil War, Trey G. Burrows

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis studies the logistics involved in mobilizing and supplying the Union Army at the onset of the Civil War. The main elements discussed are the sources, procedures, and items needed for the mobilization and supply efforts. Initially, the Union relied on the States to mobilize the military with the majority of the military being militia members or volunteers. The number of volunteers declined later in the war and the Union used both the bounty system and the draft for recruitment. Eventually, the Federal Government replaced the States as the primary mobilizing entity. The military needed supplies of weapons, clothing, …

Calibration And Validation Of The Cocomo Ii.1997.0 Cost/Schedule Estimating Model To The Space And Missile Systems Center Database, Wayne A. Bernheisel

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this study was to determine the accuracy of COCOMO II.1997.0, a software cost and schedule estimating model, using Magnitude of Relative Error, Mean Magnitude of Relative Error, Relative Root Mean Square, and a 25 percent Prediction Level. Effort estimates were completed using the model in default and in calibrated mode. Calibration was accomplished by dividing four stratified data sets into two random validation and calibration data sets using five times resampling. The accuracy results were poor; the best having an accuracy of only .3332 within 40 percent of the time in calibrated mode. It was found that …

A Comparison Of Contracts Involving The Privatization Of Newark Afb And The Naval Air Warfare Center-Indianapolis, James P. Valley

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis studies the contract types and incentives involved in the privatization of Newark AFB and the Naval Air Warfare Center-Indianapolis. Newark AFB was slated to close by the Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) in 1993. The Air Force decided to utilize an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, and utilize an award fee to incentivize the contractor. In 1995, the BRAC commission decided to close the Naval Air Warfare Center-Indianapolis. The Navy also decided to utilize an IDIQ contract and has mostly utilized the Fixed Price Level of Effort contract to obtain its requirements. Through interviews and a …

An Examination Of The Demographic And Career Progression Of Air Force Institute Of Technology Cost Analysis Graduates, Christopher S. Dalton

Theses and Dissertations

The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) was asked to develop a graduate curriculum to support cost analysts in the acquisition arena in October 1980. The first class entered in May 1982 and graduated in September 1983 with Master of Science degrees in Systems Management. This degree program gained autonomy by offering its first true Master of Science degree in Cost Analysis in 1988. Now there are nearly thirteen years of graduate cost analysts (GCAs) in the workforce. This thesis examined the impact this program has had on these graduates and the Air Force. Surveys were mailed out to 73 …

Calibration And Validation Of The Sage Software Cost/Schedule Estimating System To United States Air Force Databases, David B. Marzo

Theses and Dissertations

This research entailed calibration and validation of the SAGE Software Cost/Schedule Estimating System, Version 1.7 as a means to improve estimating accuracy for DoD software-intensive systems, and thereby introduce stability into software system development. SAGE calibration consisted of using historical data from completed projects at the Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) and the Electronic Systems Center (ESC) to derive average performance factors (i.e., calibration factors) for pre-defined categories of projects. A project was categorized for calibration by either its primary application or by the contractor that developed it. The intent was to determine the more appropriate categorization for calibration. …

The Effects Of The New Commercial Marketplace Emphasis On United States Air Force Contract Negotiators, Bryan J. Hudgens

Theses and Dissertations

Acquisition Reform is changing the way the government contracts for needed goods and services. The commercial marketplace is becoming a significant source not only of goods and services, but also of ideas as to how the government can improve its contracting and acquisition functions. This research investigates the impact of this change of focus (to the commercial marketplace) on the GS-1102 series government contract negotiator. This thesis examines whether two theories-boundary spanning and supply management-can help understand the changing the role of the government contract negotiator. This research effort also reviews a list of commercial practices recommended by experts as …

Determining Staffing Levels For Contingency Contract Administration Support, Anthony L. Lomelin

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis is to investigate different manpower models used by CONUS contracting offices which may be of use in determining CCAS team personnel requirements. In this research effort I intend to answer the following question: 'which of the most commonly employed CONUS manning model methodologies offers the best practical solution to the problem of staffing a contingency contracting operation?'

The Impact Of The Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act Of 1994 On Post-Award Protest Frequency, Eric C. Duncan

Theses and Dissertations

The protest process is a means of ensuring that the Government conducts procurements in accordance with statutory and regulatory procedures. Additionally, protests serve a vital role in assuring full and open competition in the federal acquisition process. Protests can be costly in many aspects, including the direct costs of taking the action as well as more indirect costs such as program delays and damaged business relationships. The Government recognizes the negative impact protests have on the procurement process and has enacted several laws and regulations in an effort to reduce protest frequency and streamline procurement procedures. While it appears that …

Pharmaceutical Surge Requirements For The Prime Vendor Program-Europe In Support Of Military Operations Other Than War, James B. Upton

Theses and Dissertations

The U.S. military in Europe often provides medical support to military operations other than war due to unstable situations in that region of the world. The increasing support to peace operations and humanitarian assistance have led the military medical units in Europe to reexamine the pharmaceuticals traditionally maintained to support surges. This research was a qualitative, exploratory study using multiple case study strategy to identify the specific pharmaceuticals utilized in the initial stages of military operations other than war primarily peacekeeping, peace enforcement and humanitarian assistance. The operations chosen as the units of analysis were Operation Provide Promise (Croatia), Operation …

Core Values: A History Of Values-Related Initiatives In The Air Force, Gregory J. Dierker

Theses and Dissertations

This research explored the historical Air Force values-related initiatives that have existed since its creation in 1947. The Air Force has long been interested in and conducted values-related initiatives, although sometimes with a different focus and objective than its preceding initiatives. This study specifically examines two of the assumptions made in the current Air Force Core Values initiative against the historic values-related initiatives to identify any differences that have occurred over time. The two assumptions specifically deal with the degree to which the initiatives emphasize character development, and secondly, the role the chaplain plays in these identified initiatives. Other attributes …

Aerial Port Location Study, Levenchi L. Dingle

Theses and Dissertations

This study performed an investigation on determining the appropriate number and locations of continental United States aerial ports. To accomplish this a linear programming formulation was adapted with the optimizing function based on trading off the cost of shipping cargo against port operating costs. Cargo would travel from CONUS origin, through aerial port of embarkation (APOE), to aerial port of debarkation (APOD) at minimum cost to the DoD. The need for the study was precipitated by continued reductions in the military budget, consolidation of defense depots, and the reduction in the number of personnel stationed overseas. Cargo movement data was …

Identification And Reduction Of Bottlenecks Concerning Micap Re-Supply Of F-16 Weapons System Avionics Line Replaceable Units, Karl N. Muno, Patrick K. Pezoulas

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis evaluates selected F-16 avionics Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) transiting the logistics pipeline in order to examine the existence of bottlenecks and explore potential solutions within the current Department of Defense (DoD) logistics reparable pipeline. A previous study reported that a reduction in the overall pipeline resupply time of at least one day equates to a savings of approximately $25.45 million (Hill et al, 1990:iii). Bottlenecks cause movement delays to the entities moving through the logistics reparable pipeline. The pipeline segments are: AO (requisition), AE (item availability), AS (shipment status), and D6 (receipt). The bottlenecks of concern are those …

Aerospace Ground Equipment's Impact On Aircraft Availability And Deployment, Jeffrey D. Havlicek

Theses and Dissertations

The first purpose of this thesis was to study the effects of four factors on aircraft availability: the aerospace ground equipment (AGE) design configuration, the mean time between failure (MTBF) of AGE, the mean time to repair (MTTR) AGE, and the travel time to transport the AGE around the flightline. A simulation developed by Carrico (1996) that has its foundation based on the Logistics Composite Model (LCOM) was used. ANOVA results indicated that the present estimates of these factors are too broad for trade studies that include an estimate of aircraft availability to begin. The time it takes AGE to …