Thesis (M.B.A.)--Boston University / The method of determination and expenditure of the Department of Defense research and development budget with all its attendant military, economic, and political considerations is obviously a topic far beyond the limitations of a paper of this type and no attempt will be made by the author to discuss this subject. In an effort to isolate for examination, however, one very pertinent aspect of this broad current issue, the thesis does concern itself with the problem of determining, contracting, providing and utilizing effectively the funds required to conduct Government research and development contracts with private industrial and institutional organizations. Since, in the aggregate, more than three -fourths of all military research and development requirements are fulfilled through these sources, it is hoped that, by considering these problems as they relate primarily to the individual contractor and secondarily to the Federal Government, certain conclusions may be reached regarding financial management principles and procedures which might eliminate difficulties in the field of research and development.