Date of Award

9-1995

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

First Advisor

Richard L'Heureux, PhD

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis was to review current Systems Program Office (SPO) effectiveness measures in light of the recently implemented Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 (GPRA), and to develop an integrated model of organizational effectiveness SPOs can use to comply with GPRA. Specifically, this thesis attempted to answer three research propositions addressing whether or not: (1) Current effectiveness measures used within SPOs are strictly output goal measures; (2) GPRA, while emphasizing the need for a more 'holistic' approach has not provided a good model to accomplish this; and (3) An integrated model can be developed to meet both the spirit of OPRA and the SPOs' need for a thorough mechanism for measuring organizational effectiveness. These research propositions were answered through a comprehensive literature review, personal interviews conducted with SPO personnel, and SPO records analysis. The research identified the current SPO effectiveness measures do not comply with GPRA's intent to focus attention on strategic planning and outcomes. Rather, SPO effectiveness measures focus almost exclusively on output measures which tend to be reactive measures. Strictly output measures indicate a lack of emphasis on outcomes which are mandated by GPRA and defined as measures of effectiveness from a customer satisfaction perspective. Further, research yielded an integrated model which can help SPOs implement GPRA and comply with its mandated emphasis on strategic planning and related outcome measures of effectiveness.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GCM-LAS-95S-6

DTIC Accession Number

ADA301239

Comments

The author's Vita page is omitted.

Presented to the Faculty of the Graduate School of Logistics and Acquisition Management of the Air Force Institute of Technology.

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