"Human Capital Impacts in Military Acquisition" by David K. Smith

Date of Award

3-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Cost Analysis

Department

Department of Systems Engineering and Management

First Advisor

Jonathan D, Ritschel, PhD

Abstract

The Department of Defense has historically struggled to control both cost and schedule growth within acquisitions programs. Many studies have investigated these issues, but very few have explored the impact of human capital in improving performance outcomes. This study provides a description of current acquisition team manning and performs contingency table analysis to evaluate the impact of personnel, base, and ACAT on cost and schedule performance. The results of the study suggest that personnel has little to no impact on performance metrics of any kind, indicating that teams are allocated effectively. The study also suggests that ACAT 3 programs are less likely to have performance issues of any kind, while base has no impact on performance. While the study is limited by a small sample size; it is an important first extensive look at the issue, especially as it relates to schedule.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENV-MS-24-M-165

Comments

A 12-month embargo was observed for posting this work on AFIT Scholar.

Distribution Statement A, Approved for Public Release. PA case number on file.

Share

COinS