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An Evaluation Of Cost Metrics Used Within Aeronautical Systems Center, Kevin M. Byrne Sep 1995

An Evaluation Of Cost Metrics Used Within Aeronautical Systems Center, Kevin M. Byrne

Theses and Dissertations

Aeronautical Systems Center (ASC) system program offices rely on cost metrics to acquire information on program effectiveness and organizational improvement. This study was an attempt to determine the effectiveness of ASC’s cost metrics. The effectiveness of the metrics were determined by the desirability of the behaviors which are exhibited when individuals utilize the specific metrics. Using an expert panel to evaluate the metrics, data was collected using the Group Research Laboratory for Logistics located in Armstrong Laboratory at Wright Patterson AFB, OH. Metric diagnostic charts were utilized to arrange the data into a format which would provide effectiveness information. The …


Why Schedules Slip: Actual Reasons For Schedule Problems Across Large Air Force System Development Efforts, William M. Cashman Sep 1995

Why Schedules Slip: Actual Reasons For Schedule Problems Across Large Air Force System Development Efforts, William M. Cashman

Theses and Dissertations

The three main objectives of this research were to identify the actual reasons for schedule problems across large Air Force system development efforts, to quantity the importance of each category of reasons in terms of frequency and severity, and to demonstrate that the reasons for schedule problems are not program unique, but are common across system development efforts. To this end, this thesis contains a categorization and analysis of 549 reasons for schedule difficulties on 22 large Air Force Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) programs from 1981 to 1994. These aircraft, missile, aircraft equipment, aircraft upgrade, and simulator programs had …


Calibration Of The Price S Software Cost Model, James C. Galonsky Sep 1995

Calibration Of The Price S Software Cost Model, James C. Galonsky

Theses and Dissertations

As more Department of Defense resources are being allocated toward software development, the necessity to accurately plan for software costs has become critical. Obtaining reliable estimates from software cost models, like PRICE S, can be a problem when input parameters are not precisely defined or calibrated. This research effort centered on refining Productivity Factor (PROFAC) values for defense industry applications. The Space and Missile Systems Center Database was used to calibrate PROFAC values for eleven stratified data sets: military ground, military mobile, missile, unmanned space, Ada, Assembly, C, COBOL, FORTRAN, JOVIAL, and PASCAL. The accuracy of the calibrations was determined …


An Analysis Of The Purpose And Development Of Management Reserve, Kevin T. Gould Sep 1995

An Analysis Of The Purpose And Development Of Management Reserve, Kevin T. Gould

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates both the purpose and development of management reserve budget as it pertains to the Cost-Schedule Control Systems Criteria outlined in DoD Instruction 5(X)O.2. With the Defense Department facing an environment of shrinking budgets, it is becoming increasingly critical for them to manage their acquisition programs as efficient and effective as possible. The objectives of this study were to gain insight, from both a government and commercial perspective, on both the purpose and the development of the contractor's management reserve budget. Contractor system descriptions and interviews of individuals associated with the government acquisition process were used to document …


A Study Of Cumulative Trauma Disorders Of The Upper Extremities And Occupation In Wright-Patterson Adir Force Base Civilian Personnel, Scott T. Hillstead Sep 1995

A Study Of Cumulative Trauma Disorders Of The Upper Extremities And Occupation In Wright-Patterson Adir Force Base Civilian Personnel, Scott T. Hillstead

Theses and Dissertations

This study utilized a case-control methodology to describe and analyze the 115 cases of occupational illnesses reported by civilian employees of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (AFB) between 1990 and 1995. Determining if a statistically significant association existed between age and duration of employment risk factors and cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) was a primary objective. The frequency of CTDs among the various organizations at Wright-Patterson AFB are also described. The research could not prove the existence of a significant association for the 44 subjects and 176 controls matched on occupational group. However, the demographic and other descriptive results may form a …


Just In Time Manufacturing: A Migration From Materials Requirements Planning, Scott A. Koehler Sep 1995

Just In Time Manufacturing: A Migration From Materials Requirements Planning, Scott A. Koehler

Theses and Dissertations

Manufacturing planning and control systems play an important role in an organization's effectiveness. Over the past twenty to thirty years, U.S. manufacturing companies have faced increasing competition for market share from Japanese and other Pacific rim countries. This thesis will investigate the evolutionary path followed by manufacturing companies that have implemented various manufacturing planning and control systems. Specifically, Materials Requirements Planning (MRP) and Just In Time (JIT) production will be analyzed. MRP is a means of convening demand for the final product into a requirements schedule for the various components comprising that product. The JIT philosophy calls for continuously improving …


Calibration Of The Software Life Cycle Model (Slim) To The Space And Missile Systems Center (Smc) Software Database (Swdb), Robert K. Kressin Sep 1995

Calibration Of The Software Life Cycle Model (Slim) To The Space And Missile Systems Center (Smc) Software Database (Swdb), Robert K. Kressin

Theses and Dissertations

Several sophisticated Department of Defense (DOD) weapon and space systems depend on a variety of mission-critical computer software applications. Because of the increasing costs to develop these applications, and today's austere defense budget, accurately estimating the costs to develop software is gaining a great deal of attention within the DOD. Unfortunately, software cost estimation models have been encountering difficulties in accurately estimating the costs of software development. However, research has shown that calibrating one's software cost estimation model can improve the predictive capability of that model. As such, this study focused on calibrating the SLIM cost model to sets of …


Cost Management Competencies: The Importance And Frequency As Seen By The Financial Analyst, Diana E. Pry Sep 1995

Cost Management Competencies: The Importance And Frequency As Seen By The Financial Analyst, Diana E. Pry

Theses and Dissertations

This research studied the application of cost management competencies in the financial management career field. The purpose was to determine how frequently these competencies are used by the financial analysts and how important they are in the analysts' work environment. To accomplish this research a mail survey was sent to 978 financial analysts across Air Force Materiel Command. Out of the 978 survey instruments sent 535 were returned with useful data, for a response rate of 54.7%. From these surveys, 24 of the 49 competencies were identified as being valuable to financial analysts. The 24 competencies provide a framework for …


Calibration Of The System Evaluation And Estimation Of Resources Software Estimation Model (Seer-Sem) For The Air Force Space And Missile Systems Center (Smc), Kolin D. Rathmann Sep 1995

Calibration Of The System Evaluation And Estimation Of Resources Software Estimation Model (Seer-Sem) For The Air Force Space And Missile Systems Center (Smc), Kolin D. Rathmann

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined whether calibration of the SEER-SEM impacted the effort estimates generated by the model for software developments- A historical database was provided by the Space and Missile System's Center Los Angeles, and used as the model's input data. The data was stratified into four usable platforms, military ground command and-control, military ground signal processing, military specification avionics, and military mobile. Each platform's data sets were split, the majority of points for calibration of the model, and the rest for model validation. The accuracy of SEER to this particular data set is limited, yet the model did respond to …


The Effect Of A Self-Care Education Program On A Military Medical Beneficiary Population, Christopher S. Svehlak Sep 1995

The Effect Of A Self-Care Education Program On A Military Medical Beneficiary Population, Christopher S. Svehlak

Theses and Dissertations

Previous research in the area of self-care has focused on medical beneficiaries in a wide range of settings, but the current or former members of the United States Armed Services have largely been ignored. This research concentrates on designing, implementing, and reporting on a study of the impact of a self-care education program on a military beneficiary population. Specifically, retired and active-duty households, whose medical records are maintained by the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Medical Center, were systematically randomly sampled and invited to participate in the study. Those households who responded were given their choice of a self-care book, and …


Calibration Of The Software Architecture Sizing And Estimation Tool (Saset), Carl D. Vegas Sep 1995

Calibration Of The Software Architecture Sizing And Estimation Tool (Saset), Carl D. Vegas

Theses and Dissertations

This study attempted to analyze the effect of calibration on the performance of the SASET computer software cost estimating model. Data used for input into the model were drawn from the most current USAF SMC Software Database (SWDB). Once all the records to be used for analysis were identified, the DBMS-Calibration tool (which is part of SASET) was used to perform regression analysis on the relationship between program size (measured in SLOC) and the effort required to develop the program (measured in man-months). Productivity information reported from this tool was then input into equations used to calculate the Productivity Calibration …


A Calibration Of The Revic Software Cost Estimating Model, Betty G. Weber Sep 1995

A Calibration Of The Revic Software Cost Estimating Model, Betty G. Weber

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the change in performance resulting from calibration of the REVIC software cost model and whether calibration improved the model's ability to estimate software development costs. Three calibrations were conducted on two operating environments using the SMC database. The calibrations consisted of one coefficient only and two coefficient and exponent calibrations, using different procedures. Analysis of the goodness of fit" was accomplished using MRE, MMRE, RMS, RRMS, and the prediction test to measure the model's improvement in predicting ability. The Wilcoxon and Wilk-Shapiro tests were used to test for normality of the sample data. The author concluded that …


Using Parametric Cost Models To Estimate Engineering And Installation Costs Of Selected Electronic Communications Systems, John L. Bosworth Ii, Ronald J. Wiechmann Sep 1994

Using Parametric Cost Models To Estimate Engineering And Installation Costs Of Selected Electronic Communications Systems, John L. Bosworth Ii, Ronald J. Wiechmann

Theses and Dissertations

This study developed a set of cost driver definitions for use by the Communications. Systems Center CSC, headquartered at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma. CSC is responsible for the engineering and installation of a dozen types of ground-based electronic communication and navigation systems, ranging from mobile radio systems to base telephone switches and air traffic control systems. Under changes brought about by the implementation of the Defense Business Operating Fund DBOF, the Communications System Center is searching out new customers and new cost estimating methodologies to improve customer service. The definitions were used to gather historical data of equipment, engineering, and installation …


A Study To Determine If Newly Developed Budget At Completion (Bac) Adjustment Factors Improve The Success Of Prevalent Index-Based Estimate At Completion (Eac) Techniques, Timothy L. Elkinton, Todd J. Gondeck Sep 1994

A Study To Determine If Newly Developed Budget At Completion (Bac) Adjustment Factors Improve The Success Of Prevalent Index-Based Estimate At Completion (Eac) Techniques, Timothy L. Elkinton, Todd J. Gondeck

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to develop Budget At Completion BAC adjustment factors BAFs which, when used in conjunction with existing Estimate At Completion EAC techniques improve the success of existing EAC techniques. These factors attempted to account for changing contract requirements which are certain to occur on DoD contracts. These changing requirements often result in a need to add scope and budget to a contract or can cause contract cost overruns requiring additional budget. Improving the success of these EAC techniques is increasingly important because of the budget cuts being experienced by the DoD in todays changing economic …


An Automated Cost Uncertainty Program, Dale N. Fletcher Sep 1994

An Automated Cost Uncertainty Program, Dale N. Fletcher

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to develop a menu driven, computer program that implemented methodologies for cost uncertainty analysis. Cost uncertainties have been quantified using either simulation techniques or through heuristic means. Simulation techniques require time to run the required number of iterations. Current computer based heuristic methods do not check correlation matrices for consistency nor do they enable the analyst to perform queries. This research resulted in the development of an automated heuristic cost uncertainty program which alleviates the limitations of current computer programs. The program contains a file editor for creating and modifying data files, a cost …


An Assessment Of Forecasting Methods: Cooperative Logistics Supply Support Arrangement (Clssa) Investment Items, Jeffrey S. Grafton, Earl W. Sollmann Sep 1994

An Assessment Of Forecasting Methods: Cooperative Logistics Supply Support Arrangement (Clssa) Investment Items, Jeffrey S. Grafton, Earl W. Sollmann

Theses and Dissertations

The United States (US) promotes collective security in the Free World via the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. FMS customers prefer to acquire weapon system logistic support through FMS rather than by direct commercial vendor support. Ninety-seven percent of the follow-on logistics requirements are submitted via a special program called Cooperative Logistics Supply Support Arrangement CLSSA. CLSSA, while sound in theory, has been a poor performer. The USAF must modify the CLSSA program or risk losing future FMS to competing nations. Modifying CLSSA to utilize an automated forecasting process will greatly improve customer service. Efficient and timely logistic support is …


Measuring Customer Satisfaction: Practices Of Leading Military And Commercial Service Organizations, Daniel M. Hodgkiss, Manuel F. Casipit Sep 1994

Measuring Customer Satisfaction: Practices Of Leading Military And Commercial Service Organizations, Daniel M. Hodgkiss, Manuel F. Casipit

Theses and Dissertations

This research effort studied the customer satisfaction programs of six quality award winning service organizations in the military and commercial sectors. The purpose of the study was to assess the applicability of a general set of guidelines on measuring customer satisfaction for service organizations. This study discusses customer satisfaction, the importance of measuring customer satisfaction, guidelines regarding customer satisfaction, and the common practices of award winning service organizations. This study found that the common practices among service organizations provide support for the establishment of a general set of guidelines for measuring customer satisfaction. Universally applicable guidelines are listed and situationally …


Cost-Schedule Control Systems Criteria Interpretation Differences Between The Dod And Its Contractors, Brian E. Hoffmann Ii, Johnny Wilson Sep 1994

Cost-Schedule Control Systems Criteria Interpretation Differences Between The Dod And Its Contractors, Brian E. Hoffmann Ii, Johnny Wilson

Theses and Dissertations

This study attempted to identify the major interpretive differences of the Cost/Schedule Control Systems Criteria (C/SCSC) between Department of Defense DoD and contractor performance management professionals, and to understand why these differences occurred. As the study progressed, its focus shifted to an evaluation of the Interpretive Guide, an Air Force Institute of Technology AFIT published document used to assist in the understanding of the criteria elements. The objective of the evaluation was to determine if the Interpretive Guide’s explanations of the criteria elements were in consonance with the intent of the criteria and with current practice in the field of …


Defective Pricing: An Analysis Of Factors Affecting Sustention Rates And Disposition Times, Tracey D. Kop Sep 1994

Defective Pricing: An Analysis Of Factors Affecting Sustention Rates And Disposition Times, Tracey D. Kop

Theses and Dissertations

Defective pricing occurs when contractors fail to disclose current, accurate, and complete cost or pricing data in their proposals. Failure to submit valid data entitles the government to a refund in the amount of overpayment. With the current backlog of overage defective pricing cases and the continuing decline in sustention rates, a better understanding of the factors affecting timely and successful recoupment of defective pricing funds is needed. This research identifies factors which significantly affect sustention rates and disposition times and presents models to predict both rates and times. Factors were identified through a literature review and interviews with defective …


An Evaluation Of Department Of Defense Contractor's Cost Performance, John M. Pletcher, Jane C. Young Sep 1994

An Evaluation Of Department Of Defense Contractor's Cost Performance, John M. Pletcher, Jane C. Young

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the cause of cost overrun recoveries within Department of Defense DoD contracts. In this time of extremely limited congressional funding, it is crucial the DoD avoid cost overruns. Information provided to contracting officers and contractors which would help avoid cost overruns would prove extremely valuable to the DoD. This study attempts to address this problem in two ways determine the cause of overrun recoveries determine whether a statistical difference in cost and schedule performance exists among DoD contractors. Interviews, document reviews, and a two-sample t- test were used to analyze the contracts that recovered from early cost …


Analysis Of The Effects Of Fixed Costs On Learning Curve Calculations, Charles B. Shea, Kenneth P. Thomson Sep 1994

Analysis Of The Effects Of Fixed Costs On Learning Curve Calculations, Charles B. Shea, Kenneth P. Thomson

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this research was to analyze the effect of fixed costs on learning curve calculations. The research focused on two general research areas. The first area addressed the identification of current cost analysis practice for handling fixed costs in learning curve calculations. After identification of current practice, the unit learning curve models AXb ability to estimate total production run costs for a new production run when the slope was derived from both total cost and variable cost historical lot data was examined. Historical lot cost data was simulated for both the total cost and variable cost cases under …


Information Requirements For The Air Force Institute Of Technology Under A Fee-For-Service Concept, Jerry A. Cole, Patricia C. Cruz Dec 1993

Information Requirements For The Air Force Institute Of Technology Under A Fee-For-Service Concept, Jerry A. Cole, Patricia C. Cruz

Theses and Dissertations

Due to the current shift in national defense strategy, the DoD is going to have to perform new roles and missions with major reductions in resources. One of the major initiatives committed to achieving savings is Corporate Information Management, a broad program designed to help the DoD operate more efficiently by application of successful private sector business practices and better application of information technology. To meet the challenge of operating in a business-like environment AFIT must be able to maximize its competitiveness to provide customers with the quality and types of services they desire. To accomplish this task, information technology …


Plan For Implementation Of Total Quality Management In The Republic Of China Air Force, Meng-Chun Chao Dec 1993

Plan For Implementation Of Total Quality Management In The Republic Of China Air Force, Meng-Chun Chao

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to build a plan for implementation of Total Quality Management in the Republic of China Air Force. The primary TQM elements are reviewed through definitions, advantages, principles, tools and techniques, education and training, and continuous improvement. In order to establish a TQM plan, the related experience of quality improvement in the U.S. DOD are referenced. The characteristics of ROCAF related to TQM are analyzed and related culture issues are mentioned. The implementation plan includes four parts, top management orientation, TQM structure establishment, empowerment, and continuous improvement. A Chinese view of TQM continuous improvement models …


Information Sharing Within The Coea Process, Constance S. Maginnis, Michael J. Monroe Dec 1993

Information Sharing Within The Coea Process, Constance S. Maginnis, Michael J. Monroe

Theses and Dissertations

In order to meet the challenges of a reduced work force and the changing roles and/or missions of the Air Force in particular, the Cost and Operational Effectiveness Analysis COEA is used in the decision-making of every phase of the acquisition process. The Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense OASD has mandated that COEAs are to be an integral part of the acquisition process. The COEA information gathering or sharing process is not well defined. Areas within the COEA process affected are the coordination of common elements of information required, the data collection, and the generation of possible solutions. …


Business Process Improvement Applied To Written Temporary Duty Travel Orders Within The United States Air Force, Philip W. Mcdowell, David W. Morgan Dec 1993

Business Process Improvement Applied To Written Temporary Duty Travel Orders Within The United States Air Force, Philip W. Mcdowell, David W. Morgan

Theses and Dissertations

This study analyzed the process currently endemic to the activity of producing written TDY orders. Business Process Improvement BPI methodology using IDEF ICAM Integrated Computer Aided Manufacturing Definition and Activity Based Costing methods were used for this study. The objectives of the written TDY order activity were determined as identifying the travelers and verifying authenticity of the travel requirement and subsequent entitlements. Processing the TDY information, generating the TDY order, and processing the TDY order showed activities that add no value or limited value for either the traveler or the government. The activity costs incurred to produce a written TDY …


Is Nipars Working As Advertised? An Analysis Of Nipars Program Customer Service, Peter F. De Kam, Dorothy J. Tribble Sep 1992

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 Evaluation Of Schedule Metrics Used Within Aeronautical Systems Center, Robert J. Hayes, Lawrence M. Miller Sep 1992

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 …


A Methodology For Project Selection Using Economic Analysis And The Analytic Hierarchy Process, Jeffrey L. Battin, Thomas J. Bender Sep 1992

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 …