Will the Logistics Management Decision Support System meet the information and decision process requirements of its users?

• Main Authors: Krause, Mark W., Evanoff, Ellen M.
• Other Authors: Donald R. Eaton
• Language: en_US
• Published: Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School 2012
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10945/13692

The development of the Logistics Management Decision Support System (LMDSS) by the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) has been on going since 1991. Originally conceived as a strategic Decision Support System (DSS), LMDSS has instead evolved into a Web portal for data analysts to access NAVAIR's Aviation Maintenance and Material Management (AV-3M) data. LMDSS is more accurately described as a Web based, Management Information System (MIS) than as a DSS. This research examines the information needs and decision process requirements of LMDSS users. Focus groups, interviews, and a Web based survey were conducted to collect decision support and data requirements from fleet customers. User perceptions, feedback, and recommendations to improve LMDSS are described and analyzed. Historical insights into the development history of LMDSS are introduced as a lessons learned for future NAVAIR software teams. Problems identified by users are presented followed by specific recommendations for solutions. A prototype model developed for this thesis is found in the appendices as an example of how a modeling capability could enhance the ability of LMDSS to better support strategic, unstructured decisions. Recommendations are provided for future research.