Showing papers on "Procurement published in 1973"

The determinants of international production

Abstract: and as vehicles for the transference of new skills and technologies, they are no less pertinent to the theory of economic development. The sharing of the costs and benefits of their activities between the countries in which they operate raises complex and fascinating issues for the welfare economist. The geographical flexibility of their procurement, production, and marketing strategies adds a new dimension to the theories of industrial relations and collective bargaining; while their operations are not only influenced by, but help to fashion, a whole range of monetary and fiscal policies used by national governments to advance economic and social goals. I make these observations by way of introduction, because, in interpreting the various explanations of the origin and growth of international business, one is very conscious of the particular interests of the researcher. This is shown both in the type of questions asked, and the approach and techniques used to answer them. The questions 'why do firms invest overseas?', 'where do firms locate their foreign operations?' and 'what determines the amount and composition of international production?' pose similar, but not identical issues. Each is concerned with the behaviour of firms, but while the first draws on the techniques of micro-investment theory, the second is of interest to the location theorist, and the third needs a knowledge of international trade and industrial organization theory. Moreover, each of the questions may be tackled from a positive or a normative viewpoint; and with sectoral, national, or cosmopolitan interests in mind.

Product Management in High Technology Defense Industry Marketing

Abstract: As the Department of Defense budgetary requirements have expanded in recent decades, so too have their commodity requirements diversified and proliferated to encompass almost every product and service available. This expansion, along with the many firms in competition for procurement dollars, presents formidable marketing problems.

Heuristics for Computing Variable Safety Levels/Economic Order Quantities for Reparable Items.

Abstract: : The report evaluates via computer simulations heuristics for computing the reorder points and reorder quantities for procuring and repairing. Heuristics are evaluated for both the continuous review and the periodic review replenishment policies. The heuristics apply to routinely managed reparable items at the wholesale level of supply. These are items for which replenishment from procurement and repair are significant sources of stock replenishment and for which the economies of batching are worthwhile. The heuristics attempt to minimize a cost function which includes costs of holding serviceable and unserviceable stock, set-up costs for procuring and repairing, and time weighted backorder cost. (Author)

The End of Overrun: Prospects for the High Technology Defense Industry and Related Issues:

Abstract: Influences leading to the high cost of acquiring advanced weapon systems are examined, including the historical background of defense procurement and the difficulty of measuring the military value of these systems. Efforts to improve the military contracting system are detailed, including the McNamara reforms, and analysis is given of new efforts to reform weapons procurement. An important recent trend has been the changing composition of the military budgets, resulting from inflation and growing manpower costs. Recent developments by European competitors in the aircraft industry are explored, and possibilities for market diversification are suggested. Finally, military and government support of research and development is discussed in terms of technological advance.

An Analysis of the Army's Contractor Performance Evaluation Program.

Abstract: : The concept of contractor performance evaluation as in aid to the buying decision is universally applicable. It is practiced by individuals in the conduct of their personal business transactions; by business firms in dealing with their suppliers; and by the Department of Defense in fulfilling its procurement mission. In an effort to formalize and systematize its contractor performance evaluation practices, DOD established the Contractor Performance Evaluation (CPE) Program. After 8 years, its major portion was discontinued. The cancellation's effect on Army procurement practices is assessed. Current attitudes, trends, methods, policies, and techniques relative to contractor performance evaluation are identified and analyzed. Recommendations for improving current practices are presented. (Author)

A Preliminary Analysis of the Economic Impacts of Programmable Automation upon Discrete Manufacturing Industries

Abstract: : The potential savings of computer-based manufacturing systems are hypothesized. It is a conjectured contention that the development of computer- based automation will yield better benefits than those produced by usual technological progress. However, the approach examines cost savings rather than contribution to growth. The savings impact upon DOD procurement and the production costs of the discrete manufacturing sector is hypothesized by assuming the existence of an automated factory, although such a reality is perhaps several decades away. Many assumptions are made about costs, its components and relationships. A case study, literature references, opinions of consultants, and other case studies and judgmental costs provide the basis for the hypothesis. Also, the societal impacts of computer-based manufacturing automation are conjectured upon the environment, employment, general price level, urban/rural mix, and international trade. A number of definitions and distinctions are made with respect to automation, productivity, technology, and related points.

A Comparative Analysis of Leasing and Purchasing General Purpose Vehicles at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

Abstract: : The objective of the report was to determine the most economical method for meeting the requirements for general purpose commercial design vehicles at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The cost associated with each of the three sources of vehicles (GSA, Air Force owned, corporate leasing), was collected, analyzed, and compared. From this analysis, a conclusion was presented regarding the source of lowest overall cost.

Use of patent literature - case study in document procurement ~ervice of insdoc

Abstract: The eccno mic future of a country depends in the long run upon the inventi vene ss , manufacturing skill, hardwork and enterprise of its people. The development of these qualities has been fostered in every country by conferring special right and giving incentives to men of genius. Even countries like Russia and Holland who once abandoned this tradition [v iz . Patent System) had to reinstitute it to furthe r the' cause of technological innovation. When the patent is eventually granted by the State, th~ individual inventor is pre sented with 'letters patents' a contract which confers on him the right to restrain othe r people from using his invention without his consent for a limited period [2). This period is sixteen years in India, while in other countries it varies from 12-20years.

A methodology for analyzing Congressional behavior toward Department of Defense budget requests.

Abstract: A methodology based on the current Department of Defense budgetary process and recent efforts to model federal budgetary behavior is proposed for analyzing Congresional behavior toward Department of Defense budget requests. Pour simple, linear, stochastic models which associate Congressional appropriations and DOD budget requests are suggested and empirically tested via a cross-sectional regression analysis for Procurement and Research, Development, Test and Evaluation in the 1970-1973 time frame. Results of the tests are tabulated and discussed. Model strengths as well as weaknesses are evaluated based on proportional and absolute measures of model fit to the data. Areas for further analysis are also suggested.

An alternative method for the employment of the should cost concept

Abstract: : The procurement costs of military hardware have risen dramatically in recent years. Presently, there is a great deal of pressure exerted on military officials to control the rising procurement costs. One of the more promising techniques being used toward this end is known as 'Should Cost Analysis,' a cost analysis technique that provides an independent cost estimate for production contracts. Currently, the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, and the General Accounting Office (GAO) all conduct independent should cost analysis whenever they deem it appropriate to do so. The paper proposes that all future should cost studies be controlled and conducted by the GAO alone. The result should be a more cost-effective application of the should cost concept.

Analysis of the United States Navy Uniform Inventory Control Program and a proposed repair/procurement interface model.

Abstract: The U.S. Navy inventory control of repairable items, at the Inventory Control Point level is accomplished with the aid of the Uniform Inventory Control Program. This paper analyzed the existing Uniform Inventory Control Program's implied repairable model. Also, the nature of a Repair/ Procurement Interface for management of repairable items was analyzed. Under a "substitution policy" and a "cyclic system repair requirements determination" assumption, characteristics of the interface were noted and principles of operation were developed. From these principles, a proposed model was conceived which provides equations and decision rules to obtain procurement and repair policies.