Policy Analysis of Using Unit Costs as a Means of Performance Measurement in theAir Force Science and Technology Program

摘要

This study investigates the possible use of unit costs as a means of performancemeasurement in the Air Force Science and Technology (S and T) program. Using a policy analysis methodology, the author breaks the analysis into four phases. The first phase called understanding the problem, incorporates the theory of management control systems, budgets, resource management systems, and identifies what the S and T program encompasses. The second phase is called developing policy options and identifies three distinctly different policies that satisfy the need for getting performance information into the hands of decision-makers. The third phase is called determining the impacts. During this phase each of the policies is evaluated based on weighted decision criteria and possible impacts are identified. The last phase is called selecting the best alternative. This phase states the conclusions reached from the analysis. It also identifies the limitations of the research and recommends areas needing further research. This study found that unit costs are currently not the best way to determine S and T program performance.