Technical Competence of Air Force Acquisition Program Managers.

Abstract

This study explored how perceived technical competence of Air Force acquisition program managers is related to academic education and intrinsic technical aptitude. Technical competence was defined as the program manager's ability to assimilate technical program information and effectively factor it into his decision making at a level commensurate with his position. This study also attempted to identify situational facts which might increase the importance of a program manager having a high level of technical competence. Data was collected through personal interviews with officers in AFSC 2996 Program Manager positions and their technical advisors. Key findings were: (1) program manager technical competence is significantly related to educational background; (2) on third of the program managers interviewed do not meet prerequisites for entry into that specialty; (3) System Program Office direction calls for a higher level of technical competence than other 2996 jobs; and (4) technical ability should be a consideration in the new Acquisition Management Career Development Program selection process. Keywords: Theses; Systems management; Military engineers.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 1987
Accession Number
ADA187270

Entities

People

  • Kurt A. Miller

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Air Force
  • Air Force Procurement
  • Computer Programming
  • Computer Programs
  • Computer Science
  • Contracts
  • Education
  • Engineers
  • Military Education
  • Personnel Management
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Students
  • Surveys
  • System Software
  • Systems Engineering
  • Systems Management

Fields of Study

  • Education

Readers

  • Defense Technology Research and Development.
  • Life Cycle Cost Analysis
  • Systems Analysis and Design