Training Decisions System: Development of the Resource Cost Subsystem

This report summarizes the research and development activities undertaken to develop and implement the Resource Cost Subsystem (RCS) of the Training Decisions system (TDS). The TDS is a computer-assisted decision aid to be used in planning the what (training content), the where (technical school, Field Training Detachment (FTD), on-the-job training (OJT)), and the when (at which point in an airman's career) of Air Force training. The TDS incorporates optimization strategies to allow training managers to ask 'what if' questions related to current and possible future policy changes within the air Force training environment. The report provides a brief conceptual overview of the interrelationships between the RCS and the three other major subsystems which compose the present TDS. The report highlights the novel approach undertaken and explicates the econometric and mathematical assumptions underlying the development of the model within this subsystem, including the cost analysis and capacity estimation capabilities which have been built into the RCS. These capabilities include methods for identifying training resource requirements, highlighting constraints that impede the provision of training at representative Air force sites, and calculating variable costs for the provision of training for various training settings at representative sites. This report also summarizes data sources identified and the data collection activities performed and provides sample data collection instruments developed to obtain information for the RCS. Prepared in cooperation with McDonnell Douglas Astronautics Co., St. Louis, MO.