Identification of Desired Computer Capabilities for Management of an Air Force Base Level Civil Engineering Design Office.

Computer Systems are becoming more important in the management of the different branches within an Air Force Civil Engineering organization. One of the primary items that determines the effectiveness and efficiency of a computer system is the development of the software. Before the software can be developed, the desired capabilities of the computer system need to be identified. This thesis identifies computer capabilities that Chiefs of Engineering Design and their immediate supervisors desire for use in managing base level Air Force Civil Engineering Design Offices in the Continental United States. These capabilities were identified by having managers from engineering branches in Air Force Civil Engineering organizations evaluate 74 potential computer capabilities. Respondents were also able to comment on the identified capabilities and to identify any other capabilities that they may desire. The many and in some cases quite lengthy comments received show that the respondents are interested in this subject. The vast majority of respondents comments were very positive and expressed their need for help in developing required computer support. In response to this requirement, many bases have procured minicomputers and the Air Force is in the process of procuring computers for the Work Information Management System WIMS for each base. WIMS is a series of desktop terminals connected to a central computer system with a common data base for use by all Civil Engineering managers. The results of this thesis will be used in the development of software for the WMIS computers.