A Theoretical Framework for Defense Acquisition Analysis
Abstract
This study develops a theoretical framework for conducting analyses of the defense acquisition process. The framework consists of three parts or levels of analysis. It links the symptoms of poor productivity noted by major defense studies to weaknesses in social decision making processes. Using a transactional perspective, this study analyzes major program manager activities as organizational agreements. It also reviews the findings of major defense studies from this framework perspective. Key findings, based upon an application of the framework are: (1) Program manager weaknesses in management integration explain a majority of the causes for poor productivity such as cost and schedule overruns; (2) There are indications that the demand for such integration is increasing; and (3) Further, there are indications of a program manager skill deficiency in social, or group, decision making including: (a) Weaknesses in developing and maintaining agreement, (b) A lack of awareness as to what program constraints are negotiable, and (c) Difficulties bridging a gap between authority and responsibility. Theses. (rrh)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA215549
Entities
People
- Lee J. Spanier
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology