A Study of the Role of Risk in the Management of Air Force Acquisition Programs
Abstract
The objective of this thesis was to determine how and to what degree Air Force program managers evaluated the risks associated with the various program decisions in which risk assessments are mandated by federal and defense regulations or directives. This preliminary study took responses from a series of interviews with program managers to assess the program managers' knowledge of risk and risk assessments, how they usually performed risk assessments, why they performed risk assessments, and if any relationships existed between individual backgrounds and risk taking behaviors. The research found that although the program managers in this study were all involved with risk assessments and analyses, they did not appear to be properly educated in the areas of risk and risk assessment. The managers were, however, interested in learning more about the concept of risk and strongly suggested the addition of formal course work in the area of risk management. This study also showed that differences are likely to exist between program managers possessing technical degrees (engineering, basic sciences, etc.) and those not possessing technical degrees with respect to how cost and technical risk are evaluated in various program phases. (kr)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA215430
Entities
People
- Mark F. Schenning
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology