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Articles 181 - 210 of 228

Full-Text Articles in Systems Engineering

Selecting Electricity Generation Sources In Remote Locations, Kelly E. Kwan Mar 2007

Selecting Electricity Generation Sources In Remote Locations, Kelly E. Kwan

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to investigate the impact of using a decision analysis technique for the selection of an electrical generation system for remote locations. Specifically, this thesis sought to answer five research questions addressing the types of energy sources used in remote locations, the decision-making processes used to identify these sources, the types of constraints incorporated in such a process, other valued factors, and their level of importance in relation to each other. The research questions were answered through a comprehensive literature review and the 10-Step Value-Focused Thinking Process on a specific case study in the National …


Towards The Development Of A Defensive Cyber Damage And Mission Impact Methodology, Larry W. Fortson Jr. Mar 2007

Towards The Development Of A Defensive Cyber Damage And Mission Impact Methodology, Larry W. Fortson Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research is to establish a conceptual methodological framework that will facilitate effective cyber damage and mission impact assessment and reporting following a cyber-based information incidents. Joint and service guidance requires mission impact reporting, but current efforts to implement such reporting have proven ineffective. This research seeks to understand the impediments existing in the current implementation and to propose an improved methodology. The research employed a hybrid historical analysis and case study methodology for data collection through extensive literature review, examination of existing case study research and interviews with Air Force members and civilian personnel employed as …


Recommendations For A Standardized Program Management Office (Pmo) Time Compliance Network Order (Tcno) Patching Process, Michael Czumak Iii Mar 2007

Recommendations For A Standardized Program Management Office (Pmo) Time Compliance Network Order (Tcno) Patching Process, Michael Czumak Iii

Theses and Dissertations

Network security is a paramount concern for organizations utilizing computer technology, and the Air Force is no exception. Network software vulnerability patching is a critical determinant of network security. The Air Force deploys these patches as Time Compliance Network Orders (TCNOs), which together with associated processes and enforced timelines ensure network compliance. While the majority of the network assets affected by this process are Air Force owned and operated, a large number are maintained by external entities known as Program Management Offices (PMOs). Although these externally controlled systems provide a service to the Air Force and reside on its network, …


Graph Theoretical Analysis Of Network Centric Operations Using Multi-Layer Models, Ann Wong-Jiru Sep 2006

Graph Theoretical Analysis Of Network Centric Operations Using Multi-Layer Models, Ann Wong-Jiru

Theses and Dissertations

As the Department of Defense continues its transformations to a network centric force, evaluating DoD's progression towards net-centricity remains a challenge. This research proposes to extend the Network Centric Operation Common Framework Version 2.0 (draft) with the metrics based in graph theory and, specifically addresses, among other metrics, the measurement of a net-centric force's mission effectiveness. The research incorporates the importance of understanding network topology for evaluating an environment for net-centricity and using network characteristics to help commanders assess the effects of network changes on mission effectiveness. The multi-layered model of Network Centric Operations and interlayer mapping are introduced to …


Technology Transfer: A Qualitative Analysis Of Air Force Office Of Research And Technology Applications, David C. Trexler Jun 2006

Technology Transfer: A Qualitative Analysis Of Air Force Office Of Research And Technology Applications, David C. Trexler

Theses and Dissertations

Everyday within United States Air Forces’ research laboratories there are hundreds of scientists and engineers whose research and development activities contribute to the advancement of science and technology for mankind. The opportunities for successful technology transfer within these research activities are unbounded. This thesis examines the Air Force Office of Research and Technology Applications (ORTA’s) involvement with technology transfer, the complexities they face, the importance of their position, and what best practices ORTAs use to facilitate technology transfer. Air Force concerns and initiatives are detailed to provide perspective on balancing technology transfer with mission requirements and adherence to United States …


A Graph Theoretic Analysis Of The Effects Of Organizational Structure On Employee Social Networks, John R. Hutzel Mar 2006

A Graph Theoretic Analysis Of The Effects Of Organizational Structure On Employee Social Networks, John R. Hutzel

Theses and Dissertations

A simulation technique was used to investigate the impacts of organizational structure on an organization's social network. By simulating personnel in an organization as vertices in a graph and the aging of the corporation as the aging of the same graph, the maturation of an organization was realized. The characteristic path length of the graph was measured after each year returning an optimistic average organizational distance. Results include the finding that, per this model, an organization's characteristic path length can drop over 50% in a 20 year period with consideration of edges of all strengths. Next a series of random …


A Systems Engineering Approach To Integrated Structural Health Monitoring For Aging Aircraft, Alan P. Albert, Efstathios Antoniou, Stephen D. Leggiero, Kimberly A. Tooman, Ramon L. Veglio Mar 2006

A Systems Engineering Approach To Integrated Structural Health Monitoring For Aging Aircraft, Alan P. Albert, Efstathios Antoniou, Stephen D. Leggiero, Kimberly A. Tooman, Ramon L. Veglio

Theses and Dissertations

The United States Air Force and many of its Coalition partners have extended the original service life of some of their aging aircraft due to fiscal constraints. This life extension often requires increased periodic and in-depth inspections; increasing maintenance costs and resulting in longer periods of aircraft downtime. A structural health monitoring system for aging aircraft could reduce the current inspection burden, and thus decrease costs and system downtime. This presentation describes a baseline systems engineering methodology for system definition of an aging aircraft structural health monitoring system. Analysis was performed to quantify the potential benefit a structural health monitoring …


A Comparative Usability And End-User Satisfaction Analysis Of Two Geographic Information System (Gis) Applications, Mark E. Barner Mar 2006

A Comparative Usability And End-User Satisfaction Analysis Of Two Geographic Information System (Gis) Applications, Mark E. Barner

Theses and Dissertations

The Air Force has recognized that organizations across Air Force installations often require geospatial information resources or maps to accomplish mission essential tasks. To provide an AF-wide approach to addressing this need, in 2001, the Headquarters Air Force Geo Integration Office formed the USAF GeoBase program. GeoBase is the name given to the Air Force's GIS program. As GeoBase has been implemented across the Air Force, there have been no mandated product standards for GIS applications. This thesis focuses on two different GIS applications being used across the CE community for the management of airfield obstructions. These two applications are …


F-111 Systems Engineering Case Study, Air Force Center For Systems Engineering, G. Keith Richey Mar 2005

F-111 Systems Engineering Case Study, Air Force Center For Systems Engineering, G. Keith Richey

AFIT Documents

The systems engineering lessons from the F-111 program will facilitate learning by emphasizing practical applications and resulting outcomes to the current processes and tools used on today s programs. The student will understand the long-term consequences of systems engineering as implemented on the F-111 and its effect on cost, schedule, and operational effectiveness. The reader can then postulate outcomes of alternate decisions at the program/system level.


Medical Devices, Support Networks, And Their Vulnerabilities: A Case Study Of The Integration Of Medical Networks Into The Air Force Information Network, Paul G. Oleksiak Mar 2005

Medical Devices, Support Networks, And Their Vulnerabilities: A Case Study Of The Integration Of Medical Networks Into The Air Force Information Network, Paul G. Oleksiak

Theses and Dissertations

With the implementation of "one Air Force, one network" under way it is important to look at how the Air Force plans to incorporate the medical field and its unique systems, networks, and mission. The medical field presents distinctive problems not seen in other areas. Open network vulnerabilities in the medical information systems not only pose a problem for the individual, but to the military service also. Possible security holes provide both access to vital military & personal information (end strength numbers, current status of personnel, social security), and a door way into the "network". Intruders now can possibly access …


A Study To Determine Damage Assessment Methods Or Models On Air Force Networks, Lisa S. Thiem Mar 2005

A Study To Determine Damage Assessment Methods Or Models On Air Force Networks, Lisa S. Thiem

Theses and Dissertations

Damage assessment for computer networks is a new area of interest for the Air Force. Previously, there has not been a concerted effort to codify damage assessment or develop a model that can be applied in assessing damage done by criminals, natural disasters, or other methods of damaging a computer network. The research undertaken attempts to identify if the Air Force MAJCOM Network Operations Support Centers (NOSC) use damage assessment models or methods. If the Air Force does use a model or method, an additional question of how the model was attained or decided upon is asked. All information comes …


Exploratory Inquiry: Disparate Air Force Base Area Network Architectures, Charlie W. Boyd Jr. Mar 2005

Exploratory Inquiry: Disparate Air Force Base Area Network Architectures, Charlie W. Boyd Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

Joint Vision 2020, the Department of Defense (DoD) blueprint for development and transformation, identifies information and technology as critical enablers for our nation's military and calls for the development of a joint force capable of integrated information sharing to provide decision superiority, the ability to make and implement better decisions before enemies can react (DoD, 2000). Networks have been identified as the single most important element for transforming our current military forces. Ironically, Air Force base-level communications networks have been identified as a weakness. This research follows the qualitative approach to increases the current understanding of base level communications networks …


Status Of Department Of Defense Architecture Framework (Dodaf) Implementation Within The Aeronautical Systems Center (Asc), Chad A. Millette Mar 2005

Status Of Department Of Defense Architecture Framework (Dodaf) Implementation Within The Aeronautical Systems Center (Asc), Chad A. Millette

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to identify the current status of the use of the Department of Defense Architecture Framework (DoDAF) systems architecture products within the Aeronautical Systems Center (ASC) program offices. There are regulatory requirements dictating the creation of DoDAF products as annexes to programmatic documentation, such as the Joint Capabilities Integration Development System (JCIDS) requirement for systems architectures as annexes for acquisition milestone decision documentation. In addition, the DoDAF itself identifies several products as being highly applicable for the development of acquisition strategies. This thesis investigated the use of systems architectures, and particularly DoDAF products, within the …


Assessing The Usefulness Of The Decision Framework For Identifying And Selecting Knowledge Management Projects, Kevin G. Budai Mar 2005

Assessing The Usefulness Of The Decision Framework For Identifying And Selecting Knowledge Management Projects, Kevin G. Budai

Theses and Dissertations

Knowledge management (KM) is becoming recognized as a valuable tool for the Department of Defense (DoD) in its effort to maintain a competitive, strategic advantage against its enemies in a new threat environment. Decision superiority is the ultimate end result and is only possible through the effective and efficient use of its chief key resource--knowledge. As the Air Force seeks to transform the way it does business the concept of knowledge management has made its way to the forefront of both the Air Force's Information Strategy and Information Resource Flight Plan. This research assesses the usefulness of a knowledge management …


Project Portfolio Management: An Investigation Of One Air Force Product Center, Bryan D. Edmunds Mar 2005

Project Portfolio Management: An Investigation Of One Air Force Product Center, Bryan D. Edmunds

Theses and Dissertations

Over the last two decades, reducing product development times in the DoD has been the focus of many committees, commissions, and research efforts. Despite the implementation of numerous recommendations, the DoD still struggles with long acquisition cycle times. This research is part of the Air Force Cycle Time Reduction Research Program (CTRRP), which grew out of the Cycle Time Reduction Action Plan, developed in 1998. This research focuses on the portfolio management (project selection and resource allocation) part of the CTRRP. The purpose of this research effort was to investigate the use of portfolio management within the Air Force. Specifically, …


Effectively Managing The Air Force Enterprise Architecture, Jamie P. Sharkey Mar 2005

Effectively Managing The Air Force Enterprise Architecture, Jamie P. Sharkey

Theses and Dissertations

The Air Force is developing and implementing an enterprise architecture to meet the Clinger-Cohen Act's requirement that all federal agencies use an architecture to guide their information technology (IT) investments. However, this act does not provide guidance on how to effectively manage an enterprise architecture. Prior research applied maturity models and competency stages to manage an enterprise architecture by defining layers of enterprise architecture management maturity. However, these efforts tend to view enterprise architecture development as a one-time planning process rather than an iterative progression. Enterprise architecture is not a one-time exercise, but rather it is an on-going effort within …


Theater Battle Management Core System Systems Engineering Case Study, Air Force Center For Systems Engineering, Josiah R. Collens Jr., Bob Krause Feb 2005

Theater Battle Management Core System Systems Engineering Case Study, Air Force Center For Systems Engineering, Josiah R. Collens Jr., Bob Krause

AFIT Documents

The Theater Battle Management Core System (TBMCS) is an integrated air command and control (C2) system that performs standardized, secure, automated air battle planning and execution management for Air Force, multi-service, and allied commanders in theaters of operation worldwide. TBMCS provides the means to plan, direct, and control all theater air operations and to coordinate with land, maritime, and special operations elements. It is deployed at C2 nodes at national, force and wing/unit-level elements. TBMCS operates in support of planners and decision makers at, and below, the level of Joint Force Air Component Commander. The system is modular and scalable …


Academic Audit Of Afit Programs In Systems Engineering, United States Air Force Scientific Advisory Board Dec 2004

Academic Audit Of Afit Programs In Systems Engineering, United States Air Force Scientific Advisory Board

AFIT Documents

This report provides an assessment and recommendations for the systems engineering educational programs at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT). The Air Force needs in systems engineering education are briefly summarized, followed by an analysis of the educational program at AFIT. Based on the assessment of AFIT's program, a set of recommendations are given for improving the programs and their utility to the Air Force. Appendices to the report contain additional information on the AFIT programs and an assessment of other graduate systems engineering programs in the US.


Using Value-Focused Thinking To Evaluate The Effectiveness Of Air Force Utility Privatization, Carlos Braziel Mar 2004

Using Value-Focused Thinking To Evaluate The Effectiveness Of Air Force Utility Privatization, Carlos Braziel

Theses and Dissertations

The majority of the Air Force s stateside utility systems are old, obsolete, and unreliable. The cost to upgrade and repair these systems is currently estimated at over $4 billion. In response, the Air Force began efforts to convey ownership of these utility systems to the private sector through privatization efforts. However, privatization critics believe that newly privatized entities of government will cost the public more money and provide a lower level of service. Therefore, independent audits are a necessity to ensure government initiatives, meet their intended goals. However, the Air Force currently lacks an effective auditing tool to ensure …


Developing Team Cohesion: A Quasi-Field Experiment, John F. Costello Mar 2004

Developing Team Cohesion: A Quasi-Field Experiment, John F. Costello

Theses and Dissertations

Within military organizations, research findings have lent support to the positive influence cohesion has on group performance in combat and non-combat areas, Beyond performance, research findings show that cohesion influences the job satisfaction, and health of military members, particularly under highly stressful conditions, such as those encountered in combat or extended deployments. The purpose of this research effort is to further analyze the strategies that should be used to develop cohesiveness among Air Force members. This was done by testing the extent to which cohesion changed when familiarization and challenging situations were coupled in a technical training course geared towards …


The Application Of Value Focused Thinking To Utilities Privatization Source Selection, J. Heath Duncan Mar 2004

The Application Of Value Focused Thinking To Utilities Privatization Source Selection, J. Heath Duncan

Theses and Dissertations

The Department of Defense's utility systems have suffered from under-funding and lack of technology investment, thereby creating a service gap between these DoD systems and systems operated by commercial providers. In order to overcome this gap and refurbish their systems, the DoD has focused its efforts on privatization of these systems. The utilities privatization decision is extremely vital and permanent and thus warrants backup source selection methodologies. Since awarding contracts in the utilities privatization arena requires a decision considering tradeoffs between multiple competing objectives, a value-focused thinking approach was used to create a structured, standardized value model taking into account …


Cross-Service Investigation Of Geographical Information Systems, Matthew H. Beverly Mar 2004

Cross-Service Investigation Of Geographical Information Systems, Matthew H. Beverly

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigated the armed services current uses of GIS, and asked the question whether or not a joint GIS program could benefit the DOD. An information technology implementation model was presented as a framework to implement a joint GIS program. It was found that all four armed services use GIS for forward deployments. The Army has its Combat Terrain Information System (CTIS). The Navy's digital nautical charts are a GIS. The Marine Corps has created their Geographically Linked Information Display Environment (GLIDE) program, which is similar to a map repository. Finally, the Air Force has its GeoBase program for …


A Study Of Information Exchange Between United States Air Force Bases And Their Surrounding Communities, Andrew C. Clewett Mar 2004

A Study Of Information Exchange Between United States Air Force Bases And Their Surrounding Communities, Andrew C. Clewett

Theses and Dissertations

Data, information, and knowledge are exchanged daily from United States Air Force (USAF) bases to surrounding communities. The purpose of this research is to aid managers and commanders in gaining a better understanding of their information flow and bettering their information management practices. The research specifically seeks answers to the questions of where information is exchanged, why information is exchanged, and to whom information is exchanged with.


An Analysis Of Coast Guard Hh-65 Engine Reliability: A Comparison Of Malfunctions To Component Removals, Donna L. Cottrell Mar 2004

An Analysis Of Coast Guard Hh-65 Engine Reliability: A Comparison Of Malfunctions To Component Removals, Donna L. Cottrell

Theses and Dissertations

The Coast Guard HH-65 helicopter experienced 31 in-flight loss of power incidents during FY 2003 and 21 during the first two months of FY 2003. Concurrent with this apparent decrease in reliability, the Coast Guard seeks ways to expand the HH- 65’s Airborne Use of Force capabilities as a result of the September 11th, 2001 terrorists’ attacks. This study is an exploratory, empirical analysis of engine and airframe component replacements as related to engine mishaps and reliability in the HH-65. We use contingency table analysis, ordinary least squares regression, and logistic regression to examine the mishap history and component replacement …


Recovering From A Stalled Change Initiative: A Case Of Correcting Implementation Mistakes, Ellen L. Dorey Mar 2004

Recovering From A Stalled Change Initiative: A Case Of Correcting Implementation Mistakes, Ellen L. Dorey

Theses and Dissertations

Amid an age of increasing technology, innovation, and global business competition, there is no question that the pace organizational changes are introduced will increase, as well. With this pace of change, organizational leaders might find themselves short on the time and resources necessary to properly create readiness by utilizing implementation strategies. Frequently, a change initiative that is not introduced properly will meet resistance within the organization. When strong resistance is encountered, the initiative is often abandoned and replaced with some other effort. However, in some situations, the initiative can not be abandoned and implementation must continue. This research effort sought …


Policy Analysis Of Chapter 101a, Readiness And Range Preservation, Of The National Defense Authorization Act For Fiscal Year 2004, William E. Sitzabee Mar 2004

Policy Analysis Of Chapter 101a, Readiness And Range Preservation, Of The National Defense Authorization Act For Fiscal Year 2004, William E. Sitzabee

Theses and Dissertations

This research analyzed the United States Air Force's ability to meet the two conditions required for exemptions of critical habitat designations that are authorized under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004. The research was limited to natural resources management on United States Air Force training ranges. Department of Defense exemptions can only be achieved if two conditions exist: the management activities must meet the intent of the Endangered Species Act and conserve the threatened and endangered species identified on the lands managed under an Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP), and the plan must ensure that there …


Analyze The Air Force Methods For Facility Sustainment And Restoration, Ronald C. Cole Mar 2003

Analyze The Air Force Methods For Facility Sustainment And Restoration, Ronald C. Cole

Theses and Dissertations

The Department of Defense (DoD) is improving the procedures for identifying, advocating, allocating funding, and accomplishing facility requirements to improve the readiness capability to support the mission. The purposes of this research were to fully explore the methodologies employed by the Air Force (AF) and try to capitalize on industry standard practices to improve the AF methods. Industry has conducted extensive research devoted to the development of predictive models to estimate facility maintenance or sustainment requirements. The DoD and the AF have already implemented the facility sustainment model (FSM) to predict facility sustainment requirements; now however, they are struggling with …


Groundwater Flow Through A Constructed Treatment Wetland, Jack A. Blalock Mar 2003

Groundwater Flow Through A Constructed Treatment Wetland, Jack A. Blalock

Theses and Dissertations

This study is an analysis of the flow of water through a constructed treatment wetland at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH. The purpose of the treatment wetland is to biodegrade perchioroethylene, which is present in the groundwater as a contaminant. Contaminated water enters the bottom of the wetland and flows upward, exiting the wetland from a weir at one end. The wetland is designed for water to move vertically through the soil layers composing the wetland. The main purpose of this study is to characterize the water flow through the different layers of soil in the wetland. In this study, hydraulic parameters …


A System Dynamics Approach For Information Technology Implementation And Sustainment, Nathan W. Fonnesbeck Mar 2003

A System Dynamics Approach For Information Technology Implementation And Sustainment, Nathan W. Fonnesbeck

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this research is to bring a new, dynamic modeling perspective to organizational information technology (IT) implementation systems (using the Air Force GeoBase initiative as a real-world example) without compromising principles from the research literature. Undesired behavior patterns, from historically poor IT implementation performance, versus desired behavior patterns are incorporated into the model structure. Using a system dynamics approach, multiple simulation runs under various initial conditions and organizational contexts are performed and compared over a short-term versus a long-term period of time. Based on these simulation ruins, various mixes of management interventions, under varying conditions, are recommended to …


Long Term Implementation Of A 100 Percent Checked Baggage Screening System: A Value Focused Thinking Approach, Quincy Meade Mar 2003

Long Term Implementation Of A 100 Percent Checked Baggage Screening System: A Value Focused Thinking Approach, Quincy Meade

Theses and Dissertations

The terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001, carried out via aircraft hijackings, clearly demonstrated the massive destruction potential when vulnerabilities in the aviation system are exploited. Airport security measures have since been strengthened and new measures have been set in place. With the passage of the Aviation Transportation and Security Act (ATSA) of 2001 the checked baggage systems at U.S. Airports are now required to screen all checked bags with explosive detection devices. This is a significant increase from the small percentage of bags that were previously screened. The original 2009 deadline was changed to 31 December 2002 and this …