Thesis--School of Advanced Airpower Studies, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., 1997-98. / Title from title screen (viewed Oct. 10, 2003). "August 1999." Includes bibliographical references.

published_or_final_version / Business Administration / Master / Master of Business Administration

The purpose of this study was to identify the usage level of QR technologies and to examine the relationships between the organizational characteristics and the usage level of QR technologies and QR adoption in the U.S. apparel industry. Using the usage level of QR technologies and QR adoption as the dependent variables, the selected organizational characteristics, as independent variables, were: firm size (Le., numbers of employees, dollar amounts of sales volume), organizational strategy (i.e., prospector, analyzer, reactor, defender), product characteristics (i.e., product category, fashion change, seasonal change), and perception of QR benefits. The conceptual framework for this study was based on Rogers' adoption theory (1983). A factor approach was used to examine a cross-section of firms to determine significant characteristics influencing QR adoption. A random sample of 306 apparel manufacturers without locational limitation were selected from a purchased list. The sample was stratified by firm size (i.e., number of employees) and product category (Le., men's, women's, children's/infant's wear). A mail questionnaire was pilot tested for content validity and instrument reliability, and the revised questionnaire was sent to plant managers. Adjusted response rate was 47.0% (n=103). Regression, discriminant analysis, and nonparametrics were used to test the statistical significance of hypothesized relationships. The most frequently used technologies were small lot orders, short cycle cut planning, short cycle sewing, and production planning with customer. Firm size, organizational strategy, and fashion change were significantly related to the usage level of QR technologies. Firm size, organizational strategy, product category, and perception ofQR benefits were significantly related to QR adoption. Four QR elements (i.e., production planning, flexible manufacturing, inventory control, information sharing) were significantly related to QR adoption. / Master of Science

The present study identifies the dimensions and variables using prior research within each of the constructs under the management systems, fit and, organizational strategy, structure, lifecycle and performance. The constructs from the research model were defined with a combination of direct, calculated and coded measures. Context analysis for each case categorized management systems design into either prescriptive or descriptive. The selected performance measures have been extensively investigated in the research fields associated with organizational management. The study uses the multiple case study design with cross-sectional data spanning from 1991 to 2005 and involving 19 aerospace companies in the United States. A priori hypothesized relationships between the constructs were tested with Mann-Whitney procedures for differences between mean ranks associated with organizational performance measures. The results from Mann-Whitney tests suggest that there exist significant differences in organizational performance from fit factors between a management system design and the organization. Present study defined organizational performance measures for analysis in terms of Return on Assets, Return on Equity and Return on Investment. When compared to a prescriptive management system design, a descriptive management system design was associated with higher levels of organizational performance. Cases with a fit state were found to score significantly higher than cases with unfit state suggesting that a correct fit state is associated with higher levels of organizational performance. A fit state was associated with higher levels of performance when each of the organizational factors for strategy, structure and lifecycle were aligned to management system design. Study results suggest equifinality as cases reached a particular fit state with differing combinations of fit factors. The study contributes to the field with interpretation of a fit model and key relationship between management systems and performance providing the base for future research efforts associated with management systems, organizational factors and the fit between them.

The purpose of this research was the evaluation of the American Strategic Duration Perspective, generally accepted and often criticized for being performance based shorttermism, to the detriment of its long term economic sustenance. The study sampled three hundred and thirty one corporate strategic leaders in three categories, namely; American, Japanese and Japanese-American. The survey instrument was a written, cross sectional, questionnaire. The study evaluated the American Strategic Duration Perspective in contrast to; the Japanese Strategic Duration Perspective, generally accepted as long-termism, secondly, by measuring Japanese-American SDP. adaptation made in relation or response to the American Operating Environment. The traditional Japanese-American Strategic Duration Perspective is Japanese long-termism. Thus, JapaneseAmerican SDP. adjustment to the American Operating Environment would "objectively' demonstrate whether the American Strategic Duration Perspective was an appropriate subjective (Japanese-American) perception or not. The data reflected that not only had the Japanese-American sample become more American in Strategic Duration Perspective, but that the Japanese had themselves shortened their SDP. "independent" of the American Operating Environment. These facts supported the status quo American Strategic Duration Perspective. Further, the shortening of Strategic Duration Perspective by the Japanese sample reflects a broader, global trend toward an increasingly RealTimestrategic management model / Economic and Management Sciences / D. BL.

The purpose of this research was the evaluation of the American Strategic Duration Perspective, generally accepted and often criticized for being performance based shorttermism, to the detriment of its long term economic sustenance. The study sampled three hundred and thirty one corporate strategic leaders in three categories, namely; American, Japanese and Japanese-American. The survey instrument was a written, cross sectional, questionnaire. The study evaluated the American Strategic Duration Perspective in contrast to; the Japanese Strategic Duration Perspective, generally accepted as long-termism, secondly, by measuring Japanese-American SDP. adaptation made in relation or response to the American Operating Environment. The traditional Japanese-American Strategic Duration Perspective is Japanese long-termism. Thus, JapaneseAmerican SDP. adjustment to the American Operating Environment would "objectively' demonstrate whether the American Strategic Duration Perspective was an appropriate subjective (Japanese-American) perception or not. The data reflected that not only had the Japanese-American sample become more American in Strategic Duration Perspective, but that the Japanese had themselves shortened their SDP. "independent" of the American Operating Environment. These facts supported the status quo American Strategic Duration Perspective. Further, the shortening of Strategic Duration Perspective by the Japanese sample reflects a broader, global trend toward an increasingly RealTimestrategic management model / Economic and Management Sciences / D. BL.

This project was designed to develop a public relations plan to increase awareness in Southern California of the Tzu Chi Foundation, a non-profit organization that is based in Taiwan.