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Full-Text Articles in Business

A Decision Support System To Assist Manpower Forecasting In The Royal Australian Air Force, Simon J. Kelly Sep 1991

A Decision Support System To Assist Manpower Forecasting In The Royal Australian Air Force, Simon J. Kelly

Theses and Dissertations

This study considers a problem that faces Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) manpower and personnel managers. Information decisions on the future force structure of the RAAF officer corps can be made by managers if they have access to objective, valid, reliable forecasts. At present, the RAAF has no standard mechanism to perform forecasts--a variety of tools are used. Given the importance and cost of the manpower resource, one integrated forecasting tool would support manpower decisions greatly. The aim of this research is to address the existing forecasting deficiency in the RAAF and provide an automated system to integrate current forecasting …

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Study On In-Theater Maintenance Support For Poaf F-16, Rui J. Gomes Sep 1991

Study On In-Theater Maintenance Support For Poaf F-16, Rui J. Gomes

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the capacity to generate a desired level of sorties of the F-16 weapon system. This capacity depends on the maintenance concept and structure, that defines a specific level of in-theater resources available. The theater is intended to reflect Portuguese Air Force logistic operations planned for the F-16, with one operational base and a possible Centralized Intermediate Repair Facility (CIRF), not co-located. The TSAR simulation program and one USAF database was used to perform the evaluation were defined and compared. The study focused on the unscheduled maintenance tasks and repairable items, in particular …

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Expert Opinion On The Department Of Defense Base Closure/Realignment Policy And Process: An Assessment Of The Four Military Value Criteria, Douglas P. Gorgoni Sep 1991

Expert Opinion On The Department Of Defense Base Closure/Realignment Policy And Process: An Assessment Of The Four Military Value Criteria, Douglas P. Gorgoni

Theses and Dissertations

This research addressed the problem of an assessment, from an Air Force perspective, of the effectiveness of the four criteria measuring military value associated with the 1991 Base Closure/Realignment Commission. The Department of Defense had determined military value to be 'preeminent' among all other considerations in reducing the size of the military basing structure, based on a reduction of the perceived military threat. A literature review was conducted to review the works of previous authors who addressed the research problem. The literature review focused on the processes of the 1988 and 1991 Closure/Realignment Commissions. During phase two of the methodology, …

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Analysis Of A Waste Minimization Program For Nonhazardous Solid Wastes Utilizing Source Reduction And Recycling Techniques And Its Application To Air Force Installations, Brian F. Mcdermott Sep 1991

Analysis Of A Waste Minimization Program For Nonhazardous Solid Wastes Utilizing Source Reduction And Recycling Techniques And Its Application To Air Force Installations, Brian F. Mcdermott

Theses and Dissertations

This nation has fallen victim to its own excessive behavior and has created an overabundance of trash, referred to in this thesis as Nonhazardous Solid Waste (NHSW). This situation has created environmental and health problems that can no longer be ignored. All types of communities are affected including Air Force installations. Unfortunately, the AF does not currently have a long term waste management policy or program regarding NHSW minimization. This research concentrates on the application of a NHSW minimization program for AF installations using the two most preferred methods, source reduction and recycling. The development of a comprehensive waste minimization …

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Combat Service Support And The Total Force, Lewis A. Germann Sep 1991

Combat Service Support And The Total Force, Lewis A. Germann

Theses and Dissertations

This study determined the minimum essential active Army Total Force Combat Service Support structure required for Contingency Force (CF) operations to provide the Army with the necessary organization for a response to a national crisis. A model called MICROFASTALS, used in combination with LOTUS 1-2-3 software, developed these forces. A literature search provided background information describing: the history of the Total Force Policy to the present; how the Department of Defense and the Army was organized to meet the Total Force initiatives, including an in depth description of the Army CSS structure; the latest National Security and Military Strategy that …

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Inaccurate Data Entry Into The Air Force Maintenance Data Collection System, Jon R. Determan Sep 1991

Inaccurate Data Entry Into The Air Force Maintenance Data Collection System, Jon R. Determan

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigated the data collection environment under the Core Automated Maintenance System (CAMS), a computerized information system used in the Air Force's aircraft maintenance complexes. The research measured maintenance personnel's perception of the nature, extent, and causes of data inaccuracies occurring in the CAMS data collection environment. The nature was differentiated as being either intentional or accidental. Maintenance personnel felt that difficulty in entering information into CAMS accounted for the largest percentage of intentional errors and that insufficient training on CAMS accounted for the largest percentage of accidental errors. A comparison of this research to the results of earlier …

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An Application Of Artificial Intelligence Technology Within The Standard Base Supply System, Richard G. Nelson Sep 1991

An Application Of Artificial Intelligence Technology Within The Standard Base Supply System, Richard G. Nelson

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigated the feasibility of applying artificial intelligence technology within the Standard Base Supply System (SBSS). With assembly endless reductions in manpower authorizations within the SBSS and the potential for a continued loss of expert knowledge, the use of knowledge-based system (KBSs) was examined to determine if these systems could alleviate this of manpower. Literature related to the fields of artificial intelligence, expert systems, and KBSs was traced, yielding a methodology for identifying candidate problems, and for the development, verification, and validation of prototype KBSs. This methodology was then employed within the research, culminating in the creation, verification, and …

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A Comparison Of The All Mobile Tactical Air Force And The Logistics Composite Simulation Models, David P. Leonhardt Sep 1991

A Comparison Of The All Mobile Tactical Air Force And The Logistics Composite Simulation Models, David P. Leonhardt

Theses and Dissertations

LCOM with respect to the number of sorties generated and the number of maintenance manpower hours utilized during a 60-day scenario. A 2(n) factorial experimental design was used for the study with an n-value of three. Three variables, the number of LRUs available in the supply pool, the number of personnel available for maintenance tasks, and the quantity of AGE available on the base, were allowed to take on either a constrained or unconstrained value in the study. A distribution of the differences in each output variable between the two models was developed and a confidence interval of the distribution …

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Data Communications Possibilities For The Deployable Remote Consolidated Aerial Port Subsystem, John T. Rausch Sep 1991

Data Communications Possibilities For The Deployable Remote Consolidated Aerial Port Subsystem, John T. Rausch

Theses and Dissertations

This research's purpose was to determine the optimal candidate system for data communications with deployable Remote CAPS. The process also established justification for the selection. A formalized methodology based on Benjamin Ostrofsky's Design, Planning, and Development Methodology was used for the process. After a needs analysis of the problem, which is a lack of a mobile data communications system for MAC air transportation units, a feasibility study was completed which formulated the candidate systems to solve the problem. Finally, a preliminary activities phase evaluated each candidate system according to end user based criteria. The candidate system selected was the Very …

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Performance Assessment Of The Spare Parts For The Activation Of Relocated Systems (Spares) Forecasting Model, Paul L. Bunker Sep 1991

Performance Assessment Of The Spare Parts For The Activation Of Relocated Systems (Spares) Forecasting Model, Paul L. Bunker

Theses and Dissertations

This research assessed the performance of the Spare Parts for the Activation of Relocated Systems (SPARES) forecast model used to develop the spares requirements forecast for the August 1988 activation of the 174TFW at Syracuse ANGB NY. SPARES was developed by the Air Force Logistics Management Center in August 1988 to replace existing Standard Base Supply System (SBSS) forecasting procedures. SPARES uses mission change data (MCD) from five similar-size source bases to determine the probability of future demand (PFD) for items at the gaining base. Before implementing SPARES in the SBSS, forecast performance must be measured and model weaknesses identified …

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An Analysis Of Army Transportation Capability To Support The Distribution Of Liquid Propellant In Field Artillery Applications, John S. Lenart Jr. Sep 1991

An Analysis Of Army Transportation Capability To Support The Distribution Of Liquid Propellant In Field Artillery Applications, John S. Lenart Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

This study applied a screening technique methodology to systematically obtain organizational consensus in the establishment and ranking of Army surface transportation performance measurement criteria and system design attributes. This performance evaluation model was then used to assess the feasibility of three potential liquid propellant logistics concepts. Two sample groups of subject matter experts from the Army's Transportation and Ordnance (Munitions) Corps participated in the research. The methodology consisted of nominal-interacting group processes, repeated used of the pair comparison instrument, and use of a scoring model to rank-order the ten attributes. Research findings supported the Army's qualitative commitment to ensuring environmental …

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Ramp-To-Ramp Transfers Of Foreign Military Sales Aircraft And Related Logistics Problems, Lewis J. Edwards Sep 1991

Ramp-To-Ramp Transfers Of Foreign Military Sales Aircraft And Related Logistics Problems, Lewis J. Edwards

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examined the concept of 'ramp-to-ramp' aircraft transfers in the Foreign Military Sales Program. Avoidance of storage costs was the major benefit of this concept, and the lack of support equipment and spare parts are the major drawbacks. Planning and coordination, logistical problems, and conflicting USAF regulations, programs, and policies were examined to determine the effect each had on the 'ramp-to-ramp' transfer of the last remaining F-5 aircraft to FMS countries. A study of background papers, electronic messages, minutes from meetings, and published articles was used to develop an understanding of the organization and planning process involved with the …

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Desert Express: An Analysis On Improved Customer Service, Thomas C. Thalheim Sep 1991

Desert Express: An Analysis On Improved Customer Service, Thomas C. Thalheim

Theses and Dissertations

Operation Desert Shield/Storm provided an opportunity to test the planning for U.S. forces to operate in a low intensity conflict. Both operations provided the opportunity for the logistics community to observe how the support forces provided the required supplies to the forward combat forces. In response to customers' requests, the U.S. Transportation Command created Desert Express, a daily package express flight from Charleston, SC to Saudi Arabia. The research question addresses the how and why Desert Express came about. Additional investigative questions cover the following: mission objectives, planners' and customers' expectations, system performance, and implications on the Defense Transportation System. …

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The Organizational Impact Of Smoke Break Management In Strategic Air Command, Glenn G. Hinken Sep 1991

The Organizational Impact Of Smoke Break Management In Strategic Air Command, Glenn G. Hinken

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the organizational impact of smoke break management in Strategic Air Command. Analysis of data from a survey questionnaire showed that although the smoking and smoke break issues touched the majority of the people in SAC and almost every smoker surveyed reported taking smoke breaks, just 27 percent of respondents reported their organization had a smoke break policy. Most of these respondents indicated the policies were lenient in terms of regulating the time and duration of the breaks. Smokers reported spending an average 41.09 minutes per day taking smoke breaks. This figure differed significantly from the time smokers …

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A Computer Simulation Analysis Of The Usaf Vehicle Allowance/ Authorization Process, Charles T. Butler Sep 1991

A Computer Simulation Analysis Of The Usaf Vehicle Allowance/ Authorization Process, Charles T. Butler

Theses and Dissertations

This research examined the effects of the incorporation of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) on the USAF vehicle allowance/authorization process. The study utilized a computer simulation model to mimic the flow of the AF form 601, Equipment Action Request, as it is submitted at base level and coordinated through the MAJCOM and WR-ALC. The hypothesis was that the allowance/authorization cycle time could be made shorter by transmitting the information contained on the form 601 electronically, rather than mailing the form to each coordinating agency. In order to compare the process with and without the use of EDI, two computer simulation models …

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An Analysis Of The Support Equipment Acquisition Process And Methods Designed To Reduce Acquisition Leadtime, Bradie Williams Sep 1991

An Analysis Of The Support Equipment Acquisition Process And Methods Designed To Reduce Acquisition Leadtime, Bradie Williams

Theses and Dissertations

Support equipment acquisition leadtime continues to be a problem for both the United States Air Force and our foreign military sales programs. As a microcosm of the entire Department of Defense acquisition process, support equipment is often, late to need, without a complete integrated logistics support package, of poor or unstable design, and frequently requires considerable interim support. The purpose of this thesis is to look at the support equipment acquisition process from three perspectives: (1) from the overall weapon system acquisition process; (2) in the broad perspective of the integrated logistics support (ILS) concept; and (3) in the much …

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An Analysis Of Air Force Management Career Development Based On Timing Of Skills Needs And Effectiveness Of Development Methods, Sebastiano Deliso Sep 1991

An Analysis Of Air Force Management Career Development Based On Timing Of Skills Needs And Effectiveness Of Development Methods, Sebastiano Deliso

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to analyze the association between the perceived importance of management skills and management level; also to assess the most effective means of developing each of those management skills. Data collection involved a two step process. First, a literature search was conducted to compile a list of common management skills and development methods. Second, from this knowledge a survey instrument was created and distributed. Data analysis included three basic methodologies: (1) non-parametric statistics, (2) frequency distribution analysis, and (3) qualitative analysis. The results indicate a high degree of association between perceived skills importance and management …

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Effect Of Work Attitudes On Performance Within Tac Base Supply Organizations, Stephen J. Eichenbrenner Sep 1991

Effect Of Work Attitudes On Performance Within Tac Base Supply Organizations, Stephen J. Eichenbrenner

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of work attitudes and rewards on the performance of TAC base level Supply personnel. The research used a survey instrument to examine a cross section of all enlisted employees assigned to various positions within TAC Supply. The research had four major objectives: (1) test three causal hypotheses through path analysis to determine if the research results supported or disconfirmed each of them; (2) determine if individuals functioning in customer service positions are significantly different than those who are not supporting customers; (3) identify opportunities available to Supply managers for improving …

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The Development And Retention Of Critical Thinking Dispositions Among Students Of The Air Force Institute Of Technology Graduate Management Programs, Luke J. Schaub Sep 1991

The Development And Retention Of Critical Thinking Dispositions Among Students Of The Air Force Institute Of Technology Graduate Management Programs, Luke J. Schaub

Theses and Dissertations

This effort analyzed the development and retention of critical thinking dispositions in students of the Air Force Institute of Technology's School of Systems and Logistics graduate management program. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator was used as a measure of subjects' dispositions. Pre- and post- test surveys were administered when subjects entered and exited the program, and a follow-up administered two to five years later. The pre- and post-tests were administered to 427 subjects and the follow-up to 201 of those subjects. It was found that subjects increased their preference for logical, objective decision-making while enrolled in the program. Subjects also increased …

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The Advanced Tactical Fighter Early, Structured, And Continuous User- Interface Process: A System Program Office/User Team-Building Concept, Robert K. Barry Sep 1991

The Advanced Tactical Fighter Early, Structured, And Continuous User- Interface Process: A System Program Office/User Team-Building Concept, Robert K. Barry

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to develop an acquisition management tool that would improve the working relationship between the System Program Office (SPO) and the User during the Demonstration and Validation phase. It accomplished this by documented the Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) Early, Structured, and Continuous (ESC) user-interface process in a draft handbook. This handbook was also developed to support a continuing Command-wide effort to improve the acquisition process. The study found that the ATF ESC process was also developed in response to senior Air Force management guidance, lessons learned, and ATF SPO management direction. The ATF ESC process …

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Oversight Of And Within The Department Of Defense: Is It Becoming Counterproductive?, Thaddeus G. Knue Sep 1991

Oversight Of And Within The Department Of Defense: Is It Becoming Counterproductive?, Thaddeus G. Knue

Theses and Dissertations

Oversight of and within the Department of Defense (DoD) has become so intense and detailed that the perception of senior DoD personnel is that oversight is now detracting from the ability of system program offices (SPO) to focus on fielding new weapon systems which achieve the government's requirements of performance, schedule, and cost. This study researched this assertion by exploring oversight and control of and within the DoD, and specifically through a single unique case study of the C-17 SPO. The three sources utilized in gathering and analyzing data were archival records, interviews, and documents. Data gathered indicated oversight has …

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A Cross-Sectional Investigation Of The Effects Of Regional Labor Market Conditions On The Reenlistment Decisions Of Air Force Enlistees, Deanna L. Cooper Sep 1991

A Cross-Sectional Investigation Of The Effects Of Regional Labor Market Conditions On The Reenlistment Decisions Of Air Force Enlistees, Deanna L. Cooper

Theses and Dissertations

A great deal of literature measuring the relationship between labor market perceptions and voluntary employee turnover exists. However, literature measuring the relationship between general labor market conditions and voluntary employee turnover is scarce. Moreover, to date only one article has included both labor market perceptions and general labor market conditions in testing a voluntary turnover model. This thesis provides a second test of a proposed voluntary turnover model that incorporates both labor market perceptions and general labor market conditions. Using survey data collected by Flores in 1984 and reenlistment data collected by Hoene in 1986, a cross-sectional investigation of the …

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A Policy Analysis Of Using Unit Costs As A Means Of Performance Measurement In The Air Force Science And Technology Program, Michael P. Avery Sep 1991

A Policy Analysis Of Using Unit Costs As A Means Of Performance Measurement In The Air Force Science And Technology Program, Michael P. Avery

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates the possible use of unit costs as a means of performance measurement in the Air Force Science and Technology (S and T) program. Using a policy analysis methodology, the author breaks the analysis into four phases. The first phase called understanding the problem and incorporates the theory of management control systems, budgets, resource management systems, and identifies what the S and T program encompasses. The second phase is called developing policy options and identifies three distinctly different policies that satisfy the need for getting performance information into the hands of decision-makers. The third phase is called determining …

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An Analysis Of The Benefits Of Operational Experience Acquired By Air Force Systems Command (Afsc) Officers Through The Broadening Experience Tour (Best) Program, Andrew A. Abraham Sep 1991

An Analysis Of The Benefits Of Operational Experience Acquired By Air Force Systems Command (Afsc) Officers Through The Broadening Experience Tour (Best) Program, Andrew A. Abraham

Theses and Dissertations

This research effort was conducted to study the effects that operational experience acquired through the Broadening Experience Tour (BEST) program has on the ability of scientific and development engineering (S and DE) officers to develop useful operator-oriented systems. A review of the related literature revealed that although the Air Force encourages S and DE officers to acquire operational experience, there is no empirical evidence of the reported benefits of this experience. A cross sectional study was undertaken to measure the difference in self reported competency between samples of S and DE officers with and without operational experience. A survey was …

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Comparison Of The Operational Characteristics Of The Theory Of Constraints And Just-In-Time Scheduling Methodologies, Lynn A. Sines Sep 1991

Comparison Of The Operational Characteristics Of The Theory Of Constraints And Just-In-Time Scheduling Methodologies, Lynn A. Sines

Theses and Dissertations

This study compared the characteristics of scheduling using two approaches: Just-in-Time (JIT) and the Theory of Constraints (TOC). Computer simulation was used to evaluate changes in the throughput of the system due to system variability and varying work-in-process (WIP) levels. The independent variables were processing time, probability of failure, and WIP level. The literature search revealed that these variables impacted performance of JIT systems. Simulation models of three different production systems were developed to determine if the TOC scheduled system would provide greater or equivalent throughput for equivalent levels of WIP, and to determine if the system production flow path …

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A Review Of Cost Performance Index Stability, Scott R. Heise Sep 1991

A Review Of Cost Performance Index Stability, Scott R. Heise

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines approaches currently used to determine when Cost Performance Index (CPI) stability occurs. The CPI indicates the cost performance efficiency of the work the contractor has accomplished to date; however it has value as a predictor of future contractor cost performance given that the CPI can be declared stable. Knowing that the CPI is stable allows government personnel to project the final cost of the contract and, if a cost overrun is projected, to determine the likelihood that the contractor can recover. The range method was used to test for stability of cumulative and non-cumulative (three month, six …

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Selection Of A Development Methodology For The Acquisition Of Command, Control And Communication Systems, Martin W. Wituszynski Sep 1991

Selection Of A Development Methodology For The Acquisition Of Command, Control And Communication Systems, Martin W. Wituszynski

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated command and control projects to see if certain program characteristics help determine the appropriate development methodology. A literature search revealed no previous research in this area; but did identify at least two possible development methodologies, and some suggestions for key characteristics. Four case studies were conducted to study the effects of certain characteristics on the success of the development methodology employed; either conventional or incremental. Requirements definition, availability of a previous system, system complexity, number of subsystems, development experience, user involvement, and funding all appear to impact the appropriateness of the two methodologies investigated.

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Establishing A Department Of Defense Program Management Body Of Knowledge, Gregory D. Best, Korina L. Kobylarz Sep 1991

Establishing A Department Of Defense Program Management Body Of Knowledge, Gregory D. Best, Korina L. Kobylarz

Theses and Dissertations

This research project developed a common body of knowledge for the field of acquisition program management in the Department of Defense (DoD)., The Defense Program Management Body of Knowledge (DBOK) is a compilation of all knowledge areas that a program manager must know understand to be effective. Three methods were used to develop a hypothetical model DBOK: (1) an exhaustive review of project management literature, (2) curricula review of DoD acquisition management educational institutions, and (3) expert review. The hypothetical model was validated with a survey administered by the Project Management Institute to all directors and deputy directors of Major …

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The Operation Of Military Family Housing As A Business Enterprise. A Case Study At Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, Michael T. Ray Sep 1991

The Operation Of Military Family Housing As A Business Enterprise. A Case Study At Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, Michael T. Ray

Theses and Dissertations

The focus of this research was to determine the feasibility of operating Military Family Housing (MFH) as a business enterprise, based on rental income. A case study of the Langley AFB Military Family Housing operation during FY 90 was used to determine if housing allowances forfeited by residents of base housing would provide sufficient rental income for the annual operations, maintenance and capital improvement of the MFH assets. It further compared the descriptive data from Langley AFB, Virginia, to USAF averages to determine if the findings at Langley were generalizable across the Air Force. The case study showed that Basic …

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A Value-Based Hierarchy Of Objectives For Military Decision-Making, Lowell A. Nelson Sep 1991

A Value-Based Hierarchy Of Objectives For Military Decision-Making, Lowell A. Nelson

Theses and Dissertations

This study develops a rational model for the incorporation of ethical values into military decision-making. The values considered include obedience to superiors, professional competence, and elements of just war theory such as proportionality and discrimination. A review of the relevant literature on just war theory and professional military ethics points to the science of multi-attribute utility analysis as a means of representing the complex value tradeoffs essential to military decisions. The values and tradeoffs identified are interpreted in a hierarchy of objectives model which is used to evaluate value preferences between decision alternatives. With the hierarchy constructed, tradeoffs between values …

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