Making of a Quality Person: A Determination of Department of Defense Acquisition Quality Assurance Training Provided by the Military Services and the Defense Logistics Agency

摘要

The study determined there was no centralized oversight of the training program and the content of the quality assurance courses offered by the Services and the Defense Logistics Agency. Each Service and Agency were responsible for the development of training to implement Department of Defense quality policies. New training management initiatives were recently initiated by the Under Secretary of Defense (Acquisition). Data obtained through structured telephone interviews were analyzed to answer questions on duplication and standardization of training within and among the Services and the Defense Logistics Agency, career progression, qualification and certification of quality personnel, and training methods. Analysis of data found: duplicated and un-standardized courses being used; all Services did not have quality assurance career progression plans; certification was favored; training coordination lacking among Services; and no central control of training or career progression. Recommendations to improve training were provided. Among the recommendations were the designation of a DOD activity to oversee training and career progression and the enactment of a standardized Department of Defense quality assurance certification program. Keywords: Quality, Quality assurance, Quality control, Training, Industrial training, Job training, Theses.