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Air Force Institute of Technology

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Articles 211 - 240 of 270

Full-Text Articles in Human Resources Management

The Comparative Effectiveness Of Computer-Mediated Communication Supplemented Satellite Distance Education And Traditional Face-To-Face Education, Megan C. Block Dec 1995

The Comparative Effectiveness Of Computer-Mediated Communication Supplemented Satellite Distance Education And Traditional Face-To-Face Education, Megan C. Block

Theses and Dissertations

Satellite distance education delivery typically has one main drawback -- limited student-to-student and student-to-instructor interaction. Telecommunications technology, more specifically computer-mediated communication (CMC), has made it possible for educational institutions to overcome this drawback. This research examines the comparative effectiveness of CMC supplemented satellite distance education delivery and traditional face-to-face education delivery. The three dependent variables that were measured to compare the two educational delivery methods included: performance, interaction, and attitude outcomes. Pre- and post-course instruments were administered in a non-equivalent quasi-experimental design to students enrolled in an Air Force Institute of Technology's School of Systems and Logistics software engineering Professional …

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Aggregating Organizational Performance Metrics Using The Analytic Hierarchy Process, Bret L. Indermill Sep 1995

Aggregating Organizational Performance Metrics Using The Analytic Hierarchy Process, Bret L. Indermill

Theses and Dissertations

Measurement provides factual information which is necessary for effective control of business processes. Implementing a Total Quality Management (TQM) philosophy is a common process in many organizations today. The United States Air Force is using the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award criteria to measure organizational performance in implementing the Quality Air Force (QAF) initiative. Unfortunately, the Baldrige-based unit self-assessment (USA) process is an inconsistent measure due to its subjectivity, and is also time consuming to use. This study determined that a new USA method based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was not a significant improvement over the existing QAF-USA …

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Identifying Situational Factors Contributing To Combat Performance During Desert Shield And Desert Storm, Gary E. Jandzinski Sep 1995

Identifying Situational Factors Contributing To Combat Performance During Desert Shield And Desert Storm, Gary E. Jandzinski

Theses and Dissertations

Previous research into morale, cohesion, and motivation as determinants of performance during combat concentrates primarily on front-line ground troops. This research focuses on determinants of high performance involving United States Air Force (USAF) aircraft maintenance personnel in rear-echelon contingency bases during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. The significant amount of combat force projected from USAF contingency bases and the likely continued use of such force justifies analysis of determinants of performance for this environment. Basic situational factors (information, food, living conditions, Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) activities, mail and phone service, and entertainment) are potentially influential in motivating maintenance personnel …

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Effects Of Situational Factors On The Work Performance Of Aerial Port Technicians, Joseph T. Dougherty Sep 1995

Effects Of Situational Factors On The Work Performance Of Aerial Port Technicians, Joseph T. Dougherty

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigated the impact of situational factors on aerial port productivity. Results showed constraints had little impact on performance. However, perceptions of constraints and performance were significantly related to individual differences in temperament.

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Measuring Behaviors Of Air Force Officers As Indicators Of Effective Performance And Leadership, Linda S. Hurry Sep 1995

Measuring Behaviors Of Air Force Officers As Indicators Of Effective Performance And Leadership, Linda S. Hurry

Theses and Dissertations

It is clear that the officer corps will play a key role in improving the Air Force's efficiency, preserving its traditions, and ensuring it maintains the highest level of combat capability. Yet, surprisingly, there is little agreement about exactly which types of officer performance contribute the most to meeting the Air Force's objectives. Performance requirements for officers have not been defined in terms specific enough to guide training course development and performance evaluations. This study identified the types of performance behaviors Air Force supervisors view as most important for effective officership. It also tested a model of individual officer effectiveness …

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A Methodology To Generate Air Force Materiel Command Manpower Reduction Alternatives, Steven T. Bishop Mar 1995

A Methodology To Generate Air Force Materiel Command Manpower Reduction Alternatives, Steven T. Bishop

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to generate manpower authorization reduction alternatives for Air Force Materiel Command. The advent of low-cost personal computer software applications, such as Excel, has created an assessable tool with the ability to solve linear programming problems. This research examines the manpower resource reduction process of Air Force Materiel Command and models the Resources Allocation - Integrated Process Team (RA-IPT) decision process. A linear programming model is developed to assign these reduction through a weighted sum. The linear programming model is developed as a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet model, the Exercise Support Program (ESP), using Visual Basic …

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An Analysis Of The Extent To Which Humor Is Accepted And Employed In The Workplace For The Enhancement Of Productivity And Creativity, Jonathan R. Specht, Paul D. Tobin Dec 1994

An Analysis Of The Extent To Which Humor Is Accepted And Employed In The Workplace For The Enhancement Of Productivity And Creativity, Jonathan R. Specht, Paul D. Tobin

Theses and Dissertations

Today's business literature is filled with discussions of the many benefits humor can bring to the work environment. Two of these purported benefits, namely, the enhancement of workplace productivity and the enhancement of workplace creativity, have attracted the attention of modern managers challenged with keeping their organizations competitive despite dwindling financial and human resources. Unfortunately, little research has been done to date which actually demonstrates a link between the existence of workplace humor and improved levels of productivity and creativity. Without this demonstration of causality, most managers are reluctant to invest corporate resources in pursuit of workplace humor despite its …

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Factors In Human-Computer Interface Design (A Pilot Study), Susan Stewart Dec 1994

Factors In Human-Computer Interface Design (A Pilot Study), Susan Stewart

Theses and Dissertations

The DoD has budgeted over $9.8 billion for 1995 for information technology, yet many government office workers let their existing systems sit idle. This thesis explores why these computers are sitting idle. This researcher's initial hypothesis was that certain features of the human-computer interface can positively or negatively affect efficiency, retention, and satisfaction level of workers. Although some research is being done in this area, interfaces continue to be of poor quality, especially in the DoD, where long procurement cycles, forced purchases, and limited budgets result in out-of-date software. Intuitively most programmers know the human-computer interface impacts on a person's …

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Cost Management Competencies For Department Of Defense Program Managers, Brent R. Baxter, Kurt R. Bolin Sep 1994

Cost Management Competencies For Department Of Defense Program Managers, Brent R. Baxter, Kurt R. Bolin

Theses and Dissertations

The magnitude of money involved in the acquisition of defense systems and the public scrutiny resulting from cost overruns and program failures make cost management competence critical to program success. This research examined the cost management competencies required of defense program managers. A cost management competency model was developed from a foundation of past research. The model was evaluated through a mail survey of 682 intermediate and senior level military program managers in Air Force Materiel Command. The results provided by the 330 respondents indicate that 29 of the 47 competencies in the model were valuable to the program managers. …

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An Assessment Of Factors That Affect The Employment Of Alternative Dispute Resolution Techniques To Resolve Contract Disputes, Jeffrey T. Journey, Bradley T. Riddle Sep 1994

An Assessment Of Factors That Affect The Employment Of Alternative Dispute Resolution Techniques To Resolve Contract Disputes, Jeffrey T. Journey, Bradley T. Riddle

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the factors which potentially influence contracting and legal professionals’ decisions to employ Alternative Dispute Resolution ADR techniques to resolve contract disputes. A literature review revealed that unawareness, excessive oversight, lack of management support, over-regulation, and interdisciplinary conflict on acquisition teams are or have been the most prominent factors discouraging the use of ADR. An additional background investigation determined that the United States Army, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Navy had extensive experience and expertise regarding ADR use. Therefore, surveys over 250 were administered to various contracting and legal offices throughout these agencies, of which 57 …

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A Delphi Study Of Performance Appraisal Practices Of Malcolm Baldrige Award Winning Organizations, Daniel J. Courtois, David L. Yockey Sep 1994

A Delphi Study Of Performance Appraisal Practices Of Malcolm Baldrige Award Winning Organizations, Daniel J. Courtois, David L. Yockey

Theses and Dissertations

Total Quality (TQ) is a philosophy that is currently being incorporated by organizations throughout America. TQ philosophers maintain that Total Quality can be achieved only if organizations change their cultures, including the traditional view toward the role of the performance appraisal. Theses experts maintain that the traditional performance appraisal does not promote process improvement, empowerment and team building as TQ prescribes. This thesis is a Delphi study of the performance appraisal practices of Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award winning companies. The study attempts to describe the performance appraisal practices of 10 companies who have successfully implemented TQ. The existence of …

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The Certification Program, Training, And Competencies--An Examination Of The Air Force Contracting Work Force's Response To The Sufficiency Of Professional Training, Patty L. Jones, Suzanne Staugler Sep 1994

The Certification Program, Training, And Competencies--An Examination Of The Air Force Contracting Work Force's Response To The Sufficiency Of Professional Training, Patty L. Jones, Suzanne Staugler

Theses and Dissertations

This study determined to what extent AF contracting personnel training needs are sufficiently being satisfied by the current DoD training as outlined in DoD 5000,52M. A convenience sample was employed. 499 surveys were administered to Professional Continuing Education students for various level I through III courses. 320 surveys were used for the data base, achieving a 64.1 response rate. The results of this study show that the training requirements were viewed as sufficiently ensuring that the AF has a mission ready professional work force by slightly more than half of the respondents. However, the training component was ranked as the …

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Development Of A Comprehensive Base-Level Environmental Training Program For Total Environmental Compliance, William M. Barrett Jr Sep 1994

Development Of A Comprehensive Base-Level Environmental Training Program For Total Environmental Compliance, William M. Barrett Jr

Theses and Dissertations

The leadership of the Air Force has established a goal of total environmental compliance because it is the right and necessary thing to do. Commitment to this goal can be accomplished through strong leadership, however, achieving this goal can only be accomplished through effective training. The lack of consistent guidance for developing and executing comprehensive base- level environmental training programs has forced bases to develop these training programs by whatever means available to them. This has resulted in a broad variation in the thoroughness of base-level training programs throughout the Air Force. This research effort investigates the relationship between the …

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Quality Improvement Analysis Of The Air Force Aircraft Maintenance And Munitions Officers Course, Jeffrey T. Acred, James R. Witter Sep 1994

Quality Improvement Analysis Of The Air Force Aircraft Maintenance And Munitions Officers Course, Jeffrey T. Acred, James R. Witter

Theses and Dissertations

Previous research concerning aircraft maintenance officer training focused on the content of the training curriculum of the Aircraft Maintenance and Munitions Officers Course AMMOC. Conversely, this study sought improvement in aircraft maintenance officer training by evaluating the guidance and support provided to AMMOC. Two methods were employed for identifying such opportunities. First, a descriptive model of the training system supporting AMMOC was developed and analyzed. Second, feedback was solicited from AMMOC instructors through the use of a two-round Delphi. The Delphi was employed to develop a consensus among the instructors regarding what improvement opportunities existed and potential means for taking …

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Demonstration Of A Benchmarking Technique To Compare Graduate Education Level Of Air Force Project Managers And Selected Benchmarking Partners, William D. Beatty, David H. Kelley Sep 1994

Demonstration Of A Benchmarking Technique To Compare Graduate Education Level Of Air Force Project Managers And Selected Benchmarking Partners, William D. Beatty, David H. Kelley

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis demonstrated a benchmarking technique to support determining graduate education requirements for officers in the Acquisition Program Management utilization field. The technique is also applicable to other Air Force career fields. The USAF currently uses the Graduate Education Management System GEMS to quantify officer graduate education requirements. Weaknesses in the GEMS-based process include the inability to address future technologies, vulnerability to inconsistency and change, and confusion of training with education. AFIT developed and recommended an alternative requirements determination approach that relies on benchmarking. This thesis reviewed literature on benchmarking principles. The research methodology developed and implemented benchmarking procedures to …

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The Projected Effects Of A Paperless Information System On The Productivity Of The Air Force Institute Of Technology Evaluations And Admissions Division, Richard A. Bihary, Roy C. Shrader Sep 1994

The Projected Effects Of A Paperless Information System On The Productivity Of The Air Force Institute Of Technology Evaluations And Admissions Division, Richard A. Bihary, Roy C. Shrader

Theses and Dissertations

The Air Force Institute of Technology Admissions/Registrar Directorate (AFIT/RR) has a need to improve and expand services using a smaller operating budget. One promising solution is to eliminate the paperwork required to perform the AFIT/RR functions. To assist AFIT/RR managers in evaluating alternatives, this thesis determines the nature and extent to which a paperless information system affects the productivity of the Air Force Institute of Technology Evaluations and Admissions Division (AFIT/RRE). The DoD definitions of productivity are used in this thesis. Based on these definitions, the hours per unit of work (HPU) is chosen as the measure of productivity. Baseline …

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An Analysis Of The Effect Of Personnel Drawdown Initiatives On Aircrew Experience, Keith L. Hedgepeth, Lennie J. Simpson Sep 1994

An Analysis Of The Effect Of Personnel Drawdown Initiatives On Aircrew Experience, Keith L. Hedgepeth, Lennie J. Simpson

Theses and Dissertations

This study analyzes the effects of personnel reduction initiatives on aircrew experience levels of Air Force pilots and navigators. Four key measures of experience were defined, including total flight hours, flying hours in Primary Assigned Aircraft PAA, total hours at time of upgrade to instructor, and total PAA hours at time of upgrade to instructor. Three objectives were established for this study. These objectives measured the degree of change in overall aircrew experience for pilots and navigators in six major weapon systems, to determine if changes in aircrew experience varied by weapon system, and if changes in aircrew experience varied …

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An Evaluation Of The Educational Effectiveness Of A Relational Course Compared To Single Topic Courses Offered By The Management Department Of The United States Air Force, Kevin M. Kosefeski Sep 1994

An Evaluation Of The Educational Effectiveness Of A Relational Course Compared To Single Topic Courses Offered By The Management Department Of The United States Air Force, Kevin M. Kosefeski

Theses and Dissertations

This study compares the educational effectiveness of two different methods of teaching three senior-level management courses at the United States Air Force Academy. The first method, known as relational instruction, combined Management Information Systems MIS, Marketing, and Strategic Management into one three hour course worth nine credits. The team of instructors used a variety of delivery methods to present material. The second method of instruction employed single topic courses covering the same three topics as the relational course, taught by single instructors in one hour blocks using mostly lecture to deliver material. The literature review covered Blooms taxonomy of educational …

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A Meta-Analytic Study Of Downsizing: Behaviors And Attitudes Prevalent Among Supervisors, Donald A. O'Hare, Carmine F. Vilardi Sep 1994

A Meta-Analytic Study Of Downsizing: Behaviors And Attitudes Prevalent Among Supervisors, Donald A. O'Hare, Carmine F. Vilardi

Theses and Dissertations

Current research into the effect of downsizing, restructuring, and force reduction on employees has approached the issue many possible vantage points it has focused on the victims, the survivors, and sometimes both. Researchers in management science and psychology explain responses we can expect from survivors of such a corporate upheaval. These effects are of particular interest to supervisors, because they will inevitably face a workforce, at least partially staffed with such survivors. To clarify possible attitudes and behaviors in tomorrow’s work environment, our study tied together, through meta- analysis, results of studies on survivors of a downsized organization. The completed …

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A Maintenance Manpower Study Of The Composite Wing At Mountain Home Afb, Stella T. Smith, Cristina C. Vilella Sep 1994

A Maintenance Manpower Study Of The Composite Wing At Mountain Home Afb, Stella T. Smith, Cristina C. Vilella

Theses and Dissertations

In response to changes in threats, the Air Force has reorganized several flying units into composite wings. They are intended to provide a flexible, rapid deployment force. This study focused on the impact of the composite wing organizational structure on the determination of maintenance manpower authorizations at Mountain Home AFB, the Air Forces first air intervention wing. An opinion survey of maintenance and manpower experts was used to identify factors that are important in the determination of maintenance manpower authorization levels. Statistical analysis identified important-factors and indicated differences in opinion between maintenance and manpower specialists. Factors specific to the composite …

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Enlistment Response To Changes In Monetary Incentives: Improving The U. S. Army Enlistment Incentive Review And Allocation Process, Chester A. Char Mar 1994

Enlistment Response To Changes In Monetary Incentives: Improving The U. S. Army Enlistment Incentive Review And Allocation Process, Chester A. Char

Theses and Dissertations

This research proposes an analytical approach for assessing efficiency and effectiveness of the Army’s Enlistment Incentive Review and Allocation Process. In this research, the author applies multiple regression- techniques to observations of monthly enlistment contracts for the time period covering October 1987 through July 1993. Bonus contracts, ACF contracts and total contracts were regressed against level of enlistment bonus, availability of the Army College Fund, unemployment rate, and state of U.S. involvement in overseas conflict. The author then used the estimated regression relationships to estimate bonus amounts required to stimulate enlistment and compared performance of true incentive levels against predicted …

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An Analysis Of Air Force Acquisition Engineering Officer's Perceptions Of The Adequacy Of Their Preparation For Management, Steven E. Woodruff Mar 1994

An Analysis Of Air Force Acquisition Engineering Officer's Perceptions Of The Adequacy Of Their Preparation For Management, Steven E. Woodruff

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine how much time Air Force acquisition engineers spend in performing management functions, how those engineers spend in performing management functions, how those engineers perceive their management training, and which types of training contribute the most to managerial competency. The results from surveys of 215 acquisition engineers assigned to ASCEN, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH and their supervisors revealed that engineers do indeed spend substantial amounts of time performing management functions. Slightly more than half the engineers reported spending at least 50 of an average workday performing management functions. Over 53 of engineers responding to …

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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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Air Force Information Management (Im): A 1993 Snapshot Of Current And Projected Roles Of Enlisted Information Managers, Mary E. Duncan, Ted L. Roberts Dec 1993

Air Force Information Management (Im): A 1993 Snapshot Of Current And Projected Roles Of Enlisted Information Managers, Mary E. Duncan, Ted L. Roberts

Theses and Dissertations

This study provides a preliminary view of the level of familiarity enlisted information managers have of changing roles, responsibilities, and initiatives within the Information Management career field. Using a three-phase investigative methodology that combined e-mail, interviews, and mail surveys, the authors addressed the changing roles and responsibilities of enlisted information managers and their familiarity with these changes. This study found that although individuals agree that the role is changing and expanding, many are performing the traditional administrative taskings. The lower ranks still perceive themselves as clerks, whereas senior enlisted members consider themselves managers. Although the career field name changed to …

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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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An Analysis Of Research And Development Product Team Characteristics For The System Acquisition Environment, Robert C. Gibson, Mary E. Waker Sep 1993

An Analysis Of Research And Development Product Team Characteristics For The System Acquisition Environment, Robert C. Gibson, Mary E. Waker

Theses and Dissertations

The focus of this thesis was on product team characteristics in the systems acquisition environment. This research investigated the characteristics of the Saturn Corp product team organizational structure and also reviewed literature relevant to this area. The characteristics identified by Saturn that contribute to the success of their product team were incorporated into a product team effectiveness survey and administered to personnel in the F-22 System Program Office (SPO) located at WPAFB. The results of the F-22 SPO survey were then compared to the Saturn product team characteristics in order to identify achievements and possible weaknesses. Overall, it appears that …

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An Analysis Of Career Progression Rates Of Civilian Graduates Of The Air Force Institute Of Technology, Helena R. Hughley, Gene E. Massman Sep 1993

An Analysis Of Career Progression Rates Of Civilian Graduates Of The Air Force Institute Of Technology, Helena R. Hughley, Gene E. Massman

Theses and Dissertations

This study analyzes the career progression rates of civilian graduates from the School of Logistics and Acquisition Management of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT). The sample includes all civilian AFIT graduates who are currently working for the Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC). Actual promotion rates of the AFIT graduates are compared to promotion rates for two comparison groups: AFMC civilians with a master's degree from a civilian institution; and AFMC civilians with a bachelor's degree but no graduate degree. A regression analysis is performed to study the relationship between specific factors and a graduate's future rate of promotion. …

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Correlation Between Actual And Perceived Job Alternatives And The Effect On Job Turnover, Robert P. Bubello, Kenneth C. Sersun Sep 1993

Correlation Between Actual And Perceived Job Alternatives And The Effect On Job Turnover, Robert P. Bubello, Kenneth C. Sersun

Theses and Dissertations

Retention has become a major issue facing all organizations, including the United States Air Force. Much effort has been expended trying to understand the reasons why employees voluntarily quit their jobs. In 1990 Barry Gerhart, of Cornell University, proposed a turnover model which included tenure, unemployment rates and cognitive ability as factors which influence the turnover decision. The purpose of this thesis was to validate Gerhart's model using turnover data from a sample set of 329 enlisted Air Force members up for reenlistment in 1984. This effort focused on four hypotheses: (1) Unemployment rates and cognitive ability will significantly affect …

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The Development And Demonstration Of The Metric Assessment Tool, Cynthia A. Campbell, Gregory M. Gutterman Sep 1993

The Development And Demonstration Of The Metric Assessment Tool, Cynthia A. Campbell, Gregory M. Gutterman

Theses and Dissertations

This study reflects the development and demonstration of the Metric Assessment Tool. The purpose of the tool was to provide individuals the means to assess metrics and make improvements to the process measurement. The tool was developed using two critical attributes. customer satisfaction and process improvement. Once the tool was developed, a metric assessment process was designed to demonstrate the tool. Two metrics were selected from the Aeronautical Systems Center (ASC) and individuals with a working knowledge of the metric and process were selected for the demonstrations. Using a Group Support System at Armstrong Laboratory, Wright Patterson AFB, the group …

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An Evaluation Of Individual Empowerment And Self-Efficacy On Sexual Harrassment In The Work Environment, Rebecca A. Gebhard, Edgar J. Labenne Sep 1993

An Evaluation Of Individual Empowerment And Self-Efficacy On Sexual Harrassment In The Work Environment, Rebecca A. Gebhard, Edgar J. Labenne

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis was to develop an instrument that would measure an individual's ability to define sexual harassment and address gender discrimination. In addition, the thesis determines the relationship of empowerment, self-efficacy, and training as it affects the awareness of harassment. Extensive statistical analysis was performed on the instrument and sample data. The importance of developing this instrument is evident in its ability to create regression models to predict the existence of empowerment and self-efficacy which could be useful to improve morale and productivity. This thesis provides a history of sexual harassment from the difficulty in defining terminology, …

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