Business Commons^™

The Effects Of Violations Of Bar Chart Standards On Managerial Decision Making, Jeanne E. Tennison, Phillip G. Puglisi

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigated whether a difference in data display, modes or a difference in data trends affected mid-level Air Force managers trend impressions, risk assessments. and loan decisions. By presenting data in four different modes, and by three data trends, a 4 x 3 factorial design experiment was prepared 180 subjects were tested, 15 in each of the twelve treatment cells. Each subject viewed three graphs or tables and made a decision based on the trend observed, their assessment of the trend, and a decision table. At the end of the experiment. they were asked for their impression of the …

A Qualitative Study Of Human Resource Personnel, Company Manager, And Diversity Trainer Perceptions Of Diversity Training Needs In Portland, Oregon Hi-Tech Businesses, Ellene L. Gurtov

Dissertations and Theses

This study describes human resource personnel, company manager, and self-employed diversity trainer perceptions of diversity training needs in greater Portland, Oregon hi-tech organizations. The research questions are: 1) What are the most frequently reported diversity training needs among human resource personnel and company managers currently working in Portland hi-tech businesses? 2) What do trainers specializing in diversity training report are the diversity training needs for employees currently working in Portland hi-tech businesses?

A phenomenological perspective as an interpretive approach to inquiry was the theoretical framework implemented in this study. Three areas of literature were reviewed: first, current company diversity training …

An Evaluation Of The Implementation Of Total Quality Management In A Service Organization, Charles Stanford Stevens

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

This research consists of a formative evaluation designed to identify the steps necessary to revitalize a formerly successful Total Quality Management (TQM) process at a U.S. Navy engineering and logistics support organization. The research also developed a methodology to account for the fact that the investigator is a well-informed insider who served as one of the principle change agents for the TQM implementation.

The research is based on the researcher's observation that the major cause for the waning implementation was due to senior management and leadership issues and the organization-wide processes with which they interface. The investigation consisted of an …

Toward Alternative Metrics For Measuring Performance Within Operational Contracting Squadrons: An Application Of Benchmarking Techniques, Mark W. Fahrenkamp, Mark P. Garst

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to present a performance evaluation system based upon benchmarking techniques as an alternative method of assessing performance within operational contracting squadrons. To fulfill this purpose, the research focused upon four main objectives: (1) determine all the performance factors that currently exist within a typical contracting squadron; (2) determine which of these factors are considered significant for measuring organizational performance, (3) determine whether a benchmark can be established for each performance factor considered to be significant; and (4) determine whether a viable performance evaluation system can be developed based upon benchmarking principles and techniques. To …

Development Of Standardized S Curves For The Evaluation Of Major Department Of Defense Purchases, Richard E. Knepp, Michael E. Stroble

Theses and Dissertations

The increasing cost of Department of Defense acquisitions combined with the shrinking Defense budget puts a premium on continuing the funding of only those programs that are practical and affordable. This emphasizes a need for good methods of monitoring the progress of programs. Current methods of controlling and evaluating cost performance are limited. It is our belief that the generation of S-curves using current Cost and Schedule Control Systems Criteria (C/SCSC) data will provide a mathematical and/or graphical approach to assist in the control of program costs. This thesis attempted to plot the percentage of time for a contract's completion …

An Analysis Of Estimate At Completion Models Utilizing The Defense Acquisition Executive Summary Database, Mark F. Terry, Mary M. Vanderburgh

Theses and Dissertations

This study explores the widely held assertion that DOD contract Cost at Completion is bounded below by the Cost Performance Index-based Estimate at Completion (EAC) and above by the Schedule Cost Index-based EAC. Descriptive statistics determined the floor and ceiling for 321 DOD contracts. The results confirmed that the Cost Performance Index-based EAC is a reasonable floor and the Schedule Cost Index-based EAC is a reasonable ceiling for EAC formulas. For the contracts considered overall, on average, the Cost at Completion was not bounded by the floor and ceiling. The range of EAC formulas evaluated tended to slightly underestimate, the …

A Study Of Air Force Theater-Based Contingency Contracting Training Requirements For A Power Projection Strategy, Jon B. Tigges, Thomas J. Snyder

Theses and Dissertations

This research examined the training needs for contingency contracting officers for a Power Projection Strategy. Contingency contracting officers (CCOs) that deployed to Operation Desert Shield/Storm (ODS) where asked to provide their perceptions of the training they received before ODS, training and equipment needs identified as a result of lessons learned from ODS, and whether current training meets those needs. The results of the study show that CCOs believe there are many areas of training that can be improved to ensure future contingency participants do not have to relearn the same lessons of ODS.

Benchmarking Practices Of Air Cargo Carriers: A Case Study Approach, Mila D. Abalateo, Joni R. Lee

Theses and Dissertations

This research effort used the benchmarking process and a case study methodology to determine what the Air Force can learn from commercial air cargo carriers. A literature search showed that the U.S. air cargo industry leaders are United Parcel Service, Federal Express, Emery Air Freight, Airborne Freight, DHL Airways, and Burlington Air Express. In addition, the 436th Aerial Port Squadron at Dover AFB, Delaware was chosen as the Air Force representative in the benchmarking study. Observations of air cargo operations and interviews with operational managers or applicable experts familiar with air cargo operations were conducted at each carrier's hub and …

Customer Service Analysis Of Air Combat Command Vehicle Maintenance Support, Lori M. Bass, Linda J. Dahl

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to recommend a more comprehensive set of Vehicle Maintenance performance measures. A survey was used to collect information from Vehicle Maintenance customers from various organizations throughout ACC. The research had four objectives: (1) identify the customer service elements important to Vehicle maintenance customers; (2) identify customer perceptions about how Vehicle Maintenance meets those elements; (3) compare the perceptions of different customer groups; and (4) recommend customer oriented Vehicle Maintenance performance measures. Data analysis revealed that quality and timeliness were the service factors most important to Vehicle Maintenance customers. Analysis also indicated distinct differences between …

Quantification Of Uncertainty In The Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Studies Process, Kurt C. Held, Perry J. Shepler

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis developed a method to bound cost estimates with a prediction interval of costs for the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) phase of the Installation Remediation Program (IRP) process. The prediction interval provides a reasonableness cross check for RI/FS project cost estimates. To develop the cost bounds, three major activities occurred. First, a database was developed from RI/FS projects managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. Second, a regression cost model was developed from the observations in the database. Third, a prediction interval specified at the 70 percent confidence level was derived from the cost model. This prediction interval provides …

A Case Study Of Factors Affecting Continuous Improvement In Dod Activities Operating Under Total Quality Management, Mark E. Gabriel, Theodore E. Manis

Theses and Dissertations

This study looked at factors affecting the success or failure of continuous improvement initiatives in Department of Defense (DOD) activities to determine whether these activities were continuously improving and to identify factors effecting their efforts. Initially a list of relevant factors was compiled from the criteria for various quality awards and from factors cited in the literature. This list was synthesized into seven factors mentioned most often as critical to quality management and continuous improvement. Interviews were then conducted with representatives of the three commands included in the study. Each command provided information on a successful initiative and on an …

An Analysis Of Research And Development Product Team Characteristics For The System Acquisition Environment, Robert C. Gibson, Mary E. Waker

Theses and Dissertations

The focus of this thesis was on product team characteristics in the systems acquisition environment. This research investigated the characteristics of the Saturn Corp product team organizational structure and also reviewed literature relevant to this area. The characteristics identified by Saturn that contribute to the success of their product team were incorporated into a product team effectiveness survey and administered to personnel in the F-22 System Program Office (SPO) located at WPAFB. The results of the F-22 SPO survey were then compared to the Saturn product team characteristics in order to identify achievements and possible weaknesses. Overall, it appears that …

Assessment Of The Effectiveness Of The United States Air Force And Selected Unit Vision Statements, Joseph N. Gomes, Quinn A. Gummel

Theses and Dissertations

This study assessed the Air Force and subordinate unit vision statements to determine how effectively current Air Force efforts provide vision for Air Force personnel. There were two main parts to the research: a literature review, and a field study of various Air Force units to assess the effectiveness of the Air Force visioning process. A review of the literature revealed the definition, and role, of vision statements, and identified five essential elements for effective vision statements. The elements of effective vision statements were found to be: a clear image of a future end state; a realistic and attainable goal; …

An Investigation Into The Effects Of Process Variation In The Base Processing Segment Of The Depot-Level Reparable Pipeline, Harold D. Hites, Mark Schultz

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to identify and provide pipeline managers with the knowledge and tools necessary for reducing process variation associated with retrograde asset flow time. Several Air Force studies have been devoted to researching portions of the pipeline process. Our study continues this trend of investigations by studying the Base Processing Segment. This study demonstrates the potential for analyzing the Base Processing Segment of the depot-level reparable pipeline using Statistical Process Control. Retrograde asset flow time data collection methods and current management practices were examined. Control charts were used in the passive mode to analyze and determine …

A Study Of Theoretical Models For Managing Technology Change And A Comparison To A Radio Frequency Identification Implementation, Mark S. Reboulet, Phillip L. Robinson

Theses and Dissertations

This research developed an aggregate model for technological implementation in organizations. The aggregate model drew information from various theoretical models and aggregated those elements that were common to several of the models. Those elements included: information availability, anticipated profitability, probability of success, user attitudes, political attitudes, external pressure, teamwork, strategic planning, resource availability, and training. Individuals involved at various organizational levels of a Radio Frequency Identification implementation were interviewed to see if the aggregate model could be useful to managers. The researchers found evidence that each of the elements of the aggregate model could be beneficial to managers considering implementing …

A Test Of The Theory Of Reasoned Action At The Group Level Of Analysis, Thomas A. Fitch, Edward A. Mccarty

Theses and Dissertations

A vast array of studies exist which have sought to explore the relationships between behavioral intentions, job satisfaction, turnover and performance at the individual level of analysis. Recent efforts to move to the group level of analysis have shown some promise, but few exist. The crux of the issue under consideration here was whether or not there was utility in treating attitude-intention-behavior linkages as group level phenomena. Both Schneider (1987) and George (1990' contend that, while individual analysis cannot be discounted as a means of understanding behavior, there is also value in examining group-level phenomena. The purpose of this study …

A Study Of The Development Of Planning, Programming And Budgeting System (Ppbs) In The United States Department Of Defense, Sakir S. Kantik

Theses and Dissertations

Having served as the United States Defense Department (DoD)'s primary resource allocation and decision-making process for more than 30 years, Planning-Programming-Budgeting System (PPBS) has kept going its evolution since it was first introduced in 1961. Accordingly, this study examined the development of PPBS in the U.S. DoD from its beginning to the recent past, that is to 1986, focusing on its basic purposes, how it has been modified and to assess the various expert observations made about the system. As originally conceived, the budget process was divided into three phases: Planning, Programming and Budgeting. The Planning phase was concerned with …

Benchmark Production Scheduling Problems For Job Shops With Interactive Constraints, Stewart W. James, Bruno A. Mediate Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

United States Air Force (USAF) depots have expressed interest in utilizing DISASTER production scheduling software to schedule their maintenance operations. DISASTER attempts to increase system throughput by building effective schedules for system, constraint resources. However, when a system contains multiple, interactive constraints, DISASTER builds the constraint schedules one at a time. Since each successive schedule must adhere to timing restrictions imposed by previous constraint schedules, the quality of the schedules produced by DISASTER is dependent upon the sequence in which the constraints are scheduled. This thesis first developed a set of benchmark problems which provide a diversity of scheduling scenarios. …

Scheduling A Medium-Sized Manufacturing Shop: A Simulation Study, Daniel J. Mcfeely

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the application of simple-to-use, low cost scheduling methods to the operating environment of a medium-sized manufacturing shop. Computer simulation was used to evaluate eighteen different scheduling algorithms, each the result of the combination of a loading and a sequencing rule; due date setting was not considered since due dates are exogenously set. The loading rules investigated were Minimum Machine Required, Lowest Average WIP, and Lowest Average Aggregate Priority Level. The sequencing rules investigated were Priority, EDD, FIS, SPT, Slack, and Slack Ratio. The scheduling algorithms were evaluated against performance measures of mean tardiness, mean flowtime, mean percentage …

An Evaluation Of Individual Empowerment And Self-Efficacy On Sexual Harrassment In The Work Environment, Rebecca A. Gebhard, Edgar J. Labenne

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis was to develop an instrument that would measure an individual's ability to define sexual harassment and address gender discrimination. In addition, the thesis determines the relationship of empowerment, self-efficacy, and training as it affects the awareness of harassment. Extensive statistical analysis was performed on the instrument and sample data. The importance of developing this instrument is evident in its ability to create regression models to predict the existence of empowerment and self-efficacy which could be useful to improve morale and productivity. This thesis provides a history of sexual harassment from the difficulty in defining terminology, …

A Comparison Of Non-Performance Characteristics With United States Air Force Officer Promotions, James W. Bruns, Lawrence A. Eichhorn

Theses and Dissertations

The question of which non-performance factors influence the promotion of officers to major, lieutenant colonel, and colonel within the Air Force for Promotion Boards held in 1992 is the focus of this thesis. The thesis statistically examines the impact of the variables commissioning source, prior enlistment, age, aeronautical rating, graduate education level obtained and source of education, Professional Military Education courses taken and method of completion, distinguished graduate status from commissioning source and Professional Military Education courses for in-the-zone promotions. Multivariate logistics regression techniques are used to analyze and identify those variables significant to promotion. Odds-ratios are used to determine …

Software Cost Estimating Models: A Comparative Study Of What The Models Estimate, George A. Coggins, Roy C. Russell

Theses and Dissertations

This effort developed a consolidated document which highlights and examines differences in definitions, assumptions, and methodologies used by the REVIC, SASET, PRICES, and SEER-SEM cost models. The following research questions were investigated: (1) What differences exist between the cost models? (2) How do these differences impact the resulting estimates? (3) To what degree can we explain and adjust for known differences between the cost models? Seven specific areas were addressed: (1) software development phases, (2) development activities and cost elements, (3) source lines of code and language differences, (4) key model attributes and key cost drivers, (5) implications of Project …

Quality-Based Supply Management Indicators, Michael O. Cannon, Brian B. Yoo

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis was to determine if current supply management indicators provide supply managers with quality measurement tools. This research developed the Quality-Based Metrics Framework, consisting of customer focus and continuous process improvement with underlying supporting elements of time and cost. A literature review determined an appropriate framework for improving logistics indicators. Interviews with supply analysts and a review of pertinent publications identified the most commonly used supply management indicators. A focus group of highly experienced senior supply officers determined the usefulness of currently used indicators in terms of the framework. Using the input from the focus group, …

The Development Of An Instrument To Measure Fourteen Theoretical Factors For The Attribution Of Charisma, Tyler J. Bach, Michael J. Labosky

Theses and Dissertations

This study attempted to validate Hicks' (1991) findings of 11 factors which could be used to measure the attribution of charisma. Three new factors were added and their validity measured. The instrument measured whether followers differentiated between charismatic and non-charismatic leaders in terms of these factors. We tested if the subjects responded differently to the attribution of charisma based on gender or whether or not they had someone in mind as they completed the instrument. Cronbach's Alpha was used to measure the validity of the 14 factors land to compare them to previous findings. All 14 factors were validated, some …

Repair Process Improvement At The Ogden Air Logistics Center, Landing Gear Division: A Case Study In The Application Of The Theory Of Constraints, David A. Maddox, Susan L. Martz

Theses and Dissertations

This study explored the nature and extent of success that resulted from the implementation of the Theory of Constraints (TOC) in a depot repair environment. The actions taken to implement TOC were determined. Performance measures which defined success were identified and data were collected and summarized to demonstrate performance before and after implementation of TOC concepts. Improvements in flowdays and work-in-process (WIP) were determined to be attributable to the TOC effort. In addition, the unique characteristics of probabalistic repair and supply system variability were noted as those characteristics that posed the greatest challenges to implementing TOC in a remanufacturing environment. …

A Benchmark Of Tractor Trailer Operator Training Between The United States Army's 37th Transportation Command And A Selected Civilian Industry Leader, Stephen J. Mayhew, Joel T. Peterson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose or this research was to determine differences between the Army's 37th Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) TRACTOR TRAILER (T/T) driver training program and a selected civilian industry leader's training program in order to identify practices which could improve 37th TRANSCOM's training program. In order to make this comparison, the researchers used a benchmarking methodology to compare T/T training programs of 37th TRANSCOM and Eaton Roadranger Training Institute. Major findings were identified in five areas. There were negative gaps in the four benchmark areas of minimum age requirement, course content, prior driving experience required of instructors, and mock-up training aids. One …

The Effect Of Fill Patterns On Graphical Interpretation And Decision Making, Robert D. Helgeson, Robert A. Moriarty

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated if decision makers could be mislead by computer generated vertical bar graphs that contained varying intensities of fill patterns. It also investigated if the misleading influence of vertical bar graphs caused any differences in interpretation or decision making. A literature review revealed a need to test bar graphs with varying intensities of fill patterns in a controlled environment. By creating vertical bar graphs that use fill patterns, stronger impressions may be produced on the decision maker which may lead to misinterpretations of the underlying data. An experiment was conducted on 182 mid to upper level Department of …

An Analysis Of The Effectiveness Of The Air Force Drug Testing Program And Four Potential Modifications, Thomas R. Doster, Hubert A. Ross

Theses and Dissertations

This study evaluated the 1992 USAF Drug Testing Program and potential improvements, based on the number of drug users detected, cost, and legal issues. Four potential improvements were examined: (1) increasing the annual amount of random urinalysis; (2) increasing the proportion of commander-directed testing; (3) using a weighted selection technique, and (4) replacing urinalysis with hair testing. For each improvement, the researchers used test and survey results to estimate the number of drug users detected, a cost formula to estimate any changes in cost, and interviews with legal experts to identify any legal issues associated with implementing the modification. Researchers …

A Cost Model For Usaf Acquisition Of Commercial Aircraft For Service In The Special Air Mission Fleet, C. Grant Mcvicker Iii, Michael T. Roche

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to develop a cost estimating model which would allow cost estimators the ability to quickly and accurately estimate the acquisition of Air Force Special Air Mission fleet aircraft. The literature review revealed studies, government contracts, and trade publications which served as source data. This information was supplemented by interviews with acquisition specialists and contractors and incorporated into a database. Several estimating techniques were created and used to estimate the various cost elements. The Commercial Aircraft Integrated Cost Estimating Tool (CAICET) model was then developed to incorporate the estimating techniques with the database. This was …

The Logistics Of Waging War 1982-1993, Alan J. Will, William G. Wheeler

Theses and Dissertations

This research effort provides material for use in updating the book The Logistics of Waging War. This particular book gives a logistics overview of part American Military conflicts but had not been update since 1982. Our objective was to research the logistics aspects of the major military operations since 1982. These operations included: Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada (1983), Operation Just Cause in Panama (1989), Operation Desert Shield in Saudi Arabia (1990), Operation Desert Storm in Iraq and Kuwait (1991), and Operation Desert Farewell in Saudi Arabia (1992). Also included in this study is a review of the Air Force …