Date of Award

3-14-2014

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Operational Sciences

First Advisor

Joseph B. Skipper, PhD.

Abstract

The ubiquitous nature of economic uncertainty that has plagued the Department of Defense has necessitated the relentless pursuit of cost savings and efficiency improvements. Under the auspices of force development, drawing on resource-based theory, this research analyzed the impact of Logistics Readiness Officer (LRO) human capital, learning culture, and knowledge management on organizational performance as a means to increase competitive advantage. Survey methodology was utilized to garner data with both theoretical and practical implications on LRO force development practices. Solicitation of information regarding LRO competencies, the utility of logistics courses, and the latent construct was conducted via a web-based self-reporting cross-sectional survey. Data were collected from 617 LROs out of a possible 1,411, yielding a 43.7% response rate. Examination of the latent variable data using multivariate regression supported all three hypotheses, revealing that investment in LRO human capital, learning culture, and knowledge management have positive impacts on organizational performance. Practical application of the theoretical findings could yield potential cost savings of between $6K and $60K per course per annum by consolidating or restructuring each logistics course identified as having low utility. Implications for researchers and practitioners are discussed along with limitations, recommendations, and areas for future research.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENS-14-M-02

DTIC Accession Number

ADA598517

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