The ship acquisition process : an interorganizational perspective.

Abstract

The ship acquisition process consists of the development and production of a ship and its systems by organizations bound into a structure by existing laws, regulations, and practices. One of the major determinants of efficiency and effectiveness of this process is the correlation of the structure with the tasks associated with acquisition of the ship. Real and/or perceived problems are indicated in the process by adverse publicity and management actions. The thesis contains a review of organizational theory relating structure, tasks, conduct and performance. The structure and tasks associated with ship acquisition are examined and an example is provided from the Patrol Frigate design showing the relationship of structure and tasks. The author concludes the ship acquisition structure is not theoretically well matched at a point in time with the tasks it is required to perform and a coordinated longitudinal investigation of the weapons acquisition process is needed. A framework for this investigation is suggested.