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Air Force Institute of Technology

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Articles 361 - 390 of 395

Full-Text Articles in Operations and Supply Chain Management

Potential Improvements In The Logistics Acquisition Process Of The European Fighter Aircraft: An Italian Perspective, Pierluigi Ciardelli Sep 1991

Potential Improvements In The Logistics Acquisition Process Of The European Fighter Aircraft: An Italian Perspective, Pierluigi Ciardelli

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis was aimed at developing recommendations to improve the implementation of the Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) concept and the application of the Logistics Support Analysis (LSA) tasks during the current acquisition of the European Fighter Aircraft (EFA) by the Italian Air Force (IAF). The research was conducted through a wide overview of the ILS philosophy and implementation, specifically focusing on the USAF experience in acquisition logistics and the lessons learned from the European TORNADO program in the area of support. Although a successful model ready to be introduced in the IAF was not found, some recommendations for the EFA …


Ramp-To-Ramp Transfers Of Foreign Military Sales Aircraft And Related Logistics Problems, Lewis J. Edwards Sep 1991

Ramp-To-Ramp Transfers Of Foreign Military Sales Aircraft And Related Logistics Problems, Lewis J. Edwards

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examined the concept of 'ramp-to-ramp' aircraft transfers in the Foreign Military Sales Program. Avoidance of storage costs was the major benefit of this concept, and the lack of support equipment and spare parts are the major drawbacks. Planning and coordination, logistical problems, and conflicting USAF regulations, programs, and policies were examined to determine the effect each had on the 'ramp-to-ramp' transfer of the last remaining F-5 aircraft to FMS countries. A study of background papers, electronic messages, minutes from meetings, and published articles was used to develop an understanding of the organization and planning process involved with the …


War Reserve Materiel Prepositioning Its History, Its Significance, And Its Future, Jack E. King Jr. Sep 1991

War Reserve Materiel Prepositioning Its History, Its Significance, And Its Future, Jack E. King Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

This study puts USAF War Reserve Materiel (WRM) into perspective. Its purpose is to serve as an introduction for those who wish to further their knowledge of USAF WRM prepositioning. To fully understand the relevant issues concerning the placement of critical European WRM stockpiles, several areas of research are encompassed in this review. An historical analysis of US military logistics is provided. Then, an overview of current, world-wide events taking shape around the world, with particular emphasis given to their effects on US decision-making strategies, is accompanied by a synopsis of both US and Soviet military doctrine.


A Study Of The Air Force's Exception Management Process: Its Effect On Customer Service And Order Processing, David W. Jones Sep 1991

A Study Of The Air Force's Exception Management Process: Its Effect On Customer Service And Order Processing, David W. Jones

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was two-fold; the first goal was to determine what the SBSS order processing is, and secondly to determine the effect the current method of ECC management has on the SBSS order processing cycle and the level of customer service rendered by base supply. The research revealed that exception management is a crucial component of a successful order processing function. Further, it was established that the level of customer satisfaction experienced is greatly dependent upon good order processing. Research further indicated flaws in the current method of ECC management and recommended further actions to correct the …


An Evaluation Of The Implementation Of Two-Levels Of Maintenance At Strategic Air Command Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Bases, Alan H. Russell Sep 1991

An Evaluation Of The Implementation Of Two-Levels Of Maintenance At Strategic Air Command Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Bases, Alan H. Russell

Theses and Dissertations

As a result of the 1979 Defense Management Review, Headquarters, Strategic Air Command has initiated programs of alternative levels of maintenance in order to trim excess costs. This study investigates the suitability of the SAC program which changed selected base-level strategic missile maintenance tasks from three to two-levels of maintenance. Using an opinion oriented questionnaire, this research surveyed a sample of missile maintenance personnel on their perceptions of the SAC program which implemented an alternative to intermediate-level maintenance. Analysis of survey results show respondents tended to believe the SAC program has not added benefit to their mission effectiveness. Other studies …


Military Standardized Transportation And Movement Procedures Detailed Manifest Data Storage Requirements, Philip L. Isbell Sep 1991

Military Standardized Transportation And Movement Procedures Detailed Manifest Data Storage Requirements, Philip L. Isbell

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to develop a set of useful solutions to the problem of storing and processing data generated by transportation data processing systems within the Department of Defense. The amount of data within the Global Transportation Network (GTN) will significantly increase due to the expansion of the Joint Operational Planning and Execution System (JOPES). Intransit visibility of troops and equipment during contingencies is the driving factor behind the increased level of data required by JOPES. The methodology used conducted a needs analysis of the problem, which was defined as an insufficient amount of storage capacity for …


Application Of Just-In-Time Production Methods In The Defense Industrial Base, Dominic J. Cirello Sep 1991

Application Of Just-In-Time Production Methods In The Defense Industrial Base, Dominic J. Cirello

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the motivation for defense industrial base contractors to switch to Just-In-Time (JIT) production. Areas of interest included the original motivation for the contractor to change to JIT, how they implemented the change, which JIT methods they used, and what benefits they received from switching to JIT. A review of the current literature on the subject of JIT revealed that JIT is a philosophy of production based on inventory reduction, process improvement, and elimination of waste. This philosophy can be supported through the use of a number of different methods, and reductions in both cost and cycle time …


An Investigation Of Project Management Techniques For Scheduling Raaf Depot Level Maintenance, Kerry M. Bayley Sep 1991

An Investigation Of Project Management Techniques For Scheduling Raaf Depot Level Maintenance, Kerry M. Bayley

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigates scheduling performances of commercial project management software. It is based on difficulties that the Royal Australian Air Force experienced in evaluating microcomputer-based packages in maintenance task scheduling of aircraft undergoing Depot Level Maintenance. A literature review found only one paper quantifying commercial software performances. No standard performance metrics or test data were found. Several packages were evaluated using a common set of 110 single-project resource- constrained networks. The performance measure used was closeness to optimally minimum Total Durations. No package performed best on all problems. On average, the best produced schedules 5.2% longer than optimal, with 95 …


A Model For Estimating Aircraft Recoverable Spares Annual Costs, Phillip L. Redding Sep 1991

A Model For Estimating Aircraft Recoverable Spares Annual Costs, Phillip L. Redding

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis covers three objectives: (1) develop a background reference document concerning recoverable spares cost estimating; (2) evaluate a representative sample of existing spares cost models; and (3) use aircraft physical and performance characteristics to develop a model for estimating annual replenishment spares cost. A condemnations cost estimating relationship (CER) was developed first and then both a CER and spreadsheet generated factors which related condemnations to replenishment spares costs were developed. For the condemnations CER, only logarithmic transformations provided statistically acceptable results, and even these models exhibited wide prediction intervals due to large amount of variability in the CER databases …


Analysis Of A Waste Minimization Program For Nonhazardous Solid Wastes Utilizing Source Reduction And Recycling Techniques And Its Application To Air Force Installations, Brian F. Mcdermott Sep 1991

Analysis Of A Waste Minimization Program For Nonhazardous Solid Wastes Utilizing Source Reduction And Recycling Techniques And Its Application To Air Force Installations, Brian F. Mcdermott

Theses and Dissertations

This nation has fallen victim to its own excessive behavior and has created an overabundance of trash, referred to in this thesis as Nonhazardous Solid Waste (NHSW). This situation has created environmental and health problems that can no longer be ignored. All types of communities are affected including Air Force installations. Unfortunately, the AF does not currently have a long term waste management policy or program regarding NHSW minimization. This research concentrates on the application of a NHSW minimization program for AF installations using the two most preferred methods, source reduction and recycling. The development of a comprehensive waste minimization …


An Evaluation Of Logistics Support For F-16 Aircraft Owned By Foreign Countries, Paul J. Lyons Sep 1991

An Evaluation Of Logistics Support For F-16 Aircraft Owned By Foreign Countries, Paul J. Lyons

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis was to examine the logistics support provided by the United States Air Force (USAF) for F-16 aircraft owned by foreign countries. The research drew from historical trends and personal experiences to examine the ability of the U.S. to provide logistics support for F-16 aircraft owned by U.S. allies. The study found that timely, efficient support of FMS customers possessing F-16 aircraft does not appear to be a principal concern of the USAF logistics system. Complexity of processes, untimely responses, and failure to consider customer needs are common failings on the part of the USAF.


An Analysis Of Measures Used To Evaluate The Air Force Critical Item Program, Robert R. Lee Sep 1991

An Analysis Of Measures Used To Evaluate The Air Force Critical Item Program, Robert R. Lee

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of two measures, percent defects and cycle time, to measure the overall performance of the Air Force Critical Item Program (CIP). The need for such study was generated from the current absence of any measurement system available to evaluate the CIP. This research used these two measures with actual data, evaluated the correlation between aircraft availability and percent defects and cycle time, and analyzed management perceptions addressing the usefulness of these measures for field use. Performance of this analysis resulted in support for these measures by over two thirds of …


Inaccurate Data Entry Into The Air Force Maintenance Data Collection System, Jon R. Determan Sep 1991

Inaccurate Data Entry Into The Air Force Maintenance Data Collection System, Jon R. Determan

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigated the data collection environment under the Core Automated Maintenance System (CAMS), a computerized information system used in the Air Force's aircraft maintenance complexes. The research measured maintenance personnel's perception of the nature, extent, and causes of data inaccuracies occurring in the CAMS data collection environment. The nature was differentiated as being either intentional or accidental. Maintenance personnel felt that difficulty in entering information into CAMS accounted for the largest percentage of intentional errors and that insufficient training on CAMS accounted for the largest percentage of accidental errors. A comparison of this research to the results of earlier …


Study On In-Theater Maintenance Support For Poaf F-16, Rui J. Gomes Sep 1991

Study On In-Theater Maintenance Support For Poaf F-16, Rui J. Gomes

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the capacity to generate a desired level of sorties of the F-16 weapon system. This capacity depends on the maintenance concept and structure, that defines a specific level of in-theater resources available. The theater is intended to reflect Portuguese Air Force logistic operations planned for the F-16, with one operational base and a possible Centralized Intermediate Repair Facility (CIRF), not co-located. The TSAR simulation program and one USAF database was used to perform the evaluation were defined and compared. The study focused on the unscheduled maintenance tasks and repairable items, in particular …


Stockless Medical Materials Management: Applications For The United States Air Force Medical Service, Thomas M. Harkenrider Sep 1991

Stockless Medical Materials Management: Applications For The United States Air Force Medical Service, Thomas M. Harkenrider

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to study stockless materials management in an effort to determine if it could improve the Air Force Medical Service's supply operations. The main result of this study was a decision support system (DSS) that would evaluate potential savings if stockless materials management were implemented in an Air Force medical treatment facility (MTF). In the process of developing the DSS, stockless materials management was studied in civilian hospitals that had previously converted to stockless materials management. Data included facility bed size, annual medical supply purchases, pre and post stockless medical supply full time equivalents (FTEs), …


An Analysis Of The Support Equipment Acquisition Process And Methods Designed To Reduce Acquisition Leadtime, Bradie Williams Sep 1991

An Analysis Of The Support Equipment Acquisition Process And Methods Designed To Reduce Acquisition Leadtime, Bradie Williams

Theses and Dissertations

Support equipment acquisition leadtime continues to be a problem for both the United States Air Force and our foreign military sales programs. As a microcosm of the entire Department of Defense acquisition process, support equipment is often, late to need, without a complete integrated logistics support package, of poor or unstable design, and frequently requires considerable interim support. The purpose of this thesis is to look at the support equipment acquisition process from three perspectives: (1) from the overall weapon system acquisition process; (2) in the broad perspective of the integrated logistics support (ILS) concept; and (3) in the much …


Comparison Of The Operational Characteristics Of The Theory Of Constraints And Just-In-Time Scheduling Methodologies, Lynn A. Sines Sep 1991

Comparison Of The Operational Characteristics Of The Theory Of Constraints And Just-In-Time Scheduling Methodologies, Lynn A. Sines

Theses and Dissertations

This study compared the characteristics of scheduling using two approaches: Just-in-Time (JIT) and the Theory of Constraints (TOC). Computer simulation was used to evaluate changes in the throughput of the system due to system variability and varying work-in-process (WIP) levels. The independent variables were processing time, probability of failure, and WIP level. The literature search revealed that these variables impacted performance of JIT systems. Simulation models of three different production systems were developed to determine if the TOC scheduled system would provide greater or equivalent throughput for equivalent levels of WIP, and to determine if the system production flow path …


Selection Of A Development Methodology For The Acquisition Of Command, Control And Communication Systems, Martin W. Wituszynski Sep 1991

Selection Of A Development Methodology For The Acquisition Of Command, Control And Communication Systems, Martin W. Wituszynski

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated command and control projects to see if certain program characteristics help determine the appropriate development methodology. A literature search revealed no previous research in this area; but did identify at least two possible development methodologies, and some suggestions for key characteristics. Four case studies were conducted to study the effects of certain characteristics on the success of the development methodology employed; either conventional or incremental. Requirements definition, availability of a previous system, system complexity, number of subsystems, development experience, user involvement, and funding all appear to impact the appropriateness of the two methodologies investigated.


A Meta-Analysis Of Pilot Selection Tests: Success And Performance In Pilot Training, William E. Lynch Sep 1991

A Meta-Analysis Of Pilot Selection Tests: Success And Performance In Pilot Training, William E. Lynch

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if the characteristics measured by the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test Pilot Composite and Navy/Marine Flight Aptitude Rating were significantly correlated to the successful completion of flight training. Meta-analysis was used to: calculate the mean weighted average correlation, and correct for sampling error, error of measurement, restriction of range, and dichotomization. Over 200 studies were considered for the meta-analysis. The results indicate that both the uncorrected and fully corrected weighted mean correlations for a group of nine Air Force studies were statistically significant (p < .0001). The partially corrected (sampling error and dichotomization) correlation for a group of eight Navy studies was also statistically significant (p < .03), while the uncorrected weighted mean correlation was not significant (p > .05). There was no significant difference between the …


The Disaster™ Scheduling System: A Review And Case Analysis, Jefferson L. Severs Sep 1991

The Disaster™ Scheduling System: A Review And Case Analysis, Jefferson L. Severs

Theses and Dissertations

This research examined the capabilities of a new scheduling system, called DISASTER, based on the theory of constraints. Use of this system may be beneficial to the Department of Defense, particularly Air Force Logistics Command maintenance organizations. The research begins with a review of literature pertaining to manufacturing planning and control systems, including material requirements planning (MRP), manufacturing resource planning (MRP II), AFLC's Depot Maintenance Management Information System (DMMIS), just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing, and the theory of constraints (drum-buffer-rope scheduling) . The research then examined the logic and operation of the DISASTER system. Next, the research examined the implementation of DISASTER …


An Analysis Of Fixed Wing Tactical Airlifter Characteristics Using An Intra-Theater Airlift Computer Model, Paul Pappas Sep 1991

An Analysis Of Fixed Wing Tactical Airlifter Characteristics Using An Intra-Theater Airlift Computer Model, Paul Pappas

Theses and Dissertations

This study used computer simulation to identify which tactical airlifter characteristics most significantly affected tactical airlift capability in a given scenario. The Generalized Air Mobility model was used to simulate a tactical airlift system. Aircraft characteristics within the model were grouped into six variables. A 2(6) two level full factorial experimental design was used to assess the effect of changes in aircraft characteristics on the effectiveness of the tactical airlift system. Yates algorithm was used to identify significant terms based upon the results of the factorial experiment. These significant terms were used to develop a parsimonious regression model that represented …


A Guide For The Consideration Of Composite Material Impacts On Airframe Costs, Jeffrey L. Isom Sep 1991

A Guide For The Consideration Of Composite Material Impacts On Airframe Costs, Jeffrey L. Isom

Theses and Dissertations

This study provides a guide to cost analysts who must consider the impact of composite materials on airframe costs. A literature review was conducted to determine the availability of cost models which incorporate the effect of composites on cost. A number of models are available, but no individual model was found that is applicable for every situation. In order to provide a baseline upon which analysts can compare model results as well as provide guidance in selecting cost drivers, a Delphi survey was conducted. Questionnaire results indicate that composite weight (as a percentage of total weight), composite part complexity, percentage …


An Expert System Job Aid For Users Of The Automated Scheduling Module, Kevin A. Gore Sep 1991

An Expert System Job Aid For Users Of The Automated Scheduling Module, Kevin A. Gore

Theses and Dissertations

This research developed an Expert System for novice aircraft maintenance schedulers (AFSC: 392XX) with little experience using the Automated Scheduling Module (ASM). First, an in-depth literature review was completed. Next, personal interviews were conducted with an ASM expert and other 392XX personnel. Prototypes using VP-Expert and KnowledgePro shells were created. The knowledgePro shell was selected to create the ASM Job Aid, combining the knowledge of the expert and AFM 66-279. The program was verified, validated, and favorably reviewed by 392XX personnel. Recommendations include: The Air Force Logistics Management Center (AFLMC) examine the ASM Job AId and develop a Performance Support …


Analysis Of Department Of Defense Organic Depot Maintenance Capacity Management And Facility Utilization Factors, Marlies Dewoody Sep 1991

Analysis Of Department Of Defense Organic Depot Maintenance Capacity Management And Facility Utilization Factors, Marlies Dewoody

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the effects of mandated depot capacity utilization rates on throughput, inventory, and operating expense. The measures of merit analyzed were work in process inventories, leadtime, and throughput. Since the services do not use a common computer system to track/compute capacity data, a computer simulation provided the data used to meet the research objectives. The simulation modeled a serially interdependent system subject to statistical fluctuations. Variability in the system was reduced by reducing the spread around the processing time mean. Buffer inventories were placed in front of each process to protect the process from variability. Constrained systems were …


A Comparison Of The All Mobile Tactical Air Force And The Logistics Composite Simulation Models, David P. Leonhardt Sep 1991

A Comparison Of The All Mobile Tactical Air Force And The Logistics Composite Simulation Models, David P. Leonhardt

Theses and Dissertations

LCOM with respect to the number of sorties generated and the number of maintenance manpower hours utilized during a 60-day scenario. A 2(n) factorial experimental design was used for the study with an n-value of three. Three variables, the number of LRUs available in the supply pool, the number of personnel available for maintenance tasks, and the quantity of AGE available on the base, were allowed to take on either a constrained or unconstrained value in the study. A distribution of the differences in each output variable between the two models was developed and a confidence interval of the distribution …


An Analysis Of Army Transportation Capability To Support The Distribution Of Liquid Propellant In Field Artillery Applications, John S. Lenart Jr. Sep 1991

An Analysis Of Army Transportation Capability To Support The Distribution Of Liquid Propellant In Field Artillery Applications, John S. Lenart Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

This study applied a screening technique methodology to systematically obtain organizational consensus in the establishment and ranking of Army surface transportation performance measurement criteria and system design attributes. This performance evaluation model was then used to assess the feasibility of three potential liquid propellant logistics concepts. Two sample groups of subject matter experts from the Army's Transportation and Ordnance (Munitions) Corps participated in the research. The methodology consisted of nominal-interacting group processes, repeated used of the pair comparison instrument, and use of a scoring model to rank-order the ten attributes. Research findings supported the Army's qualitative commitment to ensuring environmental …


An Analysis Of The Defense Logistics Agency Medical Supplies Requisition Process, Sandra H. Mchugh Sep 1991

An Analysis Of The Defense Logistics Agency Medical Supplies Requisition Process, Sandra H. Mchugh

Theses and Dissertations

Defense reorganization initiatives coupled with demands for significant cost reductions exerted tremendous operating pressures on the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). DLA senior management focused on process management as an approach to simultaneously assure appropriate levels of customer service and cost. The first step in this approach was to fully understand current management processes. As such, the thesis objective was to document the medical supplies order cycle process by tracing the path of information through the logistics pipeline. Detailed flowcharts and narrative descriptions were employed to demonstrate the activities of those organizations responsible for processing Air Force orders for medical supplies. …


An Application Of Artificial Intelligence Technology Within The Standard Base Supply System, Richard G. Nelson Sep 1991

An Application Of Artificial Intelligence Technology Within The Standard Base Supply System, Richard G. Nelson

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigated the feasibility of applying artificial intelligence technology within the Standard Base Supply System (SBSS). With assembly endless reductions in manpower authorizations within the SBSS and the potential for a continued loss of expert knowledge, the use of knowledge-based system (KBSs) was examined to determine if these systems could alleviate this of manpower. Literature related to the fields of artificial intelligence, expert systems, and KBSs was traced, yielding a methodology for identifying candidate problems, and for the development, verification, and validation of prototype KBSs. This methodology was then employed within the research, culminating in the creation, verification, and …


The Military Logistics Support Of Humanitarian Relief Efforts During Low-Intensity Conflict, Jangrumetta D. Shine Sep 1991

The Military Logistics Support Of Humanitarian Relief Efforts During Low-Intensity Conflict, Jangrumetta D. Shine

Theses and Dissertations

This research study was limited to two cases(Afghanistan and Chad) involving humanitarian relief efforts low-intensity conflict. To explore the topic of military logistics support of relief efforts low-intensity conflict, a study of the land, people, government, economy and history of each country was accomplished to provide the background for each humanitarian relief effort. These variables, with a study of the low-intensity conflict aspect, U.S. policy goals, the actual humanitarian relief operation, and the military logistics support provided used to the question: 'What are the key elements to provide successful logistics support of humanitarian relief efforts during low-intensity conflict?


Performance Assessment Of The Spare Parts For The Activation Of Relocated Systems (Spares) Forecasting Model, Paul L. Bunker Sep 1991

Performance Assessment Of The Spare Parts For The Activation Of Relocated Systems (Spares) Forecasting Model, Paul L. Bunker

Theses and Dissertations

This research assessed the performance of the Spare Parts for the Activation of Relocated Systems (SPARES) forecast model used to develop the spares requirements forecast for the August 1988 activation of the 174TFW at Syracuse ANGB NY. SPARES was developed by the Air Force Logistics Management Center in August 1988 to replace existing Standard Base Supply System (SBSS) forecasting procedures. SPARES uses mission change data (MCD) from five similar-size source bases to determine the probability of future demand (PFD) for items at the gaining base. Before implementing SPARES in the SBSS, forecast performance must be measured and model weaknesses identified …