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Air Force Institute of Technology

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Articles 181 - 210 of 395

Full-Text Articles in Operations and Supply Chain Management

The Air Mobility Planner's Calculator Improvements, Verification, And Validation, Frank W. Watson Jr. Mar 2003

The Air Mobility Planner's Calculator Improvements, Verification, And Validation, Frank W. Watson Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

In today's Air Force, we are constantly faced with meeting the mission under limited budget and equipment constraints. Any tools that make completing the mission easier are highly sought after, and rightfully so. The Air Mobility Planner's Calculator (AMPCALC) is one such tool. It gives the mobility planner flexibility in planning by allowing several different situations to be modeled. This paper recommends improvements to the model and provides the verification and validation of the model in an attempt to prove that the model is a useful tool for Air Mobility Command and the United States Air Force.

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An International Study Of Organizational Change: A Simultaneous Analysis Of Process, Context, And Individual Attributes, Hee-Hyung Jung Mar 2003

An International Study Of Organizational Change: A Simultaneous Analysis Of Process, Context, And Individual Attributes, Hee-Hyung Jung

Theses and Dissertations

Few studies in the organizational change literature have examined differences in the change process in different cultures. This cross-cultural study is designed to take a comprehensive view of change using a dynamic model that integrates content, process, context, and individual attribute factors simultaneously. The model is used to compare perceptions of organizational change held by members of military organizations in the United States and in Korea. The U.S. sample consisted of 264 employees who were members of Department of Defense organizations. There were two Korean samples: 280 employees of the Women's Military School and members of the Women's Battalion, and …

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Estimating Procurement Cost Growth Using Logistic And Multiple Regression, Gary W. Moore Mar 2003

Estimating Procurement Cost Growth Using Logistic And Multiple Regression, Gary W. Moore

Theses and Dissertations

Cost Growth in Department of Defense (DoD) major systems has been an ongoing problems for more than 30 years. Previous research has demonstrated the use of two-step logistic and multiple regression methodology to predicting cost growth produces desirable results traditional single-step regression. This research effort validates, and further explores the use of a two-step procedure for assessing DoD major weapon system cost growth using historical data. We compile programmatic data from the Selected Acquisition Reports (SARs) between 1990 and 2001 for programs covering all defense departments. Our analysis concentrates on cost growth in procurement dollar accounts for the Engineering and …

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Exploring The Diversification Discount: A Focus On High-Technology Target Firms, Donald F. Adkins Jr. Mar 2003

Exploring The Diversification Discount: A Focus On High-Technology Target Firms, Donald F. Adkins Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

When firms choose to acquire others, those acquisitions can either be considered diversifying or non-diversifying. Whether the firm diversifies or not has been shown to affect the post-acquisition performance of that firm. Past merger and acquisition (M&A) research has identified a "diversification discount" when firms diversify through M&A activity. However managers continue to diversify, posing the question, "Why do firms continue to diversify in the face of research indicating negative post-acquisition performance"? The answer may be found in that much of the past research has treated all acquisitions the same by analyzing a wide cross-section of acquisitions from industries of …

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The Development Of An Integrated Measure Of Readiness For Change Instrument And Its Application On Asc/Pk, Steven W. Clark Mar 2003

The Development Of An Integrated Measure Of Readiness For Change Instrument And Its Application On Asc/Pk, Steven W. Clark

Theses and Dissertations

Organizations are continually forced to implement changes due to a myriad of external and internal influences, Despite the fact that organizations are predominantly in a perpetual state of change, recent research has shown that nearly 75% that have initiated large-scale change efforts have not realized the significant organizational improvements that were intended, As a preemptive measure, organizational managers are being encouraged to gauge their organization's readiness prior to implementing change initiatives, Unfortunately, over 40 unique instruments currently exist that purport to measure some aspect of readiness, Because of limited perspective, no one instrument has emerged as the standard and they …

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A Simulation-Based Analysis Of The Impact Of In-Sourcing A Major Process Element On The Coast Guard Hh-601 Depot Maintenance Process, Steven E. Vigus Mar 2003

A Simulation-Based Analysis Of The Impact Of In-Sourcing A Major Process Element On The Coast Guard Hh-601 Depot Maintenance Process, Steven E. Vigus

Theses and Dissertations

Leaders at the United States Coast Guard's Aircraft Repair and Service Center (ARSC) in Elizabeth City, North Carolina recently formalized their planning and analysis functions by adding a dedicated branch to their command structure. The Planning and Analysis Branch intends to apply computer modeling and simulation to study the impact of process changes to the various Programmed Depot Maintenance (PDM) lines. This research considers the applicability of this type of modeling and simulation, using ARENA to study the current HH-6OJ PDM process. The contribution of this research is a methodology specific to ARSC needs, an analysis of methodology based on …

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Developing Cost Per Flying Hour Factors For The Operations And Maintenance Phase Of The Satellite Life Cycle, Anthony K. Kimbrough Mar 2003

Developing Cost Per Flying Hour Factors For The Operations And Maintenance Phase Of The Satellite Life Cycle, Anthony K. Kimbrough

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis was to develop cost per flying hour factors for the operations and maintenance (O&M) phase of the satellite life cycle. At a time when space system platforms are becoming some of the most strategic weapons in the military arsenal, it is critical that accurate cost models and factors be developed to assist in budgeting for the O&M of these assets.

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Determining The Value Of Automation In Commercial And Usaf Supplier Evaluation Systems, Michael E. Knipper Mar 2003

Determining The Value Of Automation In Commercial And Usaf Supplier Evaluation Systems, Michael E. Knipper

Theses and Dissertations

The US Air Force has determined that improving the way we manage our supply chain is key to reducing operating costs and subsequently providing better support to the warfighter. One method of improving supply chain management is to streamline the way suppliers are evaluated. This study compared the efforts of private industry with government program offices in terms of supplier evaluation techniques. The expert panel from private companies was identified because of their association with the aerospace industry. Government employees were identified because of their recent contract pre-award and post-award experience. Input was received through the use of open-ended interview …

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An Analysis Of The Air Force Working Capital Fund's Performance And The Pricing Strategy Of The Materiel Support Division, Lisa M. Stanley Mar 2003

An Analysis Of The Air Force Working Capital Fund's Performance And The Pricing Strategy Of The Materiel Support Division, Lisa M. Stanley

Theses and Dissertations

The Air Force Working Capital Fund (AFWCF), a revolving fund established to create a more business-like environment between the Air Force and its customers, is comprised of several divisions providing depot level repairs, supplies and inventory, information technology solutions and transportation services to military customers, Since its establishment, the AFWCF has been the source of much criticism due to its inability to meet its primary goal of operating on a break-even basis. Ideally, the Fund will generate enough revenue from the sale of goods or services to cover its expenses and break-even. Instead, there is either a surplus that must …

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Combat Air Forces Campaign Level Modernization Planning-A Study In Group Decision Making, Ian L. Walker Mar 2003

Combat Air Forces Campaign Level Modernization Planning-A Study In Group Decision Making, Ian L. Walker

Theses and Dissertations

Modernization is a critical component of the current transformation effort within the Department of Defense (DoD) Effective and efficient modernization planning will provide for the improved allocation of limited funding. The Air Force currently conducts capabilities based modernization planning to identify shortfalls. Air Combat Command (ACC) utilizes multi-objective decision analysis (MODA) techniques to support the modernization planning process (MPP). A MODA model has been created to identify and quantify capability shortfalls across a diverse range of mission areas. Groups of subject matter experts are utilized to provide model inputs improving the usefulness and credibility of the model. The intent of …

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An Analysis Of The Implementation Of Acquisition Reform Initiatives And Contract Cost Variance, Mark A. Holbrook Mar 2003

An Analysis Of The Implementation Of Acquisition Reform Initiatives And Contract Cost Variance, Mark A. Holbrook

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines the impact of acquisition reform initiatives implemented since 1993 on contract cost performance. Many initiatives implemented during the 1990s focused on saving the government money in procuring weapon systems. For decades, cost overruns have plagued Department of Defense weapons systems development and procurement costing the government money. The passage of the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act (FASA) of 1994 and the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996, marked significant congressional action on aiding the Department of Defense develop and procure systems cheaper. Conclusions drawn in this thesis may aid leadership in supporting current initiatives and drafting new changes.

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Integrating Cost As An Independent Variable Analysis With Evolutionary Acquisition - A Multiattribute Design Evaluation Approach, Marc T. Lewis Mar 2003

Integrating Cost As An Independent Variable Analysis With Evolutionary Acquisition - A Multiattribute Design Evaluation Approach, Marc T. Lewis

Theses and Dissertations

Guidance from the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics (USD(AT&L)) requires 100 percent of defense programs to incorporate cost as an independent variable (CAIV) and evolutionary acquisition (EA) plans within their management baselines. Historically, these two concepts have been implemented independent of one another. In reality, CAIV and EA are tightly coupled, Integration of these two initiatives enables warfighters and developers to better allocate constrained resources, respond to fluctuations in program funding, and plan for future development activities. This research creates a decision tool to assist the DoD acquisition community in satisfying the intent of the USD(AT&L) …

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A Comparative Analysis Of The Cost Estimating Error Risk Associated With Fly Away Costs Vs Individual Components Of Aircraft, Jonathan D. Ritschel Mar 2003

A Comparative Analysis Of The Cost Estimating Error Risk Associated With Fly Away Costs Vs Individual Components Of Aircraft, Jonathan D. Ritschel

Theses and Dissertations

A shrinking workforce, unstable budgets, and rapidly changing objectives under stricter time constraints characterize today's cost analysis and acquisition environment. In concert with this environment, cost analyst positions have rapidly decreased as demonstrated by Aeronautical Systems Centers 54% decline in total authorized slots from 1992 to 2001. The question is how to deal with this more with less' mentality. The purpose of this research is to investigate and measure the risks associated with taking a macro versus micro approach to aircraft cost estimation. By analyzing the fidelity of a cost estimate developed at the flyaway cost level versus a cost …

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A Delphi Expert Assessment Of Proactive Contracting In An Evolutionary Acquisition Environment, Gary L. Wellman Mar 2003

A Delphi Expert Assessment Of Proactive Contracting In An Evolutionary Acquisition Environment, Gary L. Wellman

Theses and Dissertations

This study used structured group discussions (The Delphi Method) among three groups of contracting professionals from the Air Armament, Aeronautical Systems, and the Electronic Systems Centers in order to identify potential roadblocks to implementation of Evolutionary Acquisition strategies. The Delphi groups also tackled the problem of identifying and exploring potential business strategies that may counter the identified challenges. Discussions revealed that current laws, regulations, and internal processes pose challenges in an evolutionary acquisition environment. No single business strategy emerged as the best way to implement the EA strategy. Participants suggested that all three Centers concluded that robust business planning, pre-contract …

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Onward Movement Transportation Mode Selection Study, Seong Kyun Lee Mar 2003

Onward Movement Transportation Mode Selection Study, Seong Kyun Lee

Theses and Dissertations

As a result of global security environmental changes, the U.S. Army's posture has changed from forward deployment to power projection and resulted in the reduction of the Army force structure. These changes also reduce the possibility of the United States' involvement in a large-scale war, but require rapid and reliable deployment to stabilize a hostile area. Force projection is the demonstrated ability to alert, mobilize, deploy rapidly, and operate effectively anywhere in the world, and consists of three deployment segments: fort to port, port to port, and port to foxhole. Reception, Staging, Onward Movement, and Integration (RSO&I) is a detailed …

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Joining The Department Of Defense Enterprise Resource Planning Team: The Air Force's Role In The Enterprise, Coreen R. Mueller Mar 2003

Joining The Department Of Defense Enterprise Resource Planning Team: The Air Force's Role In The Enterprise, Coreen R. Mueller

Theses and Dissertations

Over time, the Air Force (AF) built customized legacy logistics data and information systems, which have evolved into an inflexible network of obsolete systems that are costly to maintain and upgrade, and struggle to share data in a timely and coherent manner. The Department of Defense (DoD), to include the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), the US AF, the US Army, and the US Navy, have all recognized the need to modernize and integrate their legacy systems to improve warfighter support. The DLA, the US Army, and the US Navy all see Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) technology as a commercial best …

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A Service Life Analysis Of Coast Guard C-130 Aircraft, Jonathan B. Duff Mar 2003

A Service Life Analysis Of Coast Guard C-130 Aircraft, Jonathan B. Duff

Theses and Dissertations

The U. S. Coast Guard, much like the rest of the Armed Services, is facing a dramatic transformation of its forces to meet current and future service requirements. The Coast Guard has responded to this transformation by initiating the Deepwater System, a complete review of the offshore mission requirements and the modernization of its infrastructure. In particular, Deepwater will review and modernize the Coast Guard's aviation assets, improving aircraft systems, airborne sensors, and communications and information management systems. However, these capability advancements will take time and money to implement, and will require careful management of the current resources to ensure …

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Evaluation Of Personnel Parameters In Software Cost Estimating Models, Steven L. Quick Mar 2003

Evaluation Of Personnel Parameters In Software Cost Estimating Models, Steven L. Quick

Theses and Dissertations

Software capabilities have steadily increased over the last half century. The Department of Defense has seized this increased capability and used it to advance the warfighter's weapon systems However, this dependence on software capabilities has come with enormous cost. The risks of software development must be understood to develop an accurate cost estimate.

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A Group Theoretic Tabu Search Methodology For Solving The Theater Distribution Vehicle Routing And Scheduling Problem, John R. Crino Jun 2002

A Group Theoretic Tabu Search Methodology For Solving The Theater Distribution Vehicle Routing And Scheduling Problem, John R. Crino

Theses and Dissertations

The application of Group Theory to Tabu Search is a new and exciting field of research. This dissertation applies and extends some of Colletti's (1999) seminal work in group theory and metaheuristics in order to solve the theater distribution vehicle routing and scheduling problem (TDVRSP). This research produced a robust, efficient, effective and flexible generalized theater distribution model that prescribes the routing and scheduling of multi-modal theater transportation assets to provide economically efficient time definite delivery of cargo to customers. In doing so, advances are provided in the field of group theoretic tabu search and its application to difficult combinatorial …

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A Large Scale Integer Linear Program As A Decision Support Tool For Force Mix Selection, Craig A. Punches Mar 2002

A Large Scale Integer Linear Program As A Decision Support Tool For Force Mix Selection, Craig A. Punches

Theses and Dissertations

Recently, organizations have been modifying performance appraisal systems to collect data from multiple sources to guide the development of supervisors. Upward feedback programs focus on development rather than appraisal by supplementing traditional downward feedback with subordinate feedback. The upward feedback instrument developed in this study was designed to measure effective leadership behaviors utilizing an existing five-dimension leadership taxonomy and a new dimension that represents creating a fun workplace. The developed instrument and a proven commercial instrument utilizing the same theoretical framework were administered to samples of N = 391 and N = 417 respectively, and tested for reliability and validity. …

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Interim Brigade Combat Team (Ibct) Munitions Distribution Study, Todd S. Bertulis Mar 2002

Interim Brigade Combat Team (Ibct) Munitions Distribution Study, Todd S. Bertulis

Theses and Dissertations

This research sought to describe an alternative way for calculating expected back order (EBO) for reparable inventory systems. The high costs associated with reparable items management, together with its importance for system's availability, make the assessment of back orders of great importance in supporting decisions of what-to-buy and where-to-locate those items. Starting at the point that existing models (METRIC, MOD-METRIC, and VARIMETRIC) rely on some assumptions that often cannot be met in real life, the proposed method (called P-METRIC), which is a mix of simulation and mathematical analytical model, relaxes assumptions about Demand, Time to Repair (TTR), and Ordering & …

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Comparative Analysis Of Leasing Versus Buying General Purpose Vehicles (Sedan) In The Korean Air Force, Jung J. Kim Mar 2002

Comparative Analysis Of Leasing Versus Buying General Purpose Vehicles (Sedan) In The Korean Air Force, Jung J. Kim

Theses and Dissertations

Elmendorf Air Force Base (AFB) is one of the two key ERS airfields for the Pacific Theater. The condition of en route airfields has recently come to the attention of the DoD and the GAO. Delays at these airfields may cause personnel and equipment to arrive late in theater. Fuel systems at Elmendorf AFB are currently being improved, but the GAO questions whether these improvements will help the throughput. As well as being an en route airfield, Elmendorf is also an important Interim Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) APOE for Fort Richardson. The IBCT is designed to operate in small-scale contingency …

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Use Of Critical Chain Scheduling To Increase Aircraft Availability, Daniel D. Mattioda Mar 2002

Use Of Critical Chain Scheduling To Increase Aircraft Availability, Daniel D. Mattioda

Theses and Dissertations

This study addresses the operation and support cost differences between the TUAF C-130E & C-130B, and the USAF C-130J aircraft. The TUAF C-130s have been being used for more than 30 years and changing world situations give armed forces different roles, and Turkey participates in all peacekeeping missions that are assigned by NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) and the United Nations. While performing these roles, the importance of air mobility and the importance of reliability became widely appreciated. Moreover, the coming retiring age of the existing C-130s in the TUAF forced the TUAF to look for ways to improve its …

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Process Mapping A Diminishing Manufacturing Sources And Materiel Shortages Reactive Management Strategy: A Case Study, Robert E. Overstreet Mar 2002

Process Mapping A Diminishing Manufacturing Sources And Materiel Shortages Reactive Management Strategy: A Case Study, Robert E. Overstreet

Theses and Dissertations

In order to handle its obligations, the Brazilian Ministry of Defense (MoD) will need an information system capable of managing logistics information from all military services. A project to develop an integrated information system to fit the requirements of different, but connected, organizations has inherent challenges. Differences in the organizational structures, cultures and political aspects, are key issues to be observed before the development to assure the project's success. The same is applicable when trying to adapt an already existing information system to fill the needs of another organization. In the new organization, it is mandatory to assess the feasibility …

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Advanced Planning And Scheduling In The United States Air Force Depot-Level Maintenance, Shenn-Rong Shyong Mar 2002

Advanced Planning And Scheduling In The United States Air Force Depot-Level Maintenance, Shenn-Rong Shyong

Theses and Dissertations

In the post cold war environment, the rapid deployment of combat capability is critical. Deployment lift capability is limited, however, so the real-time selection of the optimal combat asset mix that balances capability provided and sustainment required has become paramount. In this model, the value of a force mix is determined by the sum of the individual weapon system "suitabilities" against their assigned missions. The value is constrained by the numerical limits on the items required to create and support the force mix, and the lift required to move these items. The research considered heuristic and complete enumeration methods against …

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An Optimization Of The Hub-And-Spoke Distribution Network In United States European Command, Joseph B. Skipper Mar 2002

An Optimization Of The Hub-And-Spoke Distribution Network In United States European Command, Joseph B. Skipper

Theses and Dissertations

The development of Expeditionary Aerospace Force (EAF) operations requires rethinking of many Air Force functions. A Logistics Transformation Team, comprising Air Force and KPMG Consulting Incorporation personnel, is leading much of this transformation work. The very first step of the transformation initiatives is demand planning, which is the process of translating the war fighter's needs into executable logistics support plans and schedules. One important area that the demand planning focuses on is engine maintenance. This sub-mission is assigned to the F101 Engine Pathfinder Team, which is responsible for increasing the availability of the F101 engine. As part of the F101 …

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Development Of A Method For Assessing The Organizational, Cultural, And Political Considerations Affecting The Insertion Of Siloms Into The Mod, Samir Mustafa Mar 2002

Development Of A Method For Assessing The Organizational, Cultural, And Political Considerations Affecting The Insertion Of Siloms Into The Mod, Samir Mustafa

Theses and Dissertations

United States Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) has a minimal number of aircraft at its disposal. As a result, the aircraft are considered high demand, low-density (small number in Air Force inventory) weapon systems. Any chance to increase aircraft availability would greatly enhance the capability of AFSOC. Isochronal maintenance (ISO) conducted once every 365 days (per AFI for C-130 aircraft) provides the best opportunity to increase aircraft availability by improving the scheduling of tasks and accurately estimating the inspection duration. Scheduled maintenance portrays the characteristics of projects, therefore, this theses proposed that Critical Chain (CC) scheduling, a project management …

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Modeling Aerospace Ground Equipment (Age) Usage In Military Environments, Ilhan Kaya Mar 2002

Modeling Aerospace Ground Equipment (Age) Usage In Military Environments, Ilhan Kaya

Theses and Dissertations

There is a wide array of multi-attribute decision analysis methods and associated sensitivity analysis procedures in the literature. However, there is no detailed discussion of sensitivity analysis methods solely relating to additive hierarchical value models. The currently available methodology in the literature is unsophisticated and can be hard to implement into complex models. The methodology proposed in this research builds mathematical foundations for a robust sensitivity analysis approach and extends the current methodology to a more powerful form. The new methodology is easy to implement into complex hierarchical value models and gives flexible and dynamic capabilities to decision makers during …

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Improving Performance Analysis Of The Distribution Segment Of The Air Force Logistics Pipeline, Heinz H. Huester Mar 2002

Improving Performance Analysis Of The Distribution Segment Of The Air Force Logistics Pipeline, Heinz H. Huester

Theses and Dissertations

The Army of the future will need to be able to quickly respond to a full spectrum of conflict-from stability and support operations to major theater wars. Today, military leaders have limited options when reacting to the wide range of current threats existing in our world. The nation needs ground combat units that can deploy very rapidly to stabilize a hostile area while possessing combat capabilities able to terminate a threat if necessary. The Army's answer to this requirement is the Interim Brigade Combat Team (IBCT). This study employs an Arena 5.0 discrete-event simulation model to explore the capabilities of …

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Offsets In International Weapons Acquisitions: The Turkish Experience, Ahmet Ilbas Mar 2002

Offsets In International Weapons Acquisitions: The Turkish Experience, Ahmet Ilbas

Theses and Dissertations

Agile Combat Support is focused on providing fast, flexible, responsive, and reliable support as the foundation of all Air Force operations. Combined with the current Air Force focus on ensuring Time Definite Delivery (TDD) and reducing Customer Wait Time (CWT), this new mind-set will place ever-increasing emphasis on supply chain performance as a determining factor in overall campaign effectiveness of future conflicts. An improved methodology for the systematic performance analysis of the distribution segment of the logistics pipeline may aid AFMC transportation personnel (AFMC/LSO) in the quick identification of system bottlenecks, identification of root causes of performance shortfalls, and the …

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