U.S. Army Acquisition Workforce: Reflecting Modern Structural Changes

Abstract

This Joint Applied Project examined the acquisition workforce through the lens of "The New Organization," a framework depicting modern organizational structural and process changes for improved performance. A Massachusetts Institute of Technology team developed five alternative organizational design factors: reliance on networks, flat (lean) hierarchies, flexible practices, building and embracing diversity, and capabilities for global and international efforts. This effort examined 15 Army areas and programs to determine the extent to which structural changes are more or less reflective of the five characteristics. A baseline was established and implications for various acquisition initiatives and projects were analyzed. Conclusions are drawn and recommendations are offered for continuing evolution towards a more modern and responsive acquisition community. The research revealed the following concerning the acquisition workforce's application in light of characteristics of "The New Organization": (1) Many organizations within the Army and the acquisition workforce have already moved towards the use of networks for improving their effectiveness and efficiency; (2) There has been recognition throughout the Army of the need to rely on flatter, leaner structures where applicable; (3) The acquisition workforce leadership recognizes that flexible practices can be useful tools for workforce satisfaction; (4) The acquisition workforce leadership recognizes the need to account for greater diversity in accounting for the goals and objectives of the different generations of workforce employees; and (5) The acquisition workforce leadership is placing more emphasis on developing effective cross-cultural communication skills to adapt to the global business environment.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2009
Accession Number
ADA501677

Entities

People

  • Clayton F. Hill
  • Kathleen W. Gerstein

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Engineered Resilient Systems
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Army Procurement
  • Attrition
  • Business Administration
  • Employment
  • Lessons Learned
  • Management Personnel
  • Military Acquisition
  • Military Science
  • Millenials
  • National Security
  • Organizational Structure
  • Personnel Management
  • Security Personnel
  • Students
  • Test And Evaluation
  • United States
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Defense Acquisition Program Management
  • Systems Analysis and Design