An Analysis of Air Force Acquisition Engineering Officer's Perceptions of the Adequacy of Their Preparation for Management

Author

Steven E. Woodruff

Date of Award

3-1994

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

First Advisor

Kevin Grant, PhD

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine how much time Air Force acquisition engineers spend in performing management functions, how those engineers spend in performing management functions, how those engineers perceive their management training, and which types of training contribute the most to managerial competency. The results from surveys of 215 acquisition engineers assigned to ASCEN, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH and their supervisors revealed that engineers do indeed spend substantial amounts of time performing management functions. Slightly more than half the engineers reported spending at least 50 of an average workday performing management functions. Over 53 of engineers responding to the survey felt their management training had been either excellent or good. Management skills were rated either excellent or good by 72 of the respondents. In the key area of communication skills, 87 agreed they had the necessary communication skills to be successful in their jobs. The most effective contributors to managerial competency were experience, an aptitude for management, and having a mentor. Items rated least effective in improving management abilities included Professional Military Education courses and the System 100 and System 200 system acquisition classes.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GSM-LAS-94M-1

DTIC Accession Number

ADA277972

Comments

The author's Vita page is omitted.

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

Recommended Citation

Woodruff, Steven E., "An Analysis of Air Force Acquisition Engineering Officer's Perceptions of the Adequacy of Their Preparation for Management" (1994). Theses and Dissertations. 6870.
https://scholar.afit.edu/etd/6870