Date of Award

12-1996

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Systems Engineering and Management

First Advisor

Steven T. Lofgren, PhD

Abstract

Installation Restoration Program (IRP) projects often cost over $250 thousand, and projects over $1.5 million are common. To ensure these projects are risk based, technically sound, and cost effective, the Air Force instituted a peer review program in 1992. The objective of this research is to describe and analyze the peer review process. Through triangulation of data from interviews, observations, official and academic documents, and surveys, seven constructs were discovered: focus, agenda, facilitator, written preparation, oral presentation, team characteristics, and reviewer characteristics. A questionnaire was used to gather perceptions of peer review effectiveness--the criterion variable--and of the seven constructs. A total of 141 surveys administered with a 50% response rate (N = 70). Linear regression is next used to assess the predictiveness of the seven constructs. Oral preparation and focus predict 68% of the variance in peer review effectiveness; no other constructs were significant. Variation in the peer review process between major commands is explored. Last, recommendations are made to improve the current peer review process.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GEE-ENV-96D-18

DTIC Accession Number

ADA322482

Download

Share

COinS