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Articles 181 - 210 of 215

Full-Text Articles in Other Operations Research, Systems Engineering and Industrial Engineering

Optimizing Airborne Area Surveillance Asset Placement, Douglas E. Fuller Feb 1997

Optimizing Airborne Area Surveillance Asset Placement, Douglas E. Fuller

Theses and Dissertations

Currently there is no automated planning tool for the optimum positioning of USAF area surveillance assets for a theater level campaign. This research seeks to find the optimum or near optimum placement of the limited USAF airborne surveillance assets against a theater level target set. The problem of finding the optimum orbit points can be modeled as a classic maximal covering location problem (MCLP). Operational constraints on the placement of surveillance aircraft can be handled by preprocessing the potential orbit points to eliminate infeasible orbit points. Heavy emphasis is placed on preprocessing the data to reduce problem size and hence …

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Modeling Space In The Air Force Command Exercise System (Aces), Robert Payne Jr. Mar 1996

Modeling Space In The Air Force Command Exercise System (Aces), Robert Payne Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

In response to the increased influence of space forces on today's battlefield, several theater level models were analyzed for the presentation of space forces. These models were the Extended Air Defense Simulation (EADSIM), the Joint Theater Level Simulation (JTLS), the Integrated Theater Engagement Model (ITEM), the Tactical Warfare Model (TACWAR), Thunder, Janus, and the Aggregate Level Simulation Protocol (ALSP). While ALSP is not a model but a simulation protocol connecting various models, it was studied because it appears to be the future of modeling. The consensus of the analysis was that space forces are virtually ignored by most of the …

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International Space Station Traffic Modeling And Simulation, Jillene B. Rylaarsdam Mar 1996

International Space Station Traffic Modeling And Simulation, Jillene B. Rylaarsdam

Theses and Dissertations

In an effort to provide NASA with an alternative perspective and some insights to the operational planning of the International Space Station (ISS), this research developed a simulation environment for the ISS and devised a method to evaluate various altitude strategies. The simulation environment allowed us to incorporate the natural random behaviors which affect the lifetime of objects in low earth orbit. We created prototype models of the operational planning process to analyze current altitude strategy approaches and acquire new strategies from insights observed. In addition, by extrapolating random future solar activity values from the interpolation of historical data, we …

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Exmis: An Expert System For The Autonomous Onboard Command System (Aocs), Kevin D. Benedict Dec 1995

Exmis: An Expert System For The Autonomous Onboard Command System (Aocs), Kevin D. Benedict

Theses and Dissertations

The primary objective of this study is the creation of a prototype expert system called EXMIS (EXpert MIssile System) that performs the flight termination logic sequence of the Autonomous Onboard Command System (AOCS). The AOCS is a proposed system that would take the "man-in-the-loop" out of the self-destruct decision making process and place the entire decision on the launch vehicle. Through the use of a six degree of freedom trajectory program called BOOST, simulated flight data for four different flight scenarios is obtained. The launch vehicle selected for the simulations is the Peacekeeper ICBM. EXMIS is developed using an expert …

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A Methodology To Assess Post-Launch Efforts To Counter Mobile Tactical Ballistic Missile Launchers, Wayne H. Hayes Dec 1995

A Methodology To Assess Post-Launch Efforts To Counter Mobile Tactical Ballistic Missile Launchers, Wayne H. Hayes

Theses and Dissertations

The Department of Defense has a requirement to quantify the force enhancement effects from various configurations of an envisioned multilayered Theater Missile Defense (TMD) system. TMD research accomplished to date has focused primarily on the pre-launch and in-flight tactical ballistic missile (TBM) operational phases while ignoring the post-launch phase during which mobile transporter-erector-launchers (TELs) are vulnerable to attack. No methodology currently exists to measure the effectiveness of various post-launch counter-TEL system configurations or their potential contribution to the overall TMD mission. This research uses the decision analysis technique of influence diagrams to model the post-launch counter-TEL process using notional variable …

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An Evaluation Of Cost Metrics Used Within Aeronautical Systems Center, Kevin M. Byrne Sep 1995

An Evaluation Of Cost Metrics Used Within Aeronautical Systems Center, Kevin M. Byrne

Theses and Dissertations

Aeronautical Systems Center (ASC) system program offices rely on cost metrics to acquire information on program effectiveness and organizational improvement. This study was an attempt to determine the effectiveness of ASC’s cost metrics. The effectiveness of the metrics were determined by the desirability of the behaviors which are exhibited when individuals utilize the specific metrics. Using an expert panel to evaluate the metrics, data was collected using the Group Research Laboratory for Logistics located in Armstrong Laboratory at Wright Patterson AFB, OH. Metric diagnostic charts were utilized to arrange the data into a format which would provide effectiveness information. The …

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An Empirical Investigation Of The Integrated Weapon System Management Concept Of Seamless Processes, Timothy H. Surabian Sep 1995

An Empirical Investigation Of The Integrated Weapon System Management Concept Of Seamless Processes, Timothy H. Surabian

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigated the way four Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) single manager organizations operationalized the Integrated Weapon System Management (IWSM) concept of "seamless processes." In this thesis, the IWSM concept of "seamless processes" refers to the degree of integration between acquisition and sustainment organizations. Four SPO organizations were involved in six case studies. This research focused on the way "seamless processes" affect the shifting of the organizational "center of gravity" within or between single manager organizations. An interview questionnaire was administered to 13 Product Center managers and 6 Logistics Center managers. The interview questions focused on IWSM in general, …

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A Model For Forecasting Pollution Prevention Life Cycle Costs For Air Force Major Weapon Systems, Mark E. Garner, Jennifer S. Kirchoffer Sep 1995

A Model For Forecasting Pollution Prevention Life Cycle Costs For Air Force Major Weapon Systems, Mark E. Garner, Jennifer S. Kirchoffer

Theses and Dissertations

This research effort developed a modification to the HAZMAT program so that the program could provide the user with the capability to generate an estimate during the concept exploration and design phases for the total costs associated with hazardous materials usage in a major weapon system. Using the HAZMAT database, a spreadsheet was developed which projects a cost for a weapon system based on its total surface area and the number of aircraft to be produced by performing an analogy with a similar weapon system. The modification uses algorithm which are based on the hazardous material substances rather than processes …

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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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Response Surface Methodology As A Sensitivity Tool In Decision Analysis, David A. Meyers Mar 1995

Response Surface Methodology As A Sensitivity Tool In Decision Analysis, David A. Meyers

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to evaluate response surface methodology as a sensitivity analysis tool in the area of decision analysis. The advent of low-cost personal computer software, such as DPLTM, has created an accessible tool with the ability to frame and solve influence diagrams for decision problems. This study provides a comparison of current sensitivity analysis techniques vs those made possible through response surface methodology (RSM). Sensitivity analysis alternatives are demonstrated on a decision problem concerning the evaluation of force structure options for the Department of Defense. Sensitivity analysis is performed on both one-way and two-way perturbations of …

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Modeling Corps Artillery In A Theater Level Combat Model, Richard F. Bowyer Mar 1995

Modeling Corps Artillery In A Theater Level Combat Model, Richard F. Bowyer

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis describes the development of a methodology to explicitly model corps artillery assets in the Joint Staff's Joint Stochastic Analysis Research (J-STOCHWAR) and to quantify Army doctrine that guides organization of artillery for combat. The methodology incorporates corps artillery into the J-STOCHWAR by using the five fundamentals for organizing for combat, which reflect Army doctrine, and combines them with basic concepts already used in existing theater-level models. Other aspects of the problem include determining the appropriate level of detail, identifying techniques to solve the problem, and verifying the results. The proposed decision analysis solution technique provides a feasible method …

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Multicriteria Mission Route Planning Using A Parallel A* Search, Michael S. Gudaitis Dec 1994

Multicriteria Mission Route Planning Using A Parallel A* Search, Michael S. Gudaitis

Theses and Dissertations

The Mission Route Planning (MRP) Problem falls into the general class of multicriteria path search problems. Multiple criteria are evaluated to select an optimal aircraft mission route through a hostile environment. Criteria for distance travelled and radar exposure are combined into a single cost function for route evaluation. Radar calculations are performed dynamically. The A* search algorithm is applied to the MRP problem, and a parallel implementation is developed and tested. A unique combination of distributed OPEN lists with a global CLOSED list strategy produced fast execution times on the Paragon. Test cases for scenarios with 15 radars took less …

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A Decision Support Model For Establishing A Plastics Recycling Program, Deven M. Dalcher Dec 1994

A Decision Support Model For Establishing A Plastics Recycling Program, Deven M. Dalcher

Theses and Dissertations

This research focuses on the development of a decision support model for the establishment of a plastics recycling program. The decision support model focuses on identifying the end-product uses and material specifications first. Once the end-product specifications have been identified, the recycling program can be designed. The model will provide solid waste managers an effective decision-making tool to evaluate the economic feasibility of establishing a plastics recycling program.

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Review Of Factors Impacting Cost Benefit Analysis (Cba) For Implementing Improvements To The Air Force Technical Order System, Susan J. Bergin, Terry A. Parsons Sep 1994

Review Of Factors Impacting Cost Benefit Analysis (Cba) For Implementing Improvements To The Air Force Technical Order System, Susan J. Bergin, Terry A. Parsons

Theses and Dissertations

This research focused on developing a Cost Benefit Analysis process for Program Managers to implement when deciding what technical order format-- paper, computerized or automated--to purchase. Factors which determined the outcome are costs life cycle cost considering technical order format qualitative issues characteristics which are benefits of a technical order format and system responsiveness time required to develop or modify a technical order in each format. A literature review revealed problems with the paper technical order format, management infrastructure, quantitative cost estimates for different formats, and different techniques which could be used for a cost benefit analysis. Structured interviews were …

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How Effective Has The Air Force Been In Eliminating Its Dependence On Ozone Depleting Chemicals?, L. Susan Willard Sep 1994

How Effective Has The Air Force Been In Eliminating Its Dependence On Ozone Depleting Chemicals?, L. Susan Willard

Theses and Dissertations

This research was undertaken to determine how effectively the Air Force had eliminated its dependence on Ozone Depleting Chemicals. The research was limited to analyzing the impact of ODCs on major acquisition programs. Results indicated existing variables which may be impeding full implementation. Also identified were lessons learned which could be applied to future environmental legislation with potential impact on acquisition programs. In- depth telephonic interviews were conducted with Program Directors responsible for the development and fielding of major Air Force acquisition programs. Analysis revealed that ODCs substantially impacted the acquisition programs to the extent that many programs had classified …

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Automating Satellite Range Scheduling, S. Michael Schalck Dec 1993

Automating Satellite Range Scheduling, S. Michael Schalck

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to develop a computer based satellite range scheduling SRS algorithm to create a 24 hour satellite support schedule. The algorithms goal was to schedule as many satellite support requests as possible. An iterative heuristic approach was used to schedule satellite support requests in three successive sub problems. The first sub problem involves scheduling low altitude satellite support requests using a mixed integer programming approach. The next two sub problems each involve scheduling 12 hour blocks of medium and high altitude satellite support requests, again using a mixed integer programming approach. Fourteen 24 hour schedules …

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An Evaluation Of The Software Engineering Institute's Capability Maturity Model As A Framework For Software Process Improvement At Three Air Logistics Centers, Brian G. Hermann, Raymond J. Lewis Jr. Dec 1993

An Evaluation Of The Software Engineering Institute's Capability Maturity Model As A Framework For Software Process Improvement At Three Air Logistics Centers, Brian G. Hermann, Raymond J. Lewis Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

This research sought to determine whether a relationship exists between the maturity level of the software process, as determined by the Software Engineering Institutes Capability Maturity Model SEI CMM, and the actual success of particular software projects at three US Air Force Air Logistics Centers. Project success is defined in terms of cost, schedule, and quality criteria. In addition, each organizations acceptance of the SEI assessment as well as its effectiveness in setting up follow-on process improvement programs were evaluated. Finally, the process improvement programs were reviewed individually inasmuch as these programs are the mechanisms for achieving improved quality, lower …

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Measuring User Satisfaction Of The Electronic Mail System At Air Force Materiel Command Headquarters As An Indicator Of The System's Effectiveness, Randall R. Bradford Dec 1993

Measuring User Satisfaction Of The Electronic Mail System At Air Force Materiel Command Headquarters As An Indicator Of The System's Effectiveness, Randall R. Bradford

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the electronic mail system at the Air Force Materiel Command Headquarters. User satisfaction was measured as an indicator of the systems effectiveness. In order to provide an objective measurement of system effectiveness, the following research questions were addressed: (1) What is system effectiveness in relation to this particular electronic mail system, and how should it be measured? (2) What measurement instruments can be adapted, modified, or created to measure effectiveness as it is defined for problem? (3) If a measurement instrument is administered what do the results of the …

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Software Cost Estimating Models: A Comparative Study Of What The Models Estimate, George A. Coggins, Roy C. Russell Sep 1993

Software Cost Estimating Models: A Comparative Study Of What The Models Estimate, George A. Coggins, Roy C. Russell

Theses and Dissertations

This effort developed a consolidated document which highlights and examines differences in definitions, assumptions, and methodologies used by the REVIC, SASET, PRICES, and SEER-SEM cost models. The following research questions were investigated: (1) What differences exist between the cost models? (2) How do these differences impact the resulting estimates? (3) To what degree can we explain and adjust for known differences between the cost models? Seven specific areas were addressed: (1) software development phases, (2) development activities and cost elements, (3) source lines of code and language differences, (4) key model attributes and key cost drivers, (5) implications of Project …

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An Analysis Of The Effectiveness Of The Air Force Drug Testing Program And Four Potential Modifications, Thomas R. Doster, Hubert A. Ross Sep 1993

An Analysis Of The Effectiveness Of The Air Force Drug Testing Program And Four Potential Modifications, Thomas R. Doster, Hubert A. Ross

Theses and Dissertations

This study evaluated the 1992 USAF Drug Testing Program and potential improvements, based on the number of drug users detected, cost, and legal issues. Four potential improvements were examined: (1) increasing the annual amount of random urinalysis; (2) increasing the proportion of commander-directed testing; (3) using a weighted selection technique, and (4) replacing urinalysis with hair testing. For each improvement, the researchers used test and survey results to estimate the number of drug users detected, a cost formula to estimate any changes in cost, and interviews with legal experts to identify any legal issues associated with implementing the modification. Researchers …

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A Decision Support Model Using Life Cycle Cost (Lcc) Analysis To Select Cost-Effective Alternatives For Hazardous Materials, Blaine F. Burley, Kirk A. Phillips Sep 1993

A Decision Support Model Using Life Cycle Cost (Lcc) Analysis To Select Cost-Effective Alternatives For Hazardous Materials, Blaine F. Burley, Kirk A. Phillips

Theses and Dissertations

This research focuses on the development of a decision support model to select cost-effective alternatives for hazardous materials using life cycle cost (LCC) analysis. The model provides an effective decision-making tool to evaluate the economic feasibility of using alternatives for hazardous materials. Given a specific operation, the users of this model can enter site-specific cost data to determine the total LCCs of using baseline hazardous materials (i.e., hazardous materials currently being used in an operation), as well as the total LCCs of using various alternatives. This thesis postulates that the material having the lowest total LCC is considered to be …

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An Analysis Of The Ability Of Commercial Wargames To Fulfill The Education Requirements Of The Air Force Wargaming Center, Scott Goehring Mar 1993

An Analysis Of The Ability Of Commercial Wargames To Fulfill The Education Requirements Of The Air Force Wargaming Center, Scott Goehring

Theses and Dissertations

It has been the contention of some that current commercial wargames could possibly fulfill the education requirements addressed by the Air Force Wargaming Center. The Wargaming Center, lacking the opportunity to conduct a thorough, in-house analysis of these commercial wargames, requested an independent evaluation be performed. This thesis identifies potential commercial wargames and provides an analysis of those wargames to determine their ability to educate senior military officers in the application of aerospace power. In addition, this thesis establishes a set of Measures of Effectiveness (MOEs) against which future wargames can be easily evaluated. The MOEs were developed from the …

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The Battle Of Little Round Top: An Analysis Of Battle Alternatives Through Commercial Wargames, John J. Mcguiness Mar 1993

The Battle Of Little Round Top: An Analysis Of Battle Alternatives Through Commercial Wargames, John J. Mcguiness

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines the problem of whether one can use commercial wargames as a tool for historical research. The research examines two wargames dealing with the battle of Little Round Top: Gettysburg: The Turning Point and Thunder at the Crossroads. This research emphasized the need to analyze the wargame's structure prior to playing the game. This will avoid a possible mistake of drawing a conclusion about a particular driver in the battle which may not be from the historical situation but rather an inevitable outcome produced by the model's basic assumptions. Additionally, quantitative measures of time lines, casualty rates, and …

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Spectral And Spatial Pattern Recognition In Digital Memory, John M. Amrine Dec 1992

Spectral And Spatial Pattern Recognition In Digital Memory, John M. Amrine

Theses and Dissertations

The main purpose of this research is to develop a model that can be used to solve combined spectral and spatial pattern recognition problems. The basis of my model is a multiobjective discrete programming model developed by Benabdullah and Wright (B and W). The model will be modified and then tested by solving a real world problem with SPOT multispectral imagery. Several improvements were added to the B and W model, namely standard border length accounting and control over which pixels are selected by the model. The model was also improved to process more than one channel of imagery at …

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Software Support Measurement And Estimating For Oracle Database Applications Using Mark Ii Function Points, Steven D. Radnov Dec 1992

Software Support Measurement And Estimating For Oracle Database Applications Using Mark Ii Function Points, Steven D. Radnov

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the results of measuring software support of Oracle database applications and estimating the effort and schedule required to provide support. Software measurement was accomplished with a variant of the function points metric, called Mark II function points, which is comprised of three weighted parameters, inputs, entities, and outputs. A technique for mapping Mark II function points to Oracle DBMS components was developed, and the size of the software support for each project, per team, was measured by tabulating and weighting the number of inputs, entities, and outputs that are added, changed, and/or deleted. Software support effort was …

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Development Of A Prototype Air Force Institute Of Technology (Afit) Research Management System (Arms), David N. Schaaf, Carl W. Scott Dec 1992

Development Of A Prototype Air Force Institute Of Technology (Afit) Research Management System (Arms), David N. Schaaf, Carl W. Scott

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this study was to design, develop, test, and evaluate an initial prototype information system to enhance the conduct and management of research in the School of Systems and Logistics at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT). To accomplish this goal, the researchers developed and completed a methodology that was generally patterned after the milestones in a typical system development life cycle. The proof-of-concept nature of this research caused the researchers to also map the study's seven major objectives into a second system development model called the Spiral Model (Boehm, 1988:61). This hybrid approach provided better defined …

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An Assessment Of Software Safety As Applied To The Department Of Defense Software Development Process, Peter W. Colan, Robert W. Prouhet Dec 1992

An Assessment Of Software Safety As Applied To The Department Of Defense Software Development Process, Peter W. Colan, Robert W. Prouhet

Theses and Dissertations

This research analyzed the relationships between the DOD software development process, system safety requirements, and current structured software safety analysis techniques. The current state of software safety was assessed within the aerospace industry and DOD, and a training program for DOD System Safety Managers was developed. A telephone survey was conducted to gather information on current software safety analysis techniques and methodologies. Personal interviews were conducted with Aeronautical System Center System Safety Managers to gather data on job perception and perceived training needs. The results of the study indicate that the DOD guidance and policy documents needed to implement and …

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Analysis Of Kriging Applied To Resolution Enhancement Of Digital Satellite Imagery, David J. Blaufuss Dec 1992

Analysis Of Kriging Applied To Resolution Enhancement Of Digital Satellite Imagery, David J. Blaufuss

Theses and Dissertations

To aid the viewer in interpreting the information contained in an image, spatial resolution of the image can be increased. One way to increase the resolution is to improve the optics and sensors of the imaging system. Another is to process the data on the ground by computer. Enhancement techniques can be employed to alter the image and extract necessary data. Current techniques to manipulate and enlarge an image are nearest-neighbor, bilinear interpolation, and cubic convolution which can give greater clarity and readability. To satisfy the growing demand for quality (high-resolution) remotely sensed images, new techniques to enhance images need …

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Comparison Of Artificial Neural Networks With A Conventional Heuristic Technique For Optimization Problems, Jeffrey S. Gruner Dec 1992

Comparison Of Artificial Neural Networks With A Conventional Heuristic Technique For Optimization Problems, Jeffrey S. Gruner

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigates the utility of the Hopfield and Kohonen artificial neural networks to the traveling salesman optimization problem. A third, non-neural-network technique (the Christofides Algorithm - a competitive, bounded-solution operations research technique) is also investigated for comparison to the artificial neural network solutions. An eight and forty-two city distribution are chosen for comparison of the solutions.

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An Investigation Of Integrated Weapon System Management Implementation Issues, Scott A. Dalrymple, Lester F. Pietraszuk Sep 1992

An Investigation Of Integrated Weapon System Management Implementation Issues, Scott A. Dalrymple, Lester F. Pietraszuk

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigated Integrated Weapon System Management implementation issues. Five functional areas were examined: Contracting, Engineering, Financial management, Program Management, and Test Management. Data was collected through interviews. The most significant lessons learned were to establish a direct chain of command and to use TQM principles. Program business practices were changed by increasing Product Center/ALC interaction and implementing a single joint CCB. Program personnel obtained useful guidance from other IWSM programs and from the information products distributed by HQ AFMC. Communication improvements included increased teleconference capability and establishment of a Local Area Network. Cultural differences between centers, insufficient initial guidance, …

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