Accession Number:

ADA343285

Title:

DoD Inventory Management Cultural Changes and Training in Commercial Practices.

Descriptive Note:

Technical rept.,

Corporate Author:

NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY CA

Personal Author(s):

• Kang, Keebom

Report Date:

1998-03-01

Pagination or Media Count:

34.0

Abstract:

In this research we investigate the causes of DoD excess inventory, and difficulties in implementing commercial practices for DoD inventory management. Although commercial logistics operations resemble the militarys in many ways, simply training in commercial practices without understanding fundamental differences between the commercial operations and military operations will not change DoD inventory management culture. DoDs current mission, organizational structure, evaluation, and reward systems promote excess inventory. Focusing on material availability at any cost without regard for high inventory levels leads to conflicting objectives. DoD must review all the fundamental factors of inefficiency including organizational structure, evaluation and incentivereward systems. DoD should not expect inventory managers to accomplish these tasks. This problem is a leadership issue. The solution must be a top-down approach.

Descriptors:

• *LOGISTICS
• *INVENTORY CONTROL
• MILITARY OPERATIONS
• COMMERCE
• ORGANIZATIONS
• LEADERSHIP
• MATERIALS
• COSTS
• AVAILABILITY
• MISSIONS
• FOCUSING
• INVENTORY
• MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL
• CULTURE

Subject Categories:

• Logistics, Military Facilities and Supplies

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE