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Articles 361 - 385 of 385

Full-Text Articles in Business Administration, Management, and Operations

An Analysis Of The Records Management Process To Determine The Impact Of Automation On Productivity, David A. Gaines, Trevor J. Nelson Dec 1993

An Analysis Of The Records Management Process To Determine The Impact Of Automation On Productivity, David A. Gaines, Trevor J. Nelson

Theses and Dissertations

This research was performed to study the effects of automation on Air Force records management productivity prior to widespread implementation of Document Librarian. Document Librarian is a software tool developed for Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command HQ AFMC to manage records in accordance with Air Force, Federal, and National Archives and Records Administration NARA regulations, and is currently undergoing developmental testing. One organization was used as a case study to determine the effects of Document Librarian on the organizations records management productivity. A records management process model was constructed and used to define the relevant tasks and outputs of their …

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The Effects Of Violations Of Bar Chart Standards On Managerial Decision Making, Jeanne E. Tennison, Phillip G. Puglisi Dec 1993

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 …

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Demonstration Of Improved Software Support Labor Estimation For Air Force Operational Flight Programs Through Functional Orientation, Ronald R. Warner Jr., Darrel L. Wright Dec 1993

Demonstration Of Improved Software Support Labor Estimation For Air Force Operational Flight Programs Through Functional Orientation, Ronald R. Warner Jr., Darrel L. Wright

Theses and Dissertations

This study demonstrated two approaches to improve current software support effort estimation models for aircraft software. Both approaches involved a functional orientation not used by existing models. The first approach demonstrated how to orient a model to reflect the block change cycle modification process and how to represent support effort changes over time in order to improve effort estimation accuracy. Current software models do not reflect the support environment or the temporal characteristics of aircraft software support. The second approach demonstrated how to calibrate a model by properly selecting source data in order to increase accuracy. Support calibration is not …

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Toward Alternative Metrics For Measuring Performance Within Operational Contracting Squadrons: An Application Of Benchmarking Techniques, Mark W. Fahrenkamp, Mark P. Garst Sep 1993

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 …

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The Development Of An Instrument To Measure Fourteen Theoretical Factors For The Attribution Of Charisma, Tyler J. Bach, Michael J. Labosky Sep 1993

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 …

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Customer Service Analysis Of Air Combat Command Vehicle Maintenance Support, Lori M. Bass, Linda J. Dahl Sep 1993

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 …

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The Impact Of Goal Setting And Empowerment On Governmental Matrix Organizations, Stephen R. Corey, Patricea W. Hogan Sep 1993

The Impact Of Goal Setting And Empowerment On Governmental Matrix Organizations, Stephen R. Corey, Patricea W. Hogan

Theses and Dissertations

The matrix management concept is currently in use by many DoD organizations. Theories of goal setting and empowerment seem to align with some of the responsibilities assumed by matrix project managers. The research problem was to determine whether will-functioning government matrix organizations owe their effectiveness to a project-oriented matrix organization structure, or to good goal setting and empowerment practices by managers. Interviews were conducted at three SPOs at WPAFB and at DLA's DESC and DCSC. Qualitative analysis, including dendrograms and matrix displays were utilized. Conclusions include the following points: Goal Setting is not prominent, but may not be critical in …

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A Case Study Of Factors Affecting Continuous Improvement In Dod Activities Operating Under Total Quality Management, Mark E. Gabriel, Theodore E. Manis Sep 1993

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 …

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Computer Simulation Study Of The Joint Deployment Of The 23rd Wing And 82nd Airborne Division From Pope Air Force Base, John B. Prechtel, Mark S. Wingreen Sep 1993

Computer Simulation Study Of The Joint Deployment Of The 23rd Wing And 82nd Airborne Division From Pope Air Force Base, John B. Prechtel, Mark S. Wingreen

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis produced a model of the Army airdrop segment of the Pope AFB deployment system. The original intent was to model the entire system and simulate the simultaneous deployment of the 23rd Wing and 82nd Airborne Division; however, time constraints and incomplete data forced a reduction in scope. The study provides an excellent foundation for further research into the use of simulation to develop a generalized deployment sizing model. The airdrop segment of the system was modeled using the researcher's personal observations of the system, the expertise of personnel who work within the system, and documentation of the problems …

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The Development Of A Tri-Service Notification System For Type 1 Medical Materiel Complaints, Edmund K. Haraguchi, Christopher J. Harrington Sep 1992

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 …

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A Benchmark Of Vehicle Maintenance Training Between The U.S. Air Force And A Civilian Industry Leader, James J. Meersman, Inez A. Sookma Sep 1992

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 …

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An Analysis Of Depot Maintenance Interservicing Source Of Repair Selection And Acquisition Program Incompatibilities, Robert N. Mcgarry, Gregory K. Owens Sep 1992

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 …

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Graphic Representation In Managerial Decision Making: The Effect Of Scale Break On The Dependent Axis, Clark R. Carvalho, Michael D. Mcmillan Sep 1992

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 …

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Applying Commercial Style Acquisition Practices To The Procurement Of Commercially Available Aircraft, Douglas W. Humerick, Steven H. Minnich Sep 1992

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 …

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Public Space Launch Acquisition: A Comparative Case Study, Kenneth R. Leeson, Lee W. Rosen Sep 1992

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 …

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Possible Application Of Quality Function Deployment In Software Systems Development In The United States Air Force, Craig R. Lamb Dec 1991

Possible Application Of Quality Function Deployment In Software Systems Development In The United States Air Force, Craig R. Lamb

Theses and Dissertations

The objectives of the thesis were to determine whether the methods of Quality Function Deployment (QFD) could be used in the software development environment within the USAF, and whether or not this area should be researched further. The research was limited to the requirements analysis and definition phase. The different areas of study included a brief review of the structured analysis methodology, a detailed review of the QFD models currently being used in the product industries, a review of how QFD fits into the software development cycle, and specific software modifications to the QFD methodology. A review of some applications …

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The Development Of An Instrument To Measure The Theoretical Parameters Of Charisma Within Organizations, Daniel K. Hicks Sep 1991

The Development Of An Instrument To Measure The Theoretical Parameters Of Charisma Within Organizations, Daniel K. Hicks

Theses and Dissertations

This study set out to identify the parameters in the existing leadership theories that lead to the attribution of charisma in organizational leaders. Once these parameters were identified, the goal was to develop and validate the means to measure the parameters. Organizational scientists began to wrestle with the operation of charismatic authority within organizations in 1961. A review of the literature uncovered eight theories that describe the operation of charisma with organizations. From these eight theories, 37 distinct behaviors or qualities were extracted. Each of these was theorized to lead to the attribution of charisma either singly or in combination …

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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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Leadership Self-Efficacy: Measuring The Effects Of Leadership Training At Squadron Officer School, Gilbert W. Jennings Sep 1991

Leadership Self-Efficacy: Measuring The Effects Of Leadership Training At Squadron Officer School, Gilbert W. Jennings

Theses and Dissertations

This study used a measure of change in perceived self-efficacy as a method for evaluating the effectiveness of the leadership training conducted at the Air Force's Squadron Officer School (SOS), Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. A self-assessment survey was developed to measure the change in perceived self- efficacy related to leadership behaviors of the students when they compare themselves to their idea of an ideal leader/manager. Dr. Gary A Yukl's (1989) taxonomy of leadership skills was used as the leadership model in the development of the survey instrument. A statistical analysis was done to determine which of Yukl's skills showed …

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Evaluation Of Corrective Action Team (Cat) Leader Training In Aeronautical Systems Division, Kirk J. Streitmater Sep 1991

Evaluation Of Corrective Action Team (Cat) Leader Training In Aeronautical Systems Division, Kirk J. Streitmater

Theses and Dissertations

This study evaluated corrective action team (CAT) leader training, a team dynamics and group problem solving course provided by an Air Force product division. A pre/post knowledge test, using developed behavioral objectives, was administered to 61 participants as part of an internal evaluation while 373 past participants were provided a questionnaire for a field evaluation. Results from the internal evaluation indicated that students learned the majority of training material presented in the course. Self-efficacy increased in most cases showing an improved self-perception regarding the ability to perform training related tasks. Predictors for a pre-test score model were identified, but overall …

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An Investigation Of Certain U.S. Government 'Lessons Learned' Processes And Their Application To Usaf Research, Development, And Acquisition Project Managers, Mark W. Mcnabb Sep 1991

An Investigation Of Certain U.S. Government 'Lessons Learned' Processes And Their Application To Usaf Research, Development, And Acquisition Project Managers, Mark W. Mcnabb

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the types of processes used by certain U.S. government agencies to provide 'lessons learned' that could be used by USAF research, development and acquisition project managers. Areas of interest include the types of agencies that could provide 'lessons learned;' the sources, methods, and techniques these agencies use to process (acquire, maintain, and disseminate) management information such as lessons learned; and the measurement criteria the agencies use to evaluate the effectiveness of these processes. A general literature search helped to identify eleven candidate agencies; eight were chosen for full investigation. A survey of each sample agency was conducted. …

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A Contract Management Guide For Air Force Environmental Restoration, Grant S. Bowers Sep 1991

A Contract Management Guide For Air Force Environmental Restoration, Grant S. Bowers

Theses and Dissertations

This study was conducted to examine the extent to which written guidance was available to Air Force contracting officers involved in environmental restoration projects. The study examines literature from sources inside and outside the Air Force, classifies it by source, and extracts guidance from the subject matter. The study indicates that written guidance exists, but is fragmented. As a result, contracting officers lack concise guidance on the special considerations in contracting for environmental restoration. Guidance from the literature is summarized and presented in a stand-along guide appended to the report. The guide is targeted toward new and mid-level contracting officers …

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Application Of The Deming Management Method To Implement Total Quality Management In The Dod, Shawn P. Lyman Sep 1991

Application Of The Deming Management Method To Implement Total Quality Management In The Dod, Shawn P. Lyman

Theses and Dissertations

This study looked for DOD logistics organizations using the Deming management method to implement TQM. A total of 21 organizations were identified that claim to be following Deming. These organizations were then questioned on what they are dong to implement the Deming philosophy. Each organization is presented and their program discussed. The techniques being used in the different TQM programs were then classified and presented according to each of the 14 points.

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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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The Effect Of Government Regulation On The Profitability Of Drug Manufactures, Thoman E. Thorenson Jul 1978

The Effect Of Government Regulation On The Profitability Of Drug Manufactures, Thoman E. Thorenson

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

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