An Analysis of Air Force Acquisition Engineering Officer's Perceptions of the Adequacy of Their Preparation for Management

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine how much time Air Force acquisition engineers spend in performing management functions, how those engineers spend in performing management functions, how those engineers perceive their management training, and which types of training contribute the most to managerial competency. The results from surveys of 215 acquisition engineers assigned to ASC/EN, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH and their supervisors revealed that engineers do indeed spend substantial amounts of time performing management functions. Slightly more than half the engineers reported spending at least 50% of an average workday performing management functions. Over 53% of engineers responding to the survey felt their management training had been either 'excellent' or 'good'. Management skills were rated either 'excellent' or 'good' by 72% of the respondents. In the key area of communication skills, 87% agreed they had the necessary communication skills to be successful in their jobs. The most effective contributors to managerial competency were experience, an aptitude for management, and having a mentor. Items rated least effective in improving management abilities included Professional Military Education courses and the System 100 and System 200 system acquisition classes

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 1994
Accession Number
ADA277972

Entities

People

  • Steven E. Woodruff

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Air Force Facilities
  • Business Administration
  • Engineering
  • Engineers
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Management Engineering
  • Management Personnel
  • Management Training
  • Military Acquisition
  • Military Education
  • Organizational Structure
  • Personnel Management
  • Students
  • Surveys
  • Systems Engineering
  • Training

Readers

  • Defense Acquisition Program Management
  • Military Leadership and Professional Education.
  • Occupational Health and Safety.