Strategic Planning Within Weapon System Program Offices at Aeronautical Systems Division

摘要

This thesis focused on the strategic (or long range) planning approach of system program office (SPO) personnel at Aeronautical Systems Division (ASD), Air Force Systems Command (AFSC). The research indicated that separate, distinguishable groups solely responsible for strategic planning were the exception and not the rule. The understanding of where strategic planning was accomplished for the programs varied from person to person. Specified portions of the planning process were investigated. A formal approach was followed for the economic analysis, the definition of objectives and the allocation of funds. An informal approach was followed for the requirements analysis, political analysis, threat analysis, organizational analysis, consideration of objectives prior to plan development, allocation of manpower, organizational structure, alternative courses of action, testing of planning assumptions, and testing of plans. Additionally, the research indicated that few of the plans required by regulations received wide application. More efficient resource allocation and better quality decision-making were the most common benefits of planning. The top ranked difficulties associated with strategic planning were insufficient time, unpredictable political environment, inadequately defined objective and inexperienced managers. The research data indicated that strategic planning has been useful to the program office.