Date of Award

3-24-2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Department

Department of Operational Sciences

First Advisor

Robert E. Overstreet, PhD.

Abstract

Fiscal constraints have affected the USAF’s spending and sustainment of weapons systems that are being utilized beyond their programmed life cycle; therefore, it is imperative that processes be given the critical eye for improvement, innovative approaches, and/or best practice implementation. The AFSC, part of the AFMC, has embarked on a groundbreaking effort to transform operations and leverage industry best practices, while maintaining focus on warfighter support to create “The AFSC Way.” The AFSC Way is based on a shared leadership model that emphasizes speed, safety, and quality, which gives way to innovative ideas and new technologies in order to achieve “Art of the Possible” results, despite fiscal uncertainty. The quest for continued sustainment has led to the recognition of innovation as a vital ingredient for an organization’s survival and profitability in this fiscally constrained environment. Additive manufacturing is one such innovation that the AFSC has adopted and implemented in an effort to maintain or enhance current weapons system sustainment practices. If the AFSC is to realize the potential benefits of additive manufacturing, it must be routinized to some degree into the organization’s governance systems. This research seeks to aid in increasing the understanding of what routinization events affect an innovation’s degree of routinization.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENS-MS-16-M-098

DTIC Accession Number

AD1053959

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