Comparative analysis of decision-making processes with respect to U.S. armaments procurement: a case study of the F-16
Abstract
The overall purpose of this thesis is to question
the value of the use of models regarding decision-making
as it effectively operates within the
environment of US armaments procurements. For
example, conceptual framework models such as
bureaucratic politics, organisational outputs,
incrementalism, and others are far too simplistic
in their application to this subject - they only
tend to distort reality. The thesis argues that
the process is far too complex with decisional
centres shifting throughout the life of any one
given system, thus necessitating a more realistic
conceptual approach. Evidence of this is provided
throughout the discussion of the organisational
processes and the roles of those involved in the
procurement process. Moreover, it becomes apparent
that those in the highest positions of decision-making
(for example, Presidents, Secretaries of
Defense, etc.) are at times least likely to be
involved in decisions, dependent on the stage of
development of the weapon system. Further, other
groups (for example, Congress, Joint Chiefs, etc.)
commonly perceived as the decisional centres have
little, if any involvement during the earlier
stages in the life of a weapon system. The
possibility of their involvement increases as the
system enters what the author refers to as the
hardware phase, when monies must be appropriated.
In other words, the system becomes politicised and
the expertise of those in higher positions becomes
salient, because they are chosen for their political
and managerial skills - not their expertise in
detailed defence matters. Even the weight of their
decisions during the hardware phase is questionable
due to the fact that lower level "experts", referred
to as DoD Components, with longer periods of tenure,
are consistently directing upwards their appraisals
of new systems requirements, threats, etc., thus
setting the parameters for the higher positioned
decision maker. Following the description of the
organisational processes and the roles of those
involved, the discussion turns to the case study of
the F-16 to validate these points. The purpose is
not to research a case study and then attempt to
extrapolate from it axioms of weapons procurement.
The exercise is intended to yield credence to the
points referred to above.
Type
Thesis, PhD Doctor of Philosophy
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