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Air Force Institute of Technology

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Articles 331 - 360 of 395

Full-Text Articles in Operations and Supply Chain Management

Benchmark Production Scheduling Problems For Job Shops With Interactive Constraints, Stewart W. James, Bruno A. Mediate Jr. Sep 1993

Benchmark Production Scheduling Problems For Job Shops With Interactive Constraints, Stewart W. James, Bruno A. Mediate Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

United States Air Force (USAF) depots have expressed interest in utilizing DISASTER production scheduling software to schedule their maintenance operations. DISASTER attempts to increase system throughput by building effective schedules for system, constraint resources. However, when a system contains multiple, interactive constraints, DISASTER builds the constraint schedules one at a time. Since each successive schedule must adhere to timing restrictions imposed by previous constraint schedules, the quality of the schedules produced by DISASTER is dependent upon the sequence in which the constraints are scheduled. This thesis first developed a set of benchmark problems which provide a diversity of scheduling scenarios. …

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Scheduling A Medium-Sized Manufacturing Shop: A Simulation Study, Daniel J. Mcfeely Sep 1993

Scheduling A Medium-Sized Manufacturing Shop: A Simulation Study, Daniel J. Mcfeely

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the application of simple-to-use, low cost scheduling methods to the operating environment of a medium-sized manufacturing shop. Computer simulation was used to evaluate eighteen different scheduling algorithms, each the result of the combination of a loading and a sequencing rule; due date setting was not considered since due dates are exogenously set. The loading rules investigated were Minimum Machine Required, Lowest Average WIP, and Lowest Average Aggregate Priority Level. The sequencing rules investigated were Priority, EDD, FIS, SPT, Slack, and Slack Ratio. The scheduling algorithms were evaluated against performance measures of mean tardiness, mean flowtime, mean percentage …

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Quality-Based Supply Management Indicators, Michael O. Cannon, Brian B. Yoo Sep 1993

Quality-Based Supply Management Indicators, Michael O. Cannon, Brian B. Yoo

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis was to determine if current supply management indicators provide supply managers with quality measurement tools. This research developed the Quality-Based Metrics Framework, consisting of customer focus and continuous process improvement with underlying supporting elements of time and cost. A literature review determined an appropriate framework for improving logistics indicators. Interviews with supply analysts and a review of pertinent publications identified the most commonly used supply management indicators. A focus group of highly experienced senior supply officers determined the usefulness of currently used indicators in terms of the framework. Using the input from the focus group, …

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The Logistics Of Waging War 1982-1993, Alan J. Will, William G. Wheeler Sep 1993

The Logistics Of Waging War 1982-1993, Alan J. Will, William G. Wheeler

Theses and Dissertations

This research effort provides material for use in updating the book The Logistics of Waging War. This particular book gives a logistics overview of part American Military conflicts but had not been update since 1982. Our objective was to research the logistics aspects of the major military operations since 1982. These operations included: Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada (1983), Operation Just Cause in Panama (1989), Operation Desert Shield in Saudi Arabia (1990), Operation Desert Storm in Iraq and Kuwait (1991), and Operation Desert Farewell in Saudi Arabia (1992). Also included in this study is a review of the Air Force …

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An Enhanced Process Model Of The Intransit Segment Of The Air Force Logistics Reparable Pipeline, Raul T. Mireles, Steven D. Pearson Sep 1993

An Enhanced Process Model Of The Intransit Segment Of The Air Force Logistics Reparable Pipeline, Raul T. Mireles, Steven D. Pearson

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is an in-depth study of the intransit segment of the United States Air Force reparable pipeline. Previous research has not adequately discussed the role of the intransit segment in the overall pipeline. As a result, this thesis identifies the characteristics of this particular segment by discussing the following topics: various intransit components, reparable asset flow times, intransit's role under two-level maintenance, intransit constraints, and data sources used to manage asset movements within the pipeline. The study uses a thorough literature review, personal interviews, and an evaluation of asset flow time data to compare current standards to what actually …

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The Future Sbss: Migration Of Sbss Functions From A Mainframe Environment To A Disturbed Pc-Based Lan Environment, William D. Rath, Scott A. Vesper Sep 1993

The Future Sbss: Migration Of Sbss Functions From A Mainframe Environment To A Disturbed Pc-Based Lan Environment, William D. Rath, Scott A. Vesper

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis was to determine the technical feasibility of a PC-based Standard Base Supply System (SBSS). The SBSS is currently run in a mainframe environment; however, the current hardware contract will be reviewed in 1997. At that time, a decision as to what hardware implementation best serves Base Supply needs must be made. This document evaluates various possible PC- based SBSS Local Area Network (LAN) architectures, as well as provides an initial direction for implementation. The current mainframe-based Regional SBSS implementation serves multiple bases via long haul networks and may not effectively satisfy Air Force/base level requirements. …

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Identification Of Problems Hindering Logistics Support Of Commercial- Off-The-Shelf Computer Equipment, Jessie J. Rowe Iii, William Z. Zeck Sep 1993

Identification Of Problems Hindering Logistics Support Of Commercial- Off-The-Shelf Computer Equipment, Jessie J. Rowe Iii, William Z. Zeck

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to identify the specific problems currently hindering Air Force logistics support of COTS computer equipment and to recommend a support concept to overcome these problems. These objectives were accomplished with a literature review and a survey of logistics support experts. The survey asked the experts to identify problems hindering logistics support of deployable COTS computer equipment and to rank associated logistics support elements in order of importance. One hundred surveys were sent out and thirty- three were returned. Data analysis indicated that the logistics support elements that are most problematic for the logistics support …

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Computerized Vehicle Routing Programs And Their Effect On Vehicle Utilization In The Air Force, Rex E. Adee, William G. Howard Sep 1993

Computerized Vehicle Routing Programs And Their Effect On Vehicle Utilization In The Air Force, Rex E. Adee, William G. Howard

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to determine if a commercial computerized vehicle routing program improves vehicle utilization for an Air Force base transportation organization. First, the researchers investigate current routing procedures of Air Force base transportation organizations. Second, researchers identify a commercial computerized vehicle routing program that enables the authors to conduct a comparison of vehicle utilization rates between an Air Force base transportation organization and commercial computerized vehicle routing programs. The study reveals that implementing a computerized vehicle routing program in place of a manual routing procedure does not improve vehicle utilization. However, the study reveals some limitations …

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A Comparison Of The Disaster™ Scheduling Software With A Simultaneous Scheduling Algorithm For Minimizing Maximum Tardiness In Job Shops, Barak J. Carlson, Christopher A. Lettiere Sep 1993

A Comparison Of The Disaster™ Scheduling Software With A Simultaneous Scheduling Algorithm For Minimizing Maximum Tardiness In Job Shops, Barak J. Carlson, Christopher A. Lettiere

Theses and Dissertations

The Theory of Constraints (TOC) is the foundation for a computerized scheduling system called DISASTER. Although this system has proven successful in many manufacturing settings, it has potential limitations due to the sequential heuristic process by which it schedules constraints. The objective of this thesis was to determine the extent to which these limitations impact the due date performance of schedules created by DISASTER. This objective was addressed by developing an algorithm to simultaneously schedule multiple constraints in a job shop environment and provide the optimal schedule for minimized maximum tardiness. This algorithm was used to obtain solutions for a …

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Scheduling Air Mobility Command's Channel Cargo Missions, Gregory S. Rau Mar 1993

Scheduling Air Mobility Command's Channel Cargo Missions, Gregory S. Rau

Theses and Dissertations

Through the use of a linear programming model, this research revised the initial schedule for AMC's channel cargo missions to eliminate any excess delay enroute by minimizing the cumulative, weighted time-in-system for all cargo, according to a given cargo flow. In fact, the revised schedule minimizes any assigned nonnegative weighting of the time-in-system, due to the properties of equivalent measures of performance. When combined with Step One of a proposed two-step process for revising AMC's channel mission schedule, this research can be used to improve the current schedule based on Step One's cargo flow. By carefully defining the notation and …

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An Analysis Of Tactical Airlifter Characteristics And Their Impact On Theater Airlift System Performance, John J. Koger Mar 1993

An Analysis Of Tactical Airlifter Characteristics And Their Impact On Theater Airlift System Performance, John J. Koger

Theses and Dissertations

This study used computer simulation and Response Surface Technology to determine what tactical airlifter characteristics most impact theater airlift system performance in a Southwest Asia (SWA) scenario. Some Aircraft characteristics were grouped into functional sets, while others were considered individually. After screening one characteristic, reliability, with a two-level factorial experiment, a Box-Behnken design was used to estimate second-order metamodels. A stepwise regression procedure indicated that, if attrition rates are ignored, airlift system performance is most impacted by the aircraft's size, survivability, cruise speed, and ability to operate on short fields. The SWA scenario used in this study covers a large …

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Determining Cargo Flow For Air Mobility Command's Channel Cargo System, Michael Del Rosario Mar 1993

Determining Cargo Flow For Air Mobility Command's Channel Cargo System, Michael Del Rosario

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigated using a multiperiod multicommodity minimal cost flow (M2MCF) formulation to model the channel cargo system of the United States Air Force's Air Mobility Command (AMC). The objective of this research was to determine how cargo should flow in the channel cargo system in order to minimize the cargo's delay enroute from its origin to its destination. This research showed the size of an M2MCF model of the channel cargo system exceeds AMC's computational capabilities. Additionally, this research describes three approaches to reduce the problem size. Because of the problem size and other modeling limitations discovered during this …

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An Evaluation Of Measurements Used To Drive Competitiveness In A Depot Maintenance Environment, Jack A. Meyer Jr., Timothy A. Widowfield Sep 1992

An Evaluation Of Measurements Used To Drive Competitiveness In A Depot Maintenance Environment, Jack A. Meyer Jr., Timothy A. Widowfield

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis acknowledges that Air Force Materiel Command maintenance depots will face increased competition for workload, especially exchangeable items, both from other Service depots and from civilian contractors. The authors identify quality, delivery, and cost as the three primary competitive edges firms can use to gain advantage in the marketplace. Further, a recent study confirms that Air Force depot managers also consider these three factors of competitiveness to be most important. The authors tested two depot measurement systems: the Defense Depot Performance Measurement System (DDPMS) and measurements based on the Theory of Constraints (TOC). During personal interviews, 10 depot managers …

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Award Fee In Software Acquisition, Mark T. Hunter Sep 1992

Award Fee In Software Acquisition, Mark T. Hunter

Theses and Dissertations

The focus of this research effort was to determine, in general terms, what contractual tools are available to influence contractor performance during the software development process and, specifically, whether or not award fee contracts are appropriate tools. First, a qualitative, in depth literature review was done. Next, personal interviews were conducted with Program Directors and Deputy Program Directors at Aeronautical Systems Center, Electronic Systems Center, and Space and Missiles Systems Center. Then, after the results were summarized, the data was analyzed and findings were made. Findings include: award fee was found to be the most flexible provision in the FAR …

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Analysis Of Standard Type Unit Development, Jeffrey M. Hess, Merry D. Wermund Sep 1992

Analysis Of Standard Type Unit Development, Jeffrey M. Hess, Merry D. Wermund

Theses and Dissertations

This research study examined the standard type unit development process for the Air Force. Current standard type unit development procedures were determined by a literature review. The literature review, with the interviews, provided information regarding the history of, purpose for, and possible alternatives for developing standard type units. A Delphi questionnaire was developed to determine how well the current process works, how standard type units worked for Desert Shield/Storm, and possible ways to improve the development process. This questionnaire was distributed to F-15 units, F-16 units, and major command personnel in Tactical Air Command (now Air Combat Command). All three …

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An Analysis Of The Foreign Military Sales Pipeline Of Repair And Replace Reparable Assets, Lawrence M. Orlando, George F. Rhame Sep 1992

An Analysis Of The Foreign Military Sales Pipeline Of Repair And Replace Reparable Assets, Lawrence M. Orlando, George F. Rhame

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the reparable logistics pipeline and identified characteristics and associated problems with the processing of Foreign Military Sales (FMS) repair and replace aircraft assets. Areas of investigation included examining the FMS logistics reparable pipeline and determining what section of the pipeline the USAF controls or can influence, identifying the individual problems within that section of pipeline, and collecting and analyzing data pertaining to FMS repair and replace requisitions. The methodology used in these areas involved a literature review, personal interviews with Foreign Liaison Officers to obtain customer perspectives, and a statistical analysis of pipeline times for all FMS …

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A Qualitative Study Of The European Trucking Industry And Logistics Strategies Using The United States Motor Carrier Industry As A Guide, David W. Butler, Andrew P. Wilhelm Sep 1992

A Qualitative Study Of The European Trucking Industry And Logistics Strategies Using The United States Motor Carrier Industry As A Guide, David W. Butler, Andrew P. Wilhelm

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the United States motor carrier industry experience with deregulation to afford a comparison with the European Community's (EC) expanded trade liberalization and harmonization program known as EC '92. Historical backgrounds were provided for the U.S. and European trucking industries highlighting significant similarities between the two. Relevant studies in the fields of trucking deregulation and logistics were reviewed Specifically, route control, price setting, efficiencies, and market share and concentration were analyzed. Logistics strategies arising from trucking deregulation were also examined.

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Desert Express: Framework For Institutionalization Of Express Airlift Procedures, Terry D. Basham, Jason G. Evgenides Sep 1992

Desert Express: Framework For Institutionalization Of Express Airlift Procedures, Terry D. Basham, Jason G. Evgenides

Theses and Dissertations

This study was sponsored by the Military Airlift Command to examine the Desert Express airlift channel used during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. The goal was to determine what changes or improvements should be made prior to formalizing Desert Express procedures into Department of Defense doctrine. The research method used was a Literature Review supported by an application of the Delphi Technique. The Literature Review reviewed past military express operations and current regulatory procedures to raise key issues. These issues were then presented to 19 airlift experts in two-separate rounds of written questionnaires. The research revealed that Desert Express was the …

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Analysis Of U. S. Military Mobilizations, Demobilizations, And Peacetime Force Maintenance From 1890 To 1991, Gottfried Kloimwieder, Noel P. Owen Sep 1992

Analysis Of U. S. Military Mobilizations, Demobilizations, And Peacetime Force Maintenance From 1890 To 1991, Gottfried Kloimwieder, Noel P. Owen

Theses and Dissertations

Military manpower management principles and policies are in constant flux as the military forces mobilize and demobilize during periods of war and peace. This study identifies trends in U.S. military manpower policies and procedures from 1890 to 1991. Major military conflicts reviewed are the Spanish- American War, World wars I and II, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam War, and the Persian Gulf War. In all wars until Vietnam, post war active duty forces were larger than prewar forces. However, these active duty forces tended to be relatively small until the Cold War period. This tendency is driven by a combination …

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Nasa And Logistics-A Match For The 21st Century, Stephan P. Brady, Jay R. Jennings Sep 1992

Nasa And Logistics-A Match For The 21st Century, Stephan P. Brady, Jay R. Jennings

Theses and Dissertations

This research evaluated current NASA organizational and logistical strategy processes to compare them with current academic theory and make recommendations to improve the processes. Various strategy theories were explored, resulting in a model synthesizing the various elements. The organizational, cultural, and political environment surrounding NASA was studied. Personal interviews were conducted and various NASA strategic plans and other documents were analyzed. From these activities emerged six recommendations: (1) Create a formal strategy process for NASA logistics (and NASA), (2) Tie logistics strategies directly to organizational strategies/goals, (3) Get logisticians from different functions/programs/centers to crossflow information, (4) Identify redundancies in logistics …

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The Theory Of Constraints Applied To Project Scheduling: The Critical Chain Concept Defined, Andrew D. Ingram, Paul E. Scherer Sep 1992

The Theory Of Constraints Applied To Project Scheduling: The Critical Chain Concept Defined, Andrew D. Ingram, Paul E. Scherer

Theses and Dissertations

This research applies the Theory of Constraints' principles to a project management environment. The Constraint Theory developed by Dr. Eliyahu M. Goldratt has been successfully applied in many manufacturing settings. Researchers are now beginning to apply Theory of Constraints' principles and techniques outside the manufacturing environment. Specific objectives of this research effort include: to develop and demonstrate a resource constrained project scheduling algorithm based on the Theory of Constraints' principles and techniques: to perform a detailed comparison of the manufacturing and project scheduling environments designed to support algorithm development; and to lay the foundation for additional research in this area …

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Intra-Theater Mobilization: Guidance, Process, And Tools, Christopher S. Cummins Sep 1992

Intra-Theater Mobilization: Guidance, Process, And Tools, Christopher S. Cummins

Theses and Dissertations

The study investigated the process of USAF unit level mobilization for movement within a theater of operations. Virtually all of the guidance and organization for unit level mobilization within the USAF is focused on inter- theater movement. Consequently, while the need for theater mobility is real, USAF units may not be well grounded in the procedures and techniques necessary to move successfully. The purpose of the study was to describe the essential process of unit level mobilization and determine the differences from inter- theater mobilizations. In addition, the available tools for accomplishing the tasks of mobilization within a theater of …

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The Application Of Function Points To Predict Source Lines Of Code For Software Development, Garland S. Henderson Sep 1992

The Application Of Function Points To Predict Source Lines Of Code For Software Development, Garland S. Henderson

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigated the results of using function point analysis-based estimates to predict source lines of code (SLOC) for software development projects. The majority of software cost and effort estimating parametric tools are categorized as SLOC-based, meaning SLOC is the primary input. Early in a program, an accurate estimate of SLOC is difficult to project. Function points, another parametric software estimating tool, bases software cost and effort estimates on the functionality of a system. This functionality is described by documents available early in a program. Using a modeling methodology, the research focuses on function point's ability to accurately estimate SLOC …

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A Study Of Configuration Management At Headquarters Logistics Command (Royal Australian Air Force), John F. Turner Sep 1992

A Study Of Configuration Management At Headquarters Logistics Command (Royal Australian Air Force), John F. Turner

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to provide insight into configuration management at the Royal Australian Air Force's Headquarters Logistics Command (HQLC) by determining whether current configuration management practices have any impact on HQLC's ability to meet its mission of providing logistics support. The research begins with a review of RAAF configuration management policy and procedures as applicable to in-service systems or technical equipment. A case study is used to investigate problems associated with inadequate configuration management being experienced by one HQLC engineering section, and to identify subsequent effects on engineering logistics capability. The case study results are used to …

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Software Cost Estimating Models: A Calibration, Validation, And Comparison, Gerald L. Ourada Dec 1991

Software Cost Estimating Models: A Calibration, Validation, And Comparison, Gerald L. Ourada

Theses and Dissertations

This study was a calibration, validation and comparison of four software effort estimation models. The four models evaluated were REVIC, SASET, SEER, and COSTMODL. A historical database was obtained from Space Systems Division, in Los Angeles, and used as the input data. Two software environments were selected, one used to calibrate and validate the models outside their environment of calibration. REVIC and COSTMODL are COCOMO derivatives and were calibrated using Dr. Boehm's procedure. SASET and SEER were found to be un-calibratable for this effort. Accuracy of all the models was significantly low; none of the models performed better against the …

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Investigative Search Of Quality Historical Software Support Cost Data And Software Support Cost-Related Data, Brent L. Barber Dec 1991

Investigative Search Of Quality Historical Software Support Cost Data And Software Support Cost-Related Data, Brent L. Barber

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to determine what software support cost data and software support cost-related data should and can be collected by the Air Force. In addition, the study was to determine how the subject data should be collected. The collection of this data is necessary in order to measure the accuracy and calibration requirements of the software support cost models used by the Air Force. The study found there was no standard set of data items, and no standard procedures in place for the collection of this data. In most cases data were available or easily accessible, …

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Combat Service Support And The Total Force, Lewis A. Germann Sep 1991

Combat Service Support And The Total Force, Lewis A. Germann

Theses and Dissertations

This study determined the minimum essential active Army Total Force Combat Service Support structure required for Contingency Force (CF) operations to provide the Army with the necessary organization for a response to a national crisis. A model called MICROFASTALS, used in combination with LOTUS 1-2-3 software, developed these forces. A literature search provided background information describing: the history of the Total Force Policy to the present; how the Department of Defense and the Army was organized to meet the Total Force initiatives, including an in depth description of the Army CSS structure; the latest National Security and Military Strategy that …

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Determining Production Capability In Aircraft Maintenance: A Regression Analysis, Charles R. Jung Sep 1991

Determining Production Capability In Aircraft Maintenance: A Regression Analysis, Charles R. Jung

Theses and Dissertations

This research analyzed twenty-three maintenance constraint and three production output performance measures for nine SAC aircraft systems. SAS System for Elementary Statistical Analysis is used to analyze twenty-one months of ex post facto maintenance data. Correlation analysis is used to identify maintenance constraints that assist in explaining aircraft maintenance production capability. Forward stepwise regression is used to build predictive models of maintenance production capability for each of the nine aircraft systems. The twenty-three maintenance constraint measures are regressed against three productivity output measures: Mission Capable Rate, Total Not Mission Capable Supply Rate and Total Not Mission Capable Maintenance Rate. The …

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Desert Express: An Analysis On Improved Customer Service, Thomas C. Thalheim Sep 1991

Desert Express: An Analysis On Improved Customer Service, Thomas C. Thalheim

Theses and Dissertations

Operation Desert Shield/Storm provided an opportunity to test the planning for U.S. forces to operate in a low intensity conflict. Both operations provided the opportunity for the logistics community to observe how the support forces provided the required supplies to the forward combat forces. In response to customers' requests, the U.S. Transportation Command created Desert Express, a daily package express flight from Charleston, SC to Saudi Arabia. The research question addresses the how and why Desert Express came about. Additional investigative questions cover the following: mission objectives, planners' and customers' expectations, system performance, and implications on the Defense Transportation System. …

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A Method For The Optimal Disposition Of Surplus Air Force Motor Vehicles, Valerie A. Tredway Sep 1991

A Method For The Optimal Disposition Of Surplus Air Force Motor Vehicles, Valerie A. Tredway

Theses and Dissertations

This study developed a disposition method to enable major commands to increase the value of their vehicle fleets by optimally replacing less valuable fleet vehicles with more valuable surplus vehicles. The value of an optimal vehicle disposition method is especially significant in light of the decline in the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) budget and base closures scheduled through fiscal year 1994. The Air Force currently spends approximately $240 million per year for vehicle replacement to maintain its motor vehicle fleet. It is advantageous, therefore, to consider replacing older vehicles in the fleet with newer surplus vehicles made available through …

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