Date of Award

9-1994

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

First Advisor

Kevin P. Grant, PhD

Second Advisor

David J. Murphy, PhD

Abstract

The magnitude of money involved in the acquisition of defense systems and the public scrutiny resulting from cost overruns and program failures make cost management competence critical to program success. This research examined the cost management competencies required of defense program managers. A cost management competency model was developed from a foundation of past research. The model was evaluated through a mail survey of 682 intermediate and senior level military program managers in Air Force Materiel Command. The results provided by the 330 respondents indicate that 29 of the 47 competencies in the model were valuable to the program managers. The results indicate that both intermediate and senior level program managers rely more on understanding cost management concepts than on being able to complete the tasks themselves. Data analysis identified differences in the perceived importance and frequency of use of some competencies based on management education, organization type, primary program activity, and position certification level. The results have direct implications for the development of defense program managers. Education and training programs can be improved by focusing on the cost management competencies that will be most valuable to program managers in the field.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GSM-LAS-94S-2

DTIC Accession Number

ADA285026

Comments

Co-authored thesis.

The authors' Vita pages are omitted.

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

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