Comparative analysis of decision-making processes with respect to U.S. armaments procurement: a case study of the F-16

[摘要] The overall purpose of this thesis is to questionthe value of the use of models regarding decision-makingas it effectively operates within theenvironment of US armaments procurements. Forexample, conceptual framework models such asbureaucratic politics, organisational outputs,incrementalism, and others are far too simplisticin their application to this subject - they onlytend to distort reality. The thesis argues thatthe process is far too complex with decisionalcentres shifting throughout the life of any onegiven system, thus necessitating a more realisticconceptual approach. Evidence of this is providedthroughout the discussion of the organisationalprocesses and the roles of those involved in theprocurement process. Moreover, it becomes apparentthat those in the highest positions of decision-making(for example, Presidents, Secretaries ofDefense, etc.) are at times least likely to beinvolved in decisions, dependent on the stage ofdevelopment of the weapon system. Further, othergroups (for example, Congress, Joint Chiefs, etc.)commonly perceived as the decisional centres havelittle, if any involvement during the earlierstages in the life of a weapon system. Thepossibility of their involvement increases as thesystem enters what the author refers to as thehardware phase, when monies must be appropriated.In other words, the system becomes politicised andthe expertise of those in higher positions becomessalient, because they are chosen for their politicaland managerial skills - not their expertise indetailed defence matters. Even the weight of theirdecisions during the hardware phase is questionabledue to the fact that lower level "experts", referredto as DoD Components, with longer periods of tenure,are consistently directing upwards their appraisalsof new systems requirements, threats, etc., thussetting the parameters for the higher positioneddecision maker. Following the description of theorganisational processes and the roles of thoseinvolved, the discussion turns to the case study ofthe F-16 to validate these points. The purpose isnot to research a case study and then attempt toextrapolate from it axioms of weapons procurement.The exercise is intended to yield credence to thepoints referred to above.

[发布机构] University:University of St Andrews;Department:International Relations (School of)

[效力级别] United States. Air Force--Procurement--Evaluation

[关键词] United States. Air Force--Procurement;United States. Air Force--Procurement--Evaluation;Defense contracts--United States