The added value of qualitative variables in a quantitative manpower model for DoD MTF IS departments

Abstract

Because of concern over the budget deficit and the end of the Cold War, the Department of Defense (DoD) has become the target of massive downsizing. As a result, the justification of manpower levels through the use of manpower models has become increasingly important. This thesis addresses those qualitative/unquantifiable factors in the DoD Medical Treatment Facility (MTF) Information Systems (IS) environment that should be considered in the development of a manpower model or staffing standard for a DoD MTF IS department. These factors include DoD's movement to the managed/coordinated care environment, a macro verses a micro approach to model development, model flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and consistency, as well as the usefulness of the model for planning purposes. The various models or methodologies employed by the Army, Navy, and Air Force to staff their respective MTF IS departments are evaluated in light of these factors. Because they are difficult to quantify, qualitative factors are frequently overlooked. They do, however, contribute to model effectiveness, efficiency and longevity in that they consider some of the broader climatic concerns a mathematical formula often omits, and should be incorporated into the model building process.