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Theses and Dissertations

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Full-Text Articles in Human Resources Management

Aspects Of Profession And The Military Perspective, Jody B. Dow Sep 1998

Aspects Of Profession And The Military Perspective, Jody B. Dow

Theses and Dissertations

The term "Profession" does not have a consistently applied definition within society. In the military, the ambiguity of the definition places military members in a situation where understanding their professional responsibilities is difficult. This thesis examines the characteristics of traditional professions and draws parallels to the military. This study identifies critical characteristics of professional behavior that military members should be aware of in pursuing professionalism. Data were gathered from academic and popular literature for evaluation. Sufficient evidence exists in literature to identify the factors of special knowledge and service orientation of a profession as critical to professional status. The military, …

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An Evaluation Of Characteristics And Practices Associated With Effective Mentoring Within The United States Air Force, Sharon Gibson Sep 1998

An Evaluation Of Characteristics And Practices Associated With Effective Mentoring Within The United States Air Force, Sharon Gibson

Theses and Dissertations

The US Air Force has recently implemented a policy of assigning supervisors as the mentors of company grade officers. This study investigated the differences in mentoring effectiveness and perceived barriers to mentoring reported by Air Force company grade officers (CGOs), their organizationally assigned mentors (assigned), and CGO selected mentors (voluntary). Results indicated that junior officers believed they had effective mentoring relationships from both assigned and voluntary mentors, but as officers progressed to the rank of captain, they were more likely to seek out mentors outside of their chains of command. Junior officers indicated work related contact time spent on career …

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Using Simulation To Model Time Utilization Of Army Recruiters, James D. Cordeiro Jr., Mark A. Friend Mar 1998

Using Simulation To Model Time Utilization Of Army Recruiters, James D. Cordeiro Jr., Mark A. Friend

Theses and Dissertations

It is a well-known fact Army recruiters work very long hours in a demanding environment. In many cases, recruiting stations are geographically isolated from military bases, with recruiters often tolerating a high cost of living, crime, and other such adverse conditions that characterize the communities they work in. The job itself demands self-starting, motivated individuals with a wide range of skills, from street-savvy to salesmanship, in order to succeed. A number of factors in recent years have made military recruiting more difficult, which include scandals involving highly-placed soldiers and changes in attitudes towards military service among eligible men and women. …

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The Measurement Of Human Intellectual Capital In The United States Air Force, Thomas J. Wagner Mar 1998

The Measurement Of Human Intellectual Capital In The United States Air Force, Thomas J. Wagner

Theses and Dissertations

For centuries, companies used basically the same accounting system developed in the fifteenth century to measure economic performance. Through much of this period the tangible value of a firm, its plants, property and equipment, was closely related to the market value of the firm. With the dawning of the information age, America has evolved from a manufacturing based economy to a service oriented economy. Closely related to this change from a blue collar to white collar workplace has been the widening gap between the market value of a company and its tangible assets. Roughly equal before, now the tangible assets …

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A Vft Approach To Allocation Of Manpower And Budget Cuts, Thomas G. Boushell Mar 1998

A Vft Approach To Allocation Of Manpower And Budget Cuts, Thomas G. Boushell

Theses and Dissertations

The National Air Intelligence Center (NAIC), like many Department of Defense (DoD) and civilian organizations, has been forced to undergo budget and manpower reductions. This year's resource allocation decision requires NAIC to identify both contracts and personnel to be cut. In order to reduce the amount of time and subjectivity involved in this important decision, a resource allocation model was developed to compare different alternatives. This model uses decision analysis with value-focused thinking to quantify the resultant impact of the chosen cuts. The impact was quantified based upon the NAIC Commander's values and preferences, which were used to build a …

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Information Resource Management: An Analysis Of The Critical Skills, Training Sources, And Training Adequacy As Perceived By Air Force Communications And Information Officers, Donald A. Schmidt Dec 1997

Information Resource Management: An Analysis Of The Critical Skills, Training Sources, And Training Adequacy As Perceived By Air Force Communications And Information Officers, Donald A. Schmidt

Theses and Dissertations

This study explores what Information Resource Management (IRM) skills are required as perceived by the Air Force officers performing IRM duties. The following questions set the stage for this research: (1) What does current literature say about the required skills needed for IRM professionals? (2) What IRM skills do officers in the field perceive as important to the IRM mission? (3) What is the primary source of any IRM training received by the officers? (4) How adequate was this training, if any? The results suggest that Air Force officers have a grasp of IRM concepts and know what skills are …

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An Investigation Of The Relationship Between Perception Levels Of Prime Beef Training And Readiness Task Confidence, D. Wade Lawrence Dec 1997

An Investigation Of The Relationship Between Perception Levels Of Prime Beef Training And Readiness Task Confidence, D. Wade Lawrence

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examined the readiness training perception levels and task self-confidence of CE Prime BEEF personnel, and investigated the relationships between these two constructs. A heuristic model was developed which hypothesized that since previous research has shown that perception of training affects self-efficacy, and that self-efficacy affects performance, it may be inferred that training perception ultimately affects task performance. Surveys were sent to the target population to gather demographic data, perceptions of Prime BEEF readiness training and task confidence in both self and unit. Despite an improvement in perceptions over the past 12 years, results showed somewhat mediocre perception levels …

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Usaf Pilot Perceptions Of Workload Assessment In A Combat Or High-Threat Environment, Kadircan Kottas Dec 1997

Usaf Pilot Perceptions Of Workload Assessment In A Combat Or High-Threat Environment, Kadircan Kottas

Theses and Dissertations

This study analyzed the self-reported survey responses of 219 Air Force Pilots concerning their perceptions of workload assessment in a combat or a high threat environment. The first objective of this study was to determine and compare the combat workload factors of varying importance in combat workload assessment by aircraft and mission type flown. The second objective was to examine the pilots' perception of combat mission inflight workload. A stepwise regression model to predict the pilots' perceptions of inflight workload using pilots' characteristics data was explored. Research conclusion varied among aircraft types. Combat workload items indicated as distractingly important were …

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Determining Staffing Levels For Contingency Contract Administration Support, Anthony L. Lomelin Sep 1997

Determining Staffing Levels For Contingency Contract Administration Support, Anthony L. Lomelin

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis is to investigate different manpower models used by CONUS contracting offices which may be of use in determining CCAS team personnel requirements. In this research effort I intend to answer the following question: 'which of the most commonly employed CONUS manning model methodologies offers the best practical solution to the problem of staffing a contingency contracting operation?'

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An Examination Of The Demographic And Career Progression Of Air Force Institute Of Technology Cost Analysis Graduates, Christopher S. Dalton Sep 1997

An Examination Of The Demographic And Career Progression Of Air Force Institute Of Technology Cost Analysis Graduates, Christopher S. Dalton

Theses and Dissertations

The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) was asked to develop a graduate curriculum to support cost analysts in the acquisition arena in October 1980. The first class entered in May 1982 and graduated in September 1983 with Master of Science degrees in Systems Management. This degree program gained autonomy by offering its first true Master of Science degree in Cost Analysis in 1988. Now there are nearly thirteen years of graduate cost analysts (GCAs) in the workforce. This thesis examined the impact this program has had on these graduates and the Air Force. Surveys were mailed out to 73 …

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Career Development Of Air Force Officers In Contracting: An Examination Of Perception And Understanding, Martin P. Hamlin Sep 1997

Career Development Of Air Force Officers In Contracting: An Examination Of Perception And Understanding, Martin P. Hamlin

Theses and Dissertations

This research considered five factors deemed necessary for supporting career development, including experience, professionalism, expectations, mentoring, and training. The author studied the perceptions of captains in the contracting career field as a means of better understanding the unique career development challenges faced by contracting officers. This study concluded that captains in contracting do not perceive one best career path, nor one best set of professional and technical skills. Career expectations remain high and mentoring activity low, despite recent institutional emphasis directed at both. The value of current required formal training, as rated by contracting officers, seems to be high.

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A Statistical Analysis Of Variables Related To Officer Retention, Gerald A. Scheuchner Sep 1996

A Statistical Analysis Of Variables Related To Officer Retention, Gerald A. Scheuchner

Theses and Dissertations

The overall objective of this research effort was to statistically analyze survey responses which indicate the extent to which exiting officers say different variables affected their decision to separate. Two surveys were utilized for this analysis. These surveys were administered by the Air Force Personnel and Survey Branch in 1991 and 1993. The first analysis tested whether significant differences existed between rated and non-rated officers with regard to how strongly they feel about each of the variables with respect to their separation decision. The second analysis tested whether significant differences existed between the rated and the non-rated officers respectively, with …

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Recruitment Analysis Of Air Force Family Day Care Providers, Kimberly A. Rowe Sep 1996

Recruitment Analysis Of Air Force Family Day Care Providers, Kimberly A. Rowe

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is a qualitative, exploratory research effort which seeks to identify the motivators which influence Air Force Family Day Care (FDC) providers at Wright-Patterson AFB to enter and exit the FDC program. Two instruments were developed to measure the degree to which current and former FDC providers were influenced by various motivators identified through literature review and professional observation. Further, this thesis presents the results of the recruitment instrument which indicate the providers in the Wright-Patterson AFB FDC program are primarily motivated by their desire to remain home with their own children. The results also indicate there may be …

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Empowerment As An Organizational Tool For Increasing Competitiveness: A Case Study, Carl D. Sweet Sep 1996

Empowerment As An Organizational Tool For Increasing Competitiveness: A Case Study, Carl D. Sweet

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the use of employee empowerment as a means of improving organizational competitiveness in the marketplace. The methodology used is a case study of a small, private-sector company that used this strategy to improve its productivity, product quality and profitability. The results of this research were then examined to determine whether the successful practices identified in this organization can be applied to Air Force attempts to adopt employee empowerment. The paper summarizes the organizational characteristics generally present where employee empowerment has been successfully implemented, as reported in current management literature, including the following: (1) company culture conducive to …

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The Effects Of Managerial Succession On Air Force Members, Todd M. Young Sep 1996

The Effects Of Managerial Succession On Air Force Members, Todd M. Young

Theses and Dissertations

Managerial succession causes disruption that impacts the incoming leader and members of the organization. Yet, surprisingly, there has been little research investigating the effects of succession on Air Force members. This study investigated four typical reactions to succession that seemed likely to be experienced by most employees. They included changes in: (1) member's attitudes about their job, (2) member's attitudes about their leader's behavior, (3) member's behavior on the job, and (4) the leader's behavior (as observed by the members). The mean responses of workers from organizations that had recently experienced succession (i.e., the supervisor has been in place for …

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Factors For Effective Facilitator Training Evaluation, Mark I. Wade Sep 1996

Factors For Effective Facilitator Training Evaluation, Mark I. Wade

Theses and Dissertations

This study evaluated the TQM facilitator training course at Wright-Patt Campus, Wright-Patterson AFB. One-hundred sixty-two civilian and military trainees completed a 113 item survey containing 7 outcome scales based on Kraiger's (1993) cognitive, skill based and affective training outcomes. Additional criteria, including experience, training, attitudinal, personality, and organizational support factors, were evaluated for their influence on training outcomes. Results from intercorrelational and hierarchical regression analysis strongly supported the theoretical model of effective facilitator training and suggest that the Wright-Patt Campus does provide effective TQM facilitator training. This study also identified several factors that appear to contribute to improved facilitator effectiveness: …

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Procrastination As A Predictor Of Job Performance, Steven L. Dutschmann Sep 1996

Procrastination As A Predictor Of Job Performance, Steven L. Dutschmann

Theses and Dissertations

It is generally accepted that everyone puts off or delays doing tasks to some extent; however, little is known about how different styles affect job performance. Individual differences in goal orientation (tendency to set goals and objectives), conscientiousness (thoroughness and carefulness in performing a task), autonomy (freedom, independence, and discretion in scheduling work), and temperament (manner of thinking, behaving, and reacting) may have an influence on how efficiently and effectively people prioritize their tasks (or avoid tasks), and thus have an effect on job performance. This study examined the possible importance of procrastination in the workplace, and its effect on …

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A Methodology For The Analysis And Prediction Of Air Force Officer Retention Rates, Mark A. Basalla Mar 1996

A Methodology For The Analysis And Prediction Of Air Force Officer Retention Rates, Mark A. Basalla

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of certain national economic conditions and certain Air Force related conditions on officer retention rates and to build, verify, and validate a multivariate linear regression model to be used by Air Force personnel management officials that will predict officer retention rates for rated and non-rated line officers aggregated by Yeargroups and AFSC groups. Previous retention models were reviewed to study possible predictors and methodologies.

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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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