Business Commons^™

Automated Logistics Information Systems: A Case Study, James E. Hogue

Theses and Dissertations

A change within the Air Force has shifted management responsibilities within the logistics community. Formerly diverse functions have come under the purview of a single manager-the Logistics Group Commander-who has inherited information systems that may riot be able to provide consolidated information for informed and accurate decision making. The purpose of this thesis was to describe the current and potential ability for three logistics information management systems to share data: Standard Base Supply System, Consolidated Aircraft Management System, and On-Line Vehicle Information Management System. A systems model was synthesized from the literature review to determine what components of a system …

Corporate Information Management And Business Process Improvement Under The Unit Cost Program: An Analysis Of A System For The Air Force Institute Of Technology, Kevin D. Kettell, Fredrick T. Ziegler Ii

Theses and Dissertations

DOD has been undergoing changes toward a competitive business-type environment as a result of the Packard Commission and -the Goldwater-Nichols Act. As a result of the Goldwater-Nichols Act, two programs directly affect the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT): Defense Management Report Decision 971, better known as the Defense Business Operations Fund (DBOF); and, the Corporate Information Management (CIM) initiative. DBOF requires that organizations provide unit cost per output figures as the basis for organizational funding. Unit cost resourcing changes the way federal managers manage and allocate resources, and promotes quality management and continuous improvement principles. Defense Information Management recognizes …

Design And Implementation Of Two Text Recognition Algorithms, Madhumathi Yendamuri

Theses

This report presents two algorithms for text recognition. One is a neural-based orthogonal vector with pseudo-inverse approach for pattern recognition. A method to generate N orthogonal vectors for an N-neuron network is also presented. This approach converges the input to the corresponding orthogonal vector representing the prototype vector. This approach can restore an image to the original image and thus has error recovery capacility. Also, the concept of sub-networking is applied to this approach to enhance the memory capacity of the neural network. This concept drastically increases the memory capacity of the network and also causes a reduction of the …

Domain Analysis Within The Gensif Framework, Heiko Thimm

Theses

The GenSIF framework which is targeted towards very large, distributed, and complex software systems recently has been proposed to accomplish a form of systems engineering and systems development in which the issue of systems integration is considered from the beginning on.

One of the components of GenSIF is domain analysis. Domain analysis leads to the design of a domain model. The specific needs GenSIF has in that area were investigated with an emphasis on domain modeling. Main points addressed in that investigation were the issue regarding the relevant information for the domain modeling process and the required type of domain …

Porting Cosmos Expert System From Unix To Dos, Ching-Jeng Chiu

Theses

COSMOS is an object-oriented Knowledge Based System building Tools (KBSTs) to solve problem in engineering industry. COSMOS stands for C++ Object-oriented System Made for expert System development.

In order to provide more people those who don't have a Sun workstation to use this expert system, our task is porting COSMOS form UNIX to DOS.

Because the differents of workstation environment, the user interface and structure of original COSMOS no longer can be used, therefore we made some necessary change before we porting it to IBM Personal Computer.

In stead of X Window system®, we implemented ObjectWindows® runs on Microsoft WindowsTM. …

Performance Analysis Of Queueing Systems With Synchronous Server, Wonmu Hur

Theses

The performance measures are derived for a queueing system which is characterized by its synchronous server operations. This property is the one which normal queueing systems lack. A system of this nature contains a single common server to which multiple number of buffers are connected in parallel, where the server operates only when all system buffers are occupied.

In this thesis, the analysis is carried out focusing on the simplest system involving only two buffers. Throughout the analysis, a symmetricity of the system is assumed (i.e., system is symmetrical in terms of arriving customer statistics.). Also assumed are the Poisson …

Character Recognition Using String Matching, Xiaozhi Ye

Theses

To handle noisy and distorted pattern is the use of similarity or distance measures. A similarity or distance measure can be defined between a representation of an unknown pattern and a representation of a prototype pattern. Recognition of the unknown pattern can be carried out on the basis of the maximum-similarity or minimum distance criterion (Bunke 1990) This approach is proposed to recognize the noisy or distorted character image. In this work, a directly string representation of the pattern ( prototype as well as unknown input) using the histogram method, a decision procedure for classification is the well known Levenshtein …

The Perceived Role Of High-Level Black Urban Managers In Virginia, Karen Ann Johnson

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Management

Focusing on sixteen cities in Virginia, the researcher studied the perceived managerial and career roles that high level black urban managers play in local government. From June to August 1991, black managers in the study completed self-assessments in the following areas: (1) socio-demographics, (2) perceived managerial and career role, (3) behaviors associated with managerial activism, pursuing the needs of the black community and career development, and (4) characteristics of their work environment. Based on their responses, the managers were assigned to role groups. Differences among the groups were noted. The entrepreneurs reported a higher degree of organizational support, role norm …

An Analysis Of Depot Maintenance Interservicing Source Of Repair Selection And Acquisition Program Incompatibilities, Robert N. Mcgarry, Gregory K. Owens

Theses and Dissertations

This study revealed that although the Depot Maintenance Interservicing (DMI) study process has the potential for considerable savings in the Depot Source of Repair (DSOR) decision it has failed to do so. The DMI study process and the acquisition programs are well established. However, there are various incompatibilities between the two which interfere with the interaction between them and prevent a timely decision. We performed an examination of the DMI study process and its impact on six acquisition programs which have either undergone or are presently undergoing the study process. The results of personal interviews with program office and Joint …

Is Nipars Working As Advertised? An Analysis Of Nipars Program Customer Service, Peter F. De Kam, Dorothy J. Tribble

Theses and Dissertations

Historically, Foreign Military Sales non-standard item support has been a labor-intensive, time-consuming process. Additionally, when forced to compete for USAF resources, the foreign customer's need is often subjugated to the higher priority active USAF requirements. These problems motivated the Air Force to initiate a program to streamline procedures for the procurement of non- standard items. The program is the Nonstandard Item Parts Acquisition and Repair Support (NIPARS) program. The basic program concept is to move the management tasks for nonstandard items from USAF resources to a contractor in order to 'fix' the inefficiencies of the previous system. This thesis explores …

An Investigation Of The Influence Of Advanced Aircraft Diagnostics On The Technological Sophistication Of Maintenance Personnel, Chris R. Collins, Clete W. Knaub

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to determine what effect automated diagnostic systems will have on the maintenance worker's technological capabilities. Four investigative questions guided the project: 1. What effect has automation of skilled jobs had on workers in the civilian community?; 2. What technological and psychological traits have led to success in past military conflicts?; 3. What types of technological and psychological traits will technicians have who are heavily dependent on diagnostic systems? (For example, to what degree will maintenance technicians be able to improvise when deployed to a combat area?); and, 4. What lessons can Air Force maintenance …

A Study Of Organizational Downsizing And Information Management Strategies, Terry L. Brown, Dale J. Long

Theses and Dissertations

Organizational downsizing and strategic information management are two important trends that have developed in the business world over the last 10 years. This study was conducted to identify possible links between these two trends. It also tries to identify some potential benefits and pitfalls associated with simultaneously restructuring an organization and upgrading its information management systems. This study is initial, descriptive research in this area. Interviews were conducted with six organizations of varying size and type that had both downsized and upgraded information systems within the past five years. While the small size of the sample and time constraints on …

Analysis Of U. S. Military Mobilizations, Demobilizations, And Peacetime Force Maintenance From 1890 To 1991, Gottfried Kloimwieder, Noel P. Owen

Theses and Dissertations

Military manpower management principles and policies are in constant flux as the military forces mobilize and demobilize during periods of war and peace. This study identifies trends in U.S. military manpower policies and procedures from 1890 to 1991. Major military conflicts reviewed are the Spanish- American War, World wars I and II, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam War, and the Persian Gulf War. In all wars until Vietnam, post war active duty forces were larger than prewar forces. However, these active duty forces tended to be relatively small until the Cold War period. This tendency is driven by a combination …

Cost/Schedule Control Systems Criteria: A Reference Guide To C/Scsc Information, Erik G. Cummings, Kirk A. Schneider

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis effort provides a valuable tool for contract performance measurement (CPM) analysts to use both while attending formalized Cost/Schedule Control Systems Criteria (C/SCSC) training, and while on the job. Research indicated a large amount of written material existed on contract performance measurement and the more specific topic of C/SCSC, yet this information was hidden in a wide array of unindexed professional journals, master's thesis, and texts. Further, while many professions have a reference guide of annotated bibliographies, CPM had none. Through an extensive literature review using several search and retrieval methods, the authors were able to amass a bibliography …

An Analysis Of Joint Ventures Between The United States And The Commonwealth Of Independent States, Brian P. Davis, Daniel L. Demott

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to develop insights for those who wish to engage in joint ventures with the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Over the last 70 years, joint ventures with the West have been scarce in the USSR. With the dissolution of the USSR, opportunities for commerce have greatly improved. Most Western countries are seeking to take advantage of the natural resources and untapped consumer market in the CIS. Consequently, companies wanting to engage in commercial endeavors will need current information on the different financial, cultural, organizational, and logistical issues that are peculiar to the CIS. This …

Desert Express: Framework For Institutionalization Of Express Airlift Procedures, Terry D. Basham, Jason G. Evgenides

Theses and Dissertations

This study was sponsored by the Military Airlift Command to examine the Desert Express airlift channel used during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. The goal was to determine what changes or improvements should be made prior to formalizing Desert Express procedures into Department of Defense doctrine. The research method used was a Literature Review supported by an application of the Delphi Technique. The Literature Review reviewed past military express operations and current regulatory procedures to raise key issues. These issues were then presented to 19 airlift experts in two-separate rounds of written questionnaires. The research revealed that Desert Express was the …

Public Space Launch Acquisition: A Comparative Case Study, Kenneth R. Leeson, Lee W. Rosen

Theses and Dissertations

This study analyzes three commonly practiced approaches to Government acquisition of space launch services. These approaches are employed by The U.S. Air Force, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the Strategic Defense Initiative Organization. The literature review provides a comprehensive overview of the commercial space launch industry and details critical perspectives on commercial, launch. Launch contracts which were representative of each organization's acquisition procedures were investigated and evaluated along several critical issues and elements of the space launch acquisition process. These issues included payload characteristics, government oversight, contractor incentives, insurance, liability and cost. The critical issues and elements were …

A Methodology For Project Selection Using Economic Analysis And The Analytic Hierarchy Process, Jeffrey L. Battin, Thomas J. Bender

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the applicability of a multiple criterion decision making method, known as the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) , to economic analysis decisions involving project selection. Through a survey of the literature and current practices, it was determined that qualitative criteria were not adequately represented in a typical economic analysis of projects. Several MCDM methods were examined and the AHP was found to be the most promising technique to rate projects on a ratio scale. Two types of project selection problems, those involving nonmutually exclusive alternatives and those involving mutually exclusive alternatives, were examined. It was determined that the …

Offsets In Weapon System Sales: A Case Study Of The Korean Fighter Program, Deborah L. Kremer, Bill Sain

Theses and Dissertations

This study sought to develop a framework of factors which impact the success of offset agreements. These agreements have impacts on the U.S. defense industrial base, employment, the balance of trade, and the ability of the U.S. to protect its technology. Consequently, their study is important. A framework of twenty-two factors was developed through an extensive literature review and then tested against the offset proposals in the Korean Fighter Program (KFP). In the KFP case study, only one of the factors, high visibility of the product, appeared to differentiate between the two proposals and have an impact on the final …

The Theory Of Constraints Applied To Project Scheduling: The Critical Chain Concept Defined, Andrew D. Ingram, Paul E. Scherer

Theses and Dissertations

This research applies the Theory of Constraints' principles to a project management environment. The Constraint Theory developed by Dr. Eliyahu M. Goldratt has been successfully applied in many manufacturing settings. Researchers are now beginning to apply Theory of Constraints' principles and techniques outside the manufacturing environment. Specific objectives of this research effort include: to develop and demonstrate a resource constrained project scheduling algorithm based on the Theory of Constraints' principles and techniques: to perform a detailed comparison of the manufacturing and project scheduling environments designed to support algorithm development; and to lay the foundation for additional research in this area …

Applying Commercial Style Acquisition Practices To The Procurement Of Commercially Available Aircraft, Douglas W. Humerick, Steven H. Minnich

Theses and Dissertations

This study was performed to recommend which commercial acquisition practices should be adopted in government acquisitions of commercially available aircraft. Previous studies, dating to 1972, illustrate the value of adopting commercial style acquisition practices in government acquisitions. Using commercial style acquisition practices can provide the government with lower costs and faster delivery with no sacrifice of quality. As a customer of the aircraft manufacturing community, the government must adapt to global market changes. Procedure reviews and changes must occur on an ongoing basis to take advantage of standard industry practices. Telephone interviews of nineteen top level personnel representing twelve domestic …

An Analysis Of Contract Cost Overruns And Their Impacts, Brian D. Wilson

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the tendency of major program DoD contracts, once in an overrun status, to remain in that status and in many cases, further deteriorate. In these times of budgetary constraints, it is important that government program managers and other key decision makers understand the ramifications of contract overruns especially early in a program's life. The overruns on the A-12 program, for instance, could have possibly been predicted much earlier and the program cancellation avoided if only the program manager had understood the implications of significant cost overruns early in the life of the program.

An Evaluation Of Schedule Metrics Used Within Aeronautical Systems Center, Robert J. Hayes, Lawrence M. Miller

Theses and Dissertations

This study focused on a selected group of schedule metrics in use at Aeronautical Systems Center (ASC) acquisition program offices. Over 300 metrics were collected from the System Program Offices (SPOs). The metrics data were sorted into the categories of cost, schedule, and performance. In order to narrow the scope of the project, the team decided to focus on schedule metrics. Seven of the most common schedule metrics were selected for evaluation by a group of five experienced acquisition professionals. The group was asked to input the likely behaviors driven by the metrics being addressed by the study. Next, they …

Intra-Theater Mobilization: Guidance, Process, And Tools, Christopher S. Cummins

Theses and Dissertations

The study investigated the process of USAF unit level mobilization for movement within a theater of operations. Virtually all of the guidance and organization for unit level mobilization within the USAF is focused on inter- theater movement. Consequently, while the need for theater mobility is real, USAF units may not be well grounded in the procedures and techniques necessary to move successfully. The purpose of the study was to describe the essential process of unit level mobilization and determine the differences from inter- theater mobilizations. In addition, the available tools for accomplishing the tasks of mobilization within a theater of …

Life-Cycle Costs Of Alternative Icbm Second Stage Designs, Brian D. Joyce, Patrick E. Poppert

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was twofold. The primary objective of our research was to develop and report life-cycle cost estimates for new second stage ICBM booster designs to Phillips Laboratory. Our second objective (perhaps of equal or greater importance as the first), was to provide the users of these estimates with a taste of what exactly is involved in life-cycle costs, the cost estimating process, and factors that influence these items. Life-cycle cost estimates were requested to supplement separate engineering and research efforts of both Phillips Laboratory and graduate students at the School of Engineering, Air Force Institute of …

Analysis Of Standard Type Unit Development, Jeffrey M. Hess, Merry D. Wermund

Theses and Dissertations

This research study examined the standard type unit development process for the Air Force. Current standard type unit development procedures were determined by a literature review. The literature review, with the interviews, provided information regarding the history of, purpose for, and possible alternatives for developing standard type units. A Delphi questionnaire was developed to determine how well the current process works, how standard type units worked for Desert Shield/Storm, and possible ways to improve the development process. This questionnaire was distributed to F-15 units, F-16 units, and major command personnel in Tactical Air Command (now Air Combat Command). All three …

An Analysis Of The Potential Use Of Red Horse Capabilities And Training Activities To Perform Or Accelerate Air Force Environmental Cleanups, E. Alexander Stokes Iii, Randy A. Carpenter

Theses and Dissertations

There are more than 4,000 Air Force (AF) sites requiring restoration due to hazardous waste contamination. The AF goal is to completely restore all sites by 2000. One method of achieving this ambitious goal is to use in-house capabilities. This study examined the potential use of RED HORSE capabilities and training activities to assist with cleanup of contaminated sites. RED HORSE capabilities and training requirements were compared to the primary cleanup needs of the AF. One finding of this study suggests cleanup of sites contaminated by volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) is the primary need of the AF. The findings also …

An Analysis Of The Foreign Military Sales Pipeline Of Repair And Replace Reparable Assets, Lawrence M. Orlando, George F. Rhame

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the reparable logistics pipeline and identified characteristics and associated problems with the processing of Foreign Military Sales (FMS) repair and replace aircraft assets. Areas of investigation included examining the FMS logistics reparable pipeline and determining what section of the pipeline the USAF controls or can influence, identifying the individual problems within that section of pipeline, and collecting and analyzing data pertaining to FMS repair and replace requisitions. The methodology used in these areas involved a literature review, personal interviews with Foreign Liaison Officers to obtain customer perspectives, and a statistical analysis of pipeline times for all FMS …

A Study Of The Relationship Between Personality Characteristics And Ethical Sensitivity In Business, Ronald A. Ortiz, David Petrillo

Theses and Dissertations

This research establishes a significant relationship between ethical sensitivity (the perception that a situation requires ethical consideration), and personality type, as characterized by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). A simple random sampling from the membership of the National Contract Management Association yielded 466 responses. The sample was analyzed by segmentation into government (181) and industry (285) respondents. The average ethical sensitivity response of 5.28 out of seven is considered high. Differences in perceptions of ethical sensitivity were significant among government and industry, and among ten scenarios often faced by contracting professionals. In the majority of scenarios, the government segment reported …

A Qualitative Study Of The European Trucking Industry And Logistics Strategies Using The United States Motor Carrier Industry As A Guide, David W. Butler, Andrew P. Wilhelm

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the United States motor carrier industry experience with deregulation to afford a comparison with the European Community's (EC) expanded trade liberalization and harmonization program known as EC '92. Historical backgrounds were provided for the U.S. and European trucking industries highlighting significant similarities between the two. Relevant studies in the fields of trucking deregulation and logistics were reviewed Specifically, route control, price setting, efficiencies, and market share and concentration were analyzed. Logistics strategies arising from trucking deregulation were also examined.