An analysis of effectiveness measurement in the Marine Corps pay system.

Abstract

This thesis is an analysis of the methods used by top-level Marine Corps financial management to measure the effectiveness of the active duty military pay system. Specific characteristics of measurement quality, usefulness, and motivational capability are discussed. Current measures used to monitor effectiveness are described, including those of the Marine Corps Disbursing On-Site Examination Teams and the Disbursing Performance Standards Program. These measures are then analyzed in relation to the specific measurement characteristics. The thesis concludes that the current measurement process does not appear to provide adequate information to monitor pay system effectiveness appropriately. Recommendations to improve the measurement system include reporting more information on the accuracy and timeliness of the pay system as a whole (as opposed to that of individual commands) , placing more emphasis on measuring and reporting pay-related administrative performance, and reporting more information relevant to the effectiveness of the automated portion of the system (the computer).