Commercial and Military Communication Satellite Acquisition Practices.

Abstract

This study test the contention that the commercial sector consistently manages acquisition programs better than the military, by examining management practices with program outcomes associated with the acquisition of communication satellites by the Air Force and by the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (INTELSAT). The study finds that the military and commercial programs are organized and managed in much the same way and that both produce well-functioning, useful spacecraft, Several significant differences in management practices and outcomes, however, suggest that the Air Force may be able to improve its acquisition activities. It concludes that, in carefully selected situations, there should be a place for the performance-oriented INTELSAT management practices. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1985
Accession Number
ADA157398

Entities

People

  • E. J. Simmons
  • G. K. Smith
  • J. P. Stucker

Organizations

  • RAND Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Birds
  • Communication Satellites
  • Communication Systems
  • Contracts
  • Geosynchronous Orbits
  • Military Acquisition
  • Multiple Access
  • Satellite Buses
  • Satellite Communications
  • Space Systems
  • Space Transportation
  • Spacecraft
  • Systems Engineering
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Test Equipment

Readers

  • Defense Acquisition Program Management
  • Economics
  • Instructional Design and Training Evaluation.

Technology Areas

  • Fully Networked C3
  • Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control
  • Space
  • Space - Satellites