Business Commons^™

The Development Of A Tri-Service Notification System For Type 1 Medical Materiel Complaints, Edmund K. Haraguchi, Christopher J. Harrington

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the notification process for defective medical materiel within the Department of Defense. The study first evaluated the efficiency of the current notification process for defective medical materiel within the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Second, a streamlined notification process and tri-service Type 1 message for defective medical materiel was developed. Finally, the effectiveness of this tri-service message was evaluated in comparison to the current notification messages used by the three services. Investigations using observational studies revealed duplication of both function and resources among the medical logistics offices of the three services. Through …

A Benchmark Of Vehicle Maintenance Training Between The U.S. Air Force And A Civilian Industry Leader, James J. Meersman, Inez A. Sookma

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis compared vehicle maintenance training between the U.S. Air Force (USAF) and a leading civilian training organization, Cuyahoga Valley Joint Vocational School (CVJVS), using benchmarking. First, the study identified the USAF and civilian automotive training industries conduct training. Next, the researchers identified common areas for comparison between training programs. Then, the industry leader's best practice was identified. The best practice at CVJVS as the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) certification process. In applying this practice at Chanute, the researchers identified three deficient areas, or negative gaps. The first gap was in the number of hours of instruction. The …

Nasa And Logistics-A Match For The 21st Century, Stephan P. Brady, Jay R. Jennings

Theses and Dissertations

This research evaluated current NASA organizational and logistical strategy processes to compare them with current academic theory and make recommendations to improve the processes. Various strategy theories were explored, resulting in a model synthesizing the various elements. The organizational, cultural, and political environment surrounding NASA was studied. Personal interviews were conducted and various NASA strategic plans and other documents were analyzed. From these activities emerged six recommendations: (1) Create a formal strategy process for NASA logistics (and NASA), (2) Tie logistics strategies directly to organizational strategies/goals, (3) Get logisticians from different functions/programs/centers to crossflow information, (4) Identify redundancies in logistics …

Graphic Representation In Managerial Decision Making: The Effect Of Scale Break On The Dependent Axis, Clark R. Carvalho, Michael D. Mcmillan

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigated whether a scale break on the dependent axis a affects a decision maker's interpretation of the data presented in the graph. A literature search revealed criteria for constructing high integrity graphs and formatting scale breaks. An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of a scale break on the dependent axis. Graphs following the criteria for high integrity graphs were presented to the control group, while graphs following the criteria for high integrity graphs, with the exception of the scale break, were presented to the experimental group. Using a parametric two-sample t test and a non-parametric Rank …

A Feasibility Study On Consolidating Air Force Cost Reduction Programs, Joseph H. Donohoe, Mark A. Hobson

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the possibility of consolidating available manufacturing cost savings programs into one concise effort with common ground rules and regulations. The current manufacturing cost savings program include the Industrial Modernization Incentive Program (IMIP), the Manufacturing Technology Program (MANTECH), and the Value Engineering Program (VE). A literature search revealed that there are problems associated with each of these cost savings programs. A case study was conducted on the B-2 System Program Office's effort to consolidate cost savings programs into one common effort. This case study revealed that there were positive benefits in reducing cost after consolidation. A survey of …

An Evaluation Of Measurements Used To Drive Competitiveness In A Depot Maintenance Environment, Jack A. Meyer Jr., Timothy A. Widowfield

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis acknowledges that Air Force Materiel Command maintenance depots will face increased competition for workload, especially exchangeable items, both from other Service depots and from civilian contractors. The authors identify quality, delivery, and cost as the three primary competitive edges firms can use to gain advantage in the marketplace. Further, a recent study confirms that Air Force depot managers also consider these three factors of competitiveness to be most important. The authors tested two depot measurement systems: the Defense Depot Performance Measurement System (DDPMS) and measurements based on the Theory of Constraints (TOC). During personal interviews, 10 depot managers …

The Davis-Bacon Act: Cost Impact On The Air Force, Raymond Carpenter

Theses and Dissertations

This study was performed to determine what cost impact, if any, the Davis-Bacon Act has on the cost of Air Force construction contracts. The Davis- Bacon Act is a federal labor statute requiring the payment of pre-established wages to workers employed under Federally funded construction projects. The research found that contract award prices could be approximately 22% lower if the payment of these wages were not required. This estimate was made based on the results of a survey of bidders competing for award of construction contracts issued by bases within the former Strategic Air Command. Additional findings and survey response …

Award Fee In Software Acquisition, Mark T. Hunter

Theses and Dissertations

The focus of this research effort was to determine, in general terms, what contractual tools are available to influence contractor performance during the software development process and, specifically, whether or not award fee contracts are appropriate tools. First, a qualitative, in depth literature review was done. Next, personal interviews were conducted with Program Directors and Deputy Program Directors at Aeronautical Systems Center, Electronic Systems Center, and Space and Missiles Systems Center. Then, after the results were summarized, the data was analyzed and findings were made. Findings include: award fee was found to be the most flexible provision in the FAR …

The Application Of Function Points To Predict Source Lines Of Code For Software Development, Garland S. Henderson

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigated the results of using function point analysis-based estimates to predict source lines of code (SLOC) for software development projects. The majority of software cost and effort estimating parametric tools are categorized as SLOC-based, meaning SLOC is the primary input. Early in a program, an accurate estimate of SLOC is difficult to project. Function points, another parametric software estimating tool, bases software cost and effort estimates on the functionality of a system. This functionality is described by documents available early in a program. Using a modeling methodology, the research focuses on function point's ability to accurately estimate SLOC …

Risk Identification In Major Weapon Systems Acquisition In The Republic Of China Air Force, Te-Lung Tsai

Theses and Dissertations

This research examined the magnitudes of the performance, supportability, life-cycle cost, schedule, and management risk factors in current Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) weapon systems acquisition programs and analyzed the risk drivers with respect to those risk factors. Mid-to-high level managers in the ROCAF and Chung-Sun Institute of Science and Technology (CSIST) were surveyed to determine the extent to which various risk factors were contributing to program risk. A total of fifty-four (54) managers responded to the survey. The results indicate: high risks to performance, supportability, life cycle cost, and schedule, and moderate risk to management. Risk-drivers that contributed …

A Study Of Configuration Management At Headquarters Logistics Command (Royal Australian Air Force), John F. Turner

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to provide insight into configuration management at the Royal Australian Air Force's Headquarters Logistics Command (HQLC) by determining whether current configuration management practices have any impact on HQLC's ability to meet its mission of providing logistics support. The research begins with a review of RAAF configuration management policy and procedures as applicable to in-service systems or technical equipment. A case study is used to investigate problems associated with inadequate configuration management being experienced by one HQLC engineering section, and to identify subsequent effects on engineering logistics capability. The case study results are used to …

Career Achievement Of Employed Adult Women As A Function Of Family Variables, Kimberly Sue Wright

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

While women's career development is beginning to be addressed in the literature, little is known about the variables which influence women's career achievement. The purpose of this study was to identify a subset of family variables which would predict career achievement for women. This study investigated the differences between high and low achievement women with respect to the following variables: marital/relationship status, number of children, parental education levels, parental occupation levels, birth order, relationship with parents (support, rejection, overinvolvement) and general family functioning. iii The participants were 140 women between the ages of 25 and 45 who were employed full …

The Diffusion Of Management Practices In The United States, Fumie Murase

Masters Theses

The study of diffusion of Japanese management practices in the United States is required by growing Japanese investment in the United States and the need of United States manufacturing to become more efficient. This thesis is based on a qualitative analysis of five case studies of automobile assembly plants in the United States utilizing cultural diffusion theory.

Most of Japanese production practices and some of their labor management policies were originally transferred to Japan from the United States. After being modified in Japan some of these policies are coming back to the United States with the transplants. Other Japanese management …

Grueby, Newcomb, Teco, And Ohr: Market Trends And Connoisseurship Implications For American Art Pottery, Carolyn K. Sellers

Theses

This thesis examines market trends and connoisseurship implications for four prominent American art potteries—Grueby, Newcomb, Teco, and George Ohr—within the context of the Arts and Crafts Movement. Focusing on high-end auction sales from 1980 to 1991, the study identifies approximately 15 top-selling pieces from each pottery to explore intrinsic and extrinsic qualities that contribute to their value. Sellers provides historical background on the potteries, analyzes auction data, and outlines criteria that appraisers and collectors use to evaluate quality, such as form, glaze, rarity, and maker attribution. The research situates these ceramics within the broader cultural and philosophical ideals of the …

Graphical Image Persistence And Code Generation For Object Oriented Databases, Subrata Chatterjee

Theses

Attached is the detailed description of the design and implementation of graphical image persistence and code generation for object oriented databases. Graphical image persistent is incorporated into a graphics editor called OODINI. OODINI creates and manipulates graphical schemas for object-oriented databases. This graphical image on secondary storage is then translated into an abstract, generic code for dual model databases. This abstract code, DAL can then be converted into different dual model database languages. We provide an example by generating code for the VODAK Data Modeling language. It is also possible to generate a different abstract language code, OODAL from a …

An Implementation And Evaluation Of Distributed Information System Based On The Osca Architecture Guidelines, Babita Masand

Theses

The concepts in this thesis discuss and evaluate the need for systems integration. As a conceptual architecture, the OSCA^TM architecture is investigated. A prototype of the CS Department distributed information system is built following the guidelines and standards of this conceptual architecture. This prototype is implemented in 'C'. RPC (remote procedure call) is used for the communication channel to implement the distributed environment. Conclusions and results that were achieved by implementing this prototype are presented. The main outcome of this thesis is the introduction of the infrastructure to the GenSIF framework.

New Algorithms For Mid-Crack Codes In Image Processing, Wai-Tak Wong

Theses

The chain code is a widely-used description for a contour image. Recently, a mid-crack code algorithm has been proposed as another more precise method for image representation. New algorithms using this new mid-crack code for image representation, restoration, and skeletonization are developed. The efficiency and accuracy can be increased obviously.

Firstly, the conversion of a binary image with multiple regions into the mid-crack codes is presented. A fast on-line implementation can be achieved using tables look-up. The input binary image may contain several object regions and their mid-crack codes can be extracted at the same time in a single-pass row-by-row …

Decomposition Of Geometric-Shaped Structuring Elements And Optimization On Euclidean Distance Transformation Using Morphology, Hong Wu

Theses

Mathematical morphology which is based on geometric shape, provides an approach to the processing and analysis of digital images. Several widely-used geometric-shaped structuring elements can be used to explore the shape characteristics of an object. In first chapter, we present a unified technique to simplify the decomposition of various types of big geometric-shaped structuring elements into dilations of smaller structuring components by the use of a mathematical transformation. Hence, the desired morphological erosion and dilation are equivalent to a simple inverse transformation over the result of operations on the transformed decomposable structuring elements. We also present a strategy to decompose …

Generic Strategies, Leader Attributes, Environmental Uncertainty, And Organizational Performance: An Empirical Investigation Of Contingencies And Configurational Outcomes, Tope Adeyemi-Bello

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The implications of strategy, environmental uncertainty, and leader attributes to the performance of organizations have been the subject of many research studies. The traditional interaction-based contingency approach that has typically been used in the management literature for examining the interrelationships between these variables, may very often be inadequate to capture the overall pattern of fit among them. A contemporary approach that allows researchers to examine sophisticated relationships between variables is configuration or systems theory— which suggests that inevitable relationships exist between strategic, environmental, contextual, and organizational variables and performance. This study used both the interaction and configuration-based approaches to determine …

Operating Manual: Living Scriptures Management Information System, Deryn Young

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

This management information system is specifically designed to provide the managers of the Living Scripture's Summer Program with complete, timely, accurate sales data for each sales person, each team and both groups. The system uses dBASE IV Version 1.2 as its foundation. A majority of the functions the system performs are specialized features of DBASE IV, although some major modifications have been made to the DBASE code in most of the reports. The modifications were made to meet the user's specifications. The major functions of the system requiring user input include; inputting personal information for each sales person, inputting weekly …

Identifying Quality Function Deployment's Variables, Outcomes, Their Relationships, And Guidelines For Practitioners In The American Automotive Industry, Geoffrey Paul Gilmore

Dissertations and Theses

American industry is about nine to 12 years behind in utilizing a new product development and introduction process known as Quality Function Deployment (Q.F.D.). American industry must learn to compete internationally; the American automotive industry alone directly and indirectly employs millions of workers and has billions of dollars in annual sales and profits at stake.

With the cooperation of one American automotive company research has been conducted on Q.F.D. The research objectives were to identify: what variables affect Q.F.D., what are the outcomes from Q.F.D., what relationships exist between Q.F.D. variables and outcomes, and what guidelines may be offered to …

A Study Of The Air Force Logistics Professional Development Model, David E. Gressman

Theses and Dissertations

The personnel population in the field of logistics has two major divisions. The first, is to organizations providing logistic support for the Air Force mission and is the Operations and maintenance area. The second area is Acquisition, which supports the Air Force mission to acquire new weapon systems. Until recently, there was no clear plan for logisticians assigned in these two major divisions to enhance their educational development. This research project reviewed several logistic career enhancement programs focusing on two new programs, the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP) and the Logistics Professional Development Program (LOGPDP). The APDP program has received …

Quantifying The Impact Of The Acquisition Professional Development Program Certification Requirements On The Air Force Institute Of Technology, Paul A. Nicholson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research is to determine the impact of implementing the Acquisition Professional Development Program on the Air Force Institute of Technology. APDP is part of a DOD-wide effort to decrease inefficiency in the procurement process. The program encompasses a tri-level certification process based on experience, training, and educational standards. APDP serves as a guideline for professional development of acquisition personnel from entry to senior level management. Many of the courses required for certification are offered through AFIT School of Systems and Logistics. Integrating the new educational requirements as a standard for career development is expected to produce …

Real-Tv : Rtp/L3'S Visual Monitor, Richard Czop

Theses

Today many real-world activities are being monitored and controlled by some type of micro-processor based system. Emphasis is placed on manufacturing and controlling through the use of computers. The inherent nature of these real-world applications makes them difficult to control and monitor. They must be built meeting strict timing constraints and must be predictable. We need to develop simplistic, reliable, and cost effective methods for building, evaluating, monitoring and controlling these complex systems. These tools should provide the user with system insight. At the New Jersey Institute of Technology Real-Time Computing Laboratory, we are building a system that will provide …

Searching For Orthogonal States Of Neural Networks, Heng Wang

Theses

Two approaches to find orthogonal states of neural network are presented in the paper. The first approach is a recursive one, it builds N orthogonal vectors based on N /2 orthogonal vectors. The second approach is a formula approach, in which orthogonal vectors can be obtained using a formula. Using these approaches, orthogonal states of neural network are found. Some properties of the neural network built on these orthogonal vectors are presented in Appendix A and some examples are given in Appendix B.

Dynamic Machine Scheduling, Expansion, And Control Of A Generic Workcell, Peter A. Murray

Theses

Factory automation has come a long way since the invention of the automatic flour mill. A workcell is a group of machines (robots) working together to produce a product. In the past workcells have been hard wired using methods such as Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). To change a part of this system would require reprogramming the entire system.

The Generic Work Cell (GWC) is a dynamic architecture which allows a workcell to be modified on the fly. The architecture enables the generation of new cells with minimal effort, and the modification of the system without reprogramming the entire system. The …

A Machine Entity For A Coordinate Measurement Machine : The Generic Workcell Project, Richard C. Meyer

Theses

The Center for Manufacturing Systems (CMS) department at New Jersey Institute of Technology and Siemens Corporate Research located in Princeton have agreed to jointly implement a research project in generic workcell control architectures. This paper discusses the module, called a Machine Entity, developed by the author that interfaces the Brown & Sharpe Coordinate Measurement Machine located on the CMS factory floor with the cell control software. The module has been designed in such a manner to simplify the development of future Machine Entities, thereby reducing the time required to integrate the CMS factory floor.

Achieving Total Compensation For Injuries To Coastal And Marine Resources: The Evolution Of Current Valuation And Compensation Methodologies, Marian Toon Mcphaul-Chester

Marine Affairs Theses and Major Papers

Economists have developed numerous theories to calculate the total value of natural resources. These methods have been developed and applied over the last two decades. They continue to be refined through application and critique. Resource economists monetarily quantify the values which humans attach to coastal and marine resources. These valuation theories are the subject of much controversy in natural resource damage litigation. An understanding of the evolution of these damage provisions from the early common law actions to the current statutory remedies is essential those involved in coastal planning, management and litigation. This paper reviews these economic theories and the …

Mitigation Banking: A Potential Tool For Port Planners, Laura Kelley

Marine Affairs Theses and Major Papers

Mitigation banking has been used as a means of facilitating the permit process by removing the negotiation of appropriate mitigation for development from the confines of the permit process. A developer with frequent needs to mitigate for losses associated with Section 404 and Section 10 requirements may, using a mitigation bank, consolidate mitigation and in so doing, potentially reduce mitigation costs. As a result of route maintenance, as well as expansion requirements, ports were considered to be good candidates for sponsoring mitigation bank efforts. Port use of mitigation banking has not been as expected due to a lack of available …

Sex Discrimination As Influenced By Upper Management And Organizational Climate: A Rational Bias Theory Of Discrimination, Lisa Jennifer Gallo

Theses Digitization Project

No abstract provided.