ASCI 490 Aeronautical Science Capstone Course
Individual Project (Proposal)
James Nixon
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
ASCI 490 Aeronautical Science Capstone Course (Proposal)
Submitted to the Worldwide Campus
In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements of the Degree of
Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics
Abstract
The C-130 Hercules aircraft has been produced by Lockheed Martin for sixty years, and is the longest active aircraft being produced. Through low-cost designs, innovative manufacturing strategies, and new technologies, Lockheed has produced over 40 models of the C-130 for over sixty countries. This project will focus on the multiple programs that contribute to the success of the C-130 program such as production control, production support, and quality assurance, and will incorporate charts, graphs, and statistical data analysis that will help support the claim that Lockheed Martin continues their growth and influence in the aerospace industry. Finally, the student will provide an understanding of management applications and operations of the C-130 and how those decisions created a successful company.
Proposal
This project will take the form of an individual project
Success of Lockheed Martin Aerospace
Statement of the Project
The C-130 Hercules aircraft has been produced by Lockheed Martin for sixty years, and is the longest active aircraft being produced. Through low-cost designs, innovative manufacturing strategies, and new technologies, Lockheed has produced over 40 models of the C-130 for over sixty countries. This project will focus on the multiple programs that contribute to the success of the C-130 program such as production control, production support, and quality assurance, and will incorporate charts, graphs, and statistical data analysis that will help support the claim that Lockheed Martin continues their growth and influence in the aerospace industry. Finally, the student will provide an understanding of management applications and operations of the C-130 and how those decisions created a successful company. The research obtained will be supported by concepts and applications that students used at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University majoring with a BS in Professional Aeronautics. The student will demonstrate their research ability with documentation and apply the knowledge of the C-130 program to this project. The student will demonstrate the use of several objectives that have been used throughout the degree program, and will discuss the decisions that were made in management that made the C-130 aircraft so successful, such as mergers and other acquisitions. Finally, the student will evaluate the consistency of the C-130 program and compare these factors with one of its main competitor, Boeing.
Program Outcomes Addressed
Critical Thinking. The student will apply knowledge at the synthesis level to define and solve problems within professional and personal environments.
The project will demonstrate many concepts and applications that the student obtained while attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. This project will gather and assess relevant information to explain the managerial decisions that makes this company run efficiently. The student will reveal the use of critical thinking, providing reasons and solution to many issues within the C-130 program that were resolved with great managerial decisions. Using case studies and accredited news articles, this project will achieve the objective of applying knowledge to define and solve problems within professional and personal environments.
Quantitative reasoning: The student will demonstrate the use of digitally-enabled technology (including concepts, techniques and tools of computing), mathematics proficiency & analysis techniques to interpret data for the purpose of drawing valid conclusions and solving associated problems.
The project will demonstrate the use of digitally-enabled technology and analysis techniques using mathematical concepts to create and solve issues of the company. The project will use charts, graphs, and financial data which will help interpret the status of the past and current state of the C-130 program. The project will interpret the data of the given charts and graphs to discuss various methods to explain the information grammatically. Data that will be used in the quantitative reasoning will be collected from recent financial reports and current public records obtained through various websites and Hunt Library.
Information Literacy: The student will conduct meaningful research, including gathering information from primary and secondary sources and incorporating and documenting source material in his or her writing.
The project will gather information from primary and secondary sources that will be documented to help understand the context provided in the paper. The information that is collected will provide the ability to access, evaluate, and organize the research. The idea of the project was made available through multiple concepts provided by the Professional Aeronautics degree. Other publications will be used that were provided by online sources, textbooks, and previous research papers that the student completed for other courses.
Communication: The student will communicate concepts in written, digital and oral forms to present technical and non-technical information.
The student will provide various ways of communicating concepts in written, digital, and oral forms to achieve the objective of the project. The project will be use different forms of media such as the financial reports, charts, graphs, and data to help explain the success of the C-130 program at Lockheed Martin. The student will make use of programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel to support the project.
Scientific literacy: The student will be able to analyze scientific evidence as it relates to the physical world and its interrelationship with human values and interest.
The project will use scientific literacy to help identify scientific issues underlying concepts used throughout the degree program. The project will express the knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts and processes required for personal decision making. The project will utilize the course concepts to allow the student to ask, find, and determine answers to questions derived from curiosity of managerial decisions at Lockheed Martin.
Cultural literacy: The student will be able to analyze historical events, cultural artifacts, and philosophical concepts.
The project will assess the social and cultural impact of the C-130, and explain the affects the aircraft has made locally and globally. The project will provide important historical events in the company’s existence that proved to play a major role in the success of the corporation. The project will also analyze the historical significance of the products created at this company such as the cargo aircraft and improvements in technology.
Lifelong personal goal: The student will be able to demonstrate the skills needed to enrich the quality of life through activities which enhance and promote lifetime learning.
During the process of earning a Professional Aeronautics degree at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, every student should gain some form of self fulfillment. This University has been held to high standards for many decades and each course offered at the campus may be used in any type of career field. This degree will increase the chances for success in the aviation industry. This project will demonstrate the knowledge that the student has obtained throughout the degree program.
Aeronautical science: The student will demonstrate an understanding and application of the basic and thus advanced concepts of aeronautical science as they apply to the aviation/aerospace industry for solving problems.
This project will implement many aeronautical science concepts that were demonstrated throughout the professional aeronautics degree program. The student will display the knowledge that he received from courses such as legislation, safety, and basic aircraft performance and apply them to the operations of the C-130 at Lockheed Martin Aerospace Company. The project will allow everyone to observe the decisions made by management that have affected the production and maintenance workers for many decades, and the information that will be provided will explain the various forms of analysis and research collected.
Aviation Legislation and Law: The student will engage and discuss to present an understanding and application of basic concepts in National and International Legislation and Law as they pertain to the aviation/aerospace industry.
The project will discuss the many laws and regulations that must be applied to any type of Aviation Company. The student will use the concepts from Aviation Legislation and Law to demonstrate the effects of the FAA, unions, and other government agencies that are involved with an aerospace production and how it affects the C-130 program. The project will emphasize more on the federal aviation regulations and how the FAA’s demands have molded modern aviation into what it is today. The student will demonstrate the knowledge of the aviation legislation and law concepts by explaining each role, duties, and responsibilities of the personnel involved in producing the C-130.
Aviation Safety: The student will compare and discuss in written and spoken formats an understanding and application of basic concepts in aviation safety as they pertain to the aviation/aerospace industry.
This project will discuss concepts of aviation safety that have to deal with production and manufacturing of the C-130 aircraft. Lockheed Martin Aerospace is a company with many safety regulations that must be in compliance with federal agencies such as the FAA, EPA, and OSHA. This project will explain the importance of aviation safety and how it is influenced by previous mishaps that may have lead to injuries and damages (Kirk, 1995). Lockheed Martin Aeronautics is a company that believes that efforts that are taken to ensure this aircraft is free from factors that may lead to injury or loss. This project will research data analysis and safety articles to help explain the significance of human factor. The student will discuss various case studies that involved factors that lead to accidents in the workplace. The project will explain the implications of aviation safety and why it is a vital part in the aerospace industry.
Aviation management and operations: The student will present and illustrate an understanding and application of management activities as they apply to aviation/aerospace operations.
The application of Aviation Management theories, concepts and practices to the identified management problems will be discussed in this project. The student will research and analyze the decisions made by management, and evaluate if the choices were good for the production of the C-130. The student will discuss the identification and study of current economic, regulatory, and operational issues impacting the government contractor, and evaluate the growth of this sixty year old aircraft.
Statement of the problem
Presently, it has been assumed that with the declining prevalence of aeronautical science and seemingly reduced rate of researching in the neighborhood, schools in most countries in the world are no longer affected by the negative vices of researching, whether based on the errors, limited research or otherwise. In this regard, it is further assumed that the students within the schools have the ability to eliminate problems in the aeronautical industry. However, there is a very great difference between the reality and the assumptions taken so far. For instance, there are cases of errors in the aeronautical departments, given that in the current school administrations, the work of the counselors have not been defined, while other schools have little concern on the need to have counselors. In addition, the school counselors my sometimes be involved in the errors or may take little action on the problems caused. This study will therefore focus on the need to find the roles of the counselors in reducing the errors and enhancing efficient construction of world class airplanes in the industries, and the student’s attitudes towards the providing and undertaking efficient research in the industry.
In fair terms these studies are too broad, they lack relevancy in the case of the US, a global superpower whose aviation system leverages the world system but fail to address the needs of the local economy. It is therefore imperative for research to be carried out to look at the roles that aeronautical science play in mitigating potential financial crisis, how it reacted to the 2008 global financial meltdown, and most importantly, how it fares relative to other aeronautical systems in the globe.
Thesis Statement on aeronautical engineering
Whereas aero science and aviation technology are capable of preventing the occurrence of a financial crisis such as the one witnessed in 2008, this noble goal can only be achieved if these extensive studies and research ability measures embrace transparency and high moral and professional standards.
Significance of the study
The main aim of the study is to find the work behind the success that has occurred in the C-130 Hercules aircraft that was orchestrated by the Lockheed Martin Company where currently, there are several reports on studies that have been developed with the aim of establishing various aspects of developing the aeronautical industry in various parts of the world. Most of these studies have successfully reported on the existence of various forms of problems within schools and the neighborhood. However, very few, if any, studies have focused on the role of counselors in the schools. In addition, those which have focused on these issues have not been well developed, and very few have provided with satisfactory results on the issue. In addition, they have not focused on the specific industries around the vast world rather they have provided with generalized results on the specific countries. This has been confusing, and it is therefore the role of this study to provide clarity on the issue. The results of this study will be useful in planning aeronautical systems, especially in the process of developing aeronautical programs in industries within the county, and in the world in general. The studies are expected to be used by both the individual industries and other countries around the world.
Research strategies
From the above listed study aims and objectives the following research questions can be drawn out:
a. What does prudent aviation and Lockheed martin aerospace entail?
b. Can prudent aviation and financial management measures mitigate a global aerospace crisis?
c. Did the aeronautical industry meltdown occur as a result of poor manufacturing strategies?
d. To what extent is quality manufacturing strategies and obligations fulfilled in the Lockheed martin aerospace company.
e. What role did Lockheed Martin aerospace play in the efficient manufacturing objectives?
f. What responsibilities does Lockheed Martin aerospace bear, relative to other aviation projects in causing the aeronautical industry turn around?
g. Following the end of the aeronautical industry turnaround, has the Lockheed Martin aerospace instituted measures capable of mitigating a similar crisis?
h. What lessons can aviation students and managers draw from the turnaround of the industry?
i. What has been the key driving force behind the C-130 Hercules aircraft in the last 60 years?
Study questions
The study will focus on finding the answers to these following questions. These questions of the study will act as the guidelines for the study, and will determine the scope of the study. This will prevent the researcher from following unnecessary details of manufacturing in the aeronautical industry, but instead focus on the specific details to which the study has been tailored.
1. How has manufacturing been implemented in industries around the world?
2. How has Lockheed Martin aerospace contributed in the manufacturing industry?
3. Do wrong procedures affect the manufacturing industry?
4. Has Lockheed Martin aerospace contributed efficiently in the aeronautical science industry?
5. Do the various managers find the work done by Lockheed Martin aerospace conclusive in the development of the aeronautical industry?
Study hypothesis
Aeronautical industry has had its own peaks and downturns around the world, it is based on various aspects of manufacturing, and has a significant negative effect on the industries process of researching and which can be successfully be reduced by industries counselors, however, there are mixed feeling among the managers on the need to have counselors in industries.
Overview of the Chapter
This chapter will present an extensive review of existing relevant aeronautical research. The choice of the literature was guided by the study aim, objectives, and questions outlined in the preceding chapter. To this effect, the following subsections will be addressed: theoretical framework (Aeronautical engineering theory), aerospace management, Lockheed Martin aerospace, as well as ways of averting a similar crisis.
Theoretical Framework: Aeronautical engineering theory
In a normal organizational scenario, an agent is engaged by the principal to serve the interests of the principal. For this noble goal to be fully achieved there must be mechanisms to align the interests of both the principal and agent (Sharma, 1997). For instance, matters to do with profit sharing and overall management of an entity should be carried in a manner that does not infringe on the interests of either party. As expected, problems always occur at some point. The aeronautical engineering theory was coined to address these inevitable problems. Basically, the theory posits that the principals have got the right to be informed while on the other hand, agents are obligated to provide timely and accurate information. The principal enters into an agreement with the agent, where the principal pays the agent to perform specific duties, for instance selling and supply of aircrafts etc.
The rationale behind the selection of this theory was based on its ability to provide a clear picture of what transpires between agents (aviation managers) working in the Lockheed Martin aerospace industry and their principals (shareholders). Ideally, the theory provides the basis on which arguments will be made in establishing the roles that manufacturing strategies plays in the mitigation of aeronautical downturns.
Based on Sharma, this theoretical framework holds that the agreement between the principal and the agent is governed by two salient determinants. The first determinant is based on the notion that “agents are autonomous and are prone to maximizing their own interests at the expense of principals”. This determinant seems to hint that at any given time, disagreement between the principal and agent should be expected. Secondly, the principal-agent relationship is bogged by information asymmetry (Sharma, 1997). This second determinant seems to suggest that at any given time, either the principal or the agent will be having crucial information but unwilling to pass that information to the other party. For example, in the aviation industry, the manufacturer may be having superior information about the industry but may decide not to pass all the information to the manufacturer for fear that the customers may fail to buy the product.
Aviation Management and Operations and the history of the C-130 HERCULES AIRCRAFT
The Hercules holds the history for the bulkiest and the largest aircraft that has ever landed on an aircraft carrier. Founded in 1963 where it was loaned to the US Naval Air test centre and made history by making 29 touch and go landings it continued with this trend and in the year 1964 it became the 464th Troop carrier wind and later followed its loaning to the French air division of the 332 and achieved its mission of flowing the most dramatic missions in the history of the country of Congo that was then a Belgian state.
Lockheed Martin aerospace downturns have led to serious liquidity shortfalls in the world. Efforts to formulate sound measures for mitigating these financial crises have given rise to the unending debate on what roles does aviation technology play (Gillis., & Jackson, 2002). This debate revolves around the notion that, lack of management procedures in the industry, a major global aviated downturn. Most organizations especially aviation institutions collapse because of poor financial management, Moreover and from an aeronautical engineering theory perspective, it is imperative to note that new technological ability and management measures play an important role in mitigating aviation crises. This is because when the agent engages in unethical practices such as manipulating aviation data to hoodwink the principal or even not disclosing the financial status of the organization in a timely manner, chances are that at some point the organization may experience a serious aviation problem that may proof too hard to solve.
Chapter Summary
This chapter has presented a comprehensive review of existing relevant literature about aviation role of demonstrating concepts in mitigating aviation crises as well as the role of the Lockheed Martin aerospace industry in mitigating aviation crises. The review of these salient areas of the study topic was done in accordance with the espoused Aeronautical Engineering theory basis. Together with the primary data collected through the use of questionnaires, the reviewed literature will form the study findings.
Methodology
The research utilized several methods of study, including surveys, questionnaires, field observations as well as other experimental methods as effective ways of collecting data. The researchers also used several methods of data collection as well as investigation so as to boost the exactness and reproducibility of the results. Thus, in order to raise the probability of advancing results from various sources relating to aviation crises and the roles of the Lockheed Martin aerospace in curbing this.
Overview of the Chapter
This chapter presents a detailed account of the salient processes involved in the collection of study information. Basically, the chapter is divided into the following core sections, the espoused theoretical framework, research design, sampling methods, data collection, data analysis, ethical assurances, and lastly, study limitations. Moreover and so as to create a credible study methodology, the researcher provides the rationales behind the selection of the theoretical framework, research design, sampling, data collection, and data analysis methods.
In essence, this chapter forms perhaps the most important part of the study given that it provides a strong basis on which results, discussions, inferences, and findings will be drawn from to shed more light on the study topic. Based on Crewel (2003) opinions that the methodology chapter in a study should be organized in a coherent and clear manner so as to accord the audience an opportunity to envision the sampling techniques employed, the number of participants, the data collection and analysis tools employed as well as the study limitations, this chapter is structured into the following sub-sections that are successively built from each other. They include:
(1) Chapter overview: covers a detailed account of study purpose as well as an outline of the various sections of the chapter.
(2) Conceptual framework: this section offers a comprehensive account of the chapter’s conceptual framework (post-modernism).
(3) Research design: gives an account of the modalities of the qualitative research design as well as the rationale for choosing the research design.
(4) Sample and Sampling Techniques: describes the target population as well as the methods employed in sampling the population.
(5) Data collection: offers a clear procedure on the modalities involved in collecting data from the study population.
(6) Data analysis: gives a clear pictures on the methods employed in the analysis of the collected data.
(7) Limitations: covers the few limitations and/or problems that were encountered during the sampling, data collection and analysis processes.
Aeronautical Framework: Postmodernism
According to, XXX modern research studies should employ aviation frameworks that enhance the adequate processing of collected data.
Research Design
Experimentation: Indeed the researchers insisted on examining past events in the global aeronautical science in relation to roles that were practiced before by the operation managers. Specifically, data relating to past economic crises in the global world and more so the Lockheed Martin aerospace particularly the devastating crises and others that occurred before, and other effects on the global economic system, which encompassed the verdict of the organization, and the involvement or rather measures taken by aviation managers were used for the experiment.
The researchers retrieved the data from precedent records, but which mostly pertained to America and the world. Indeed, the recent activities invoked by the aeronautical managers and students in addressing the economic situation (Burns & Grove, 2004). Moreover, the records were retrieved from the internet, which incorporated the website of the various organization of the aeronautical industry with data taken also. Furthermore, additional data on the historical events were retrieved from other secondary results that had a detailed scrutiny of data relating to roles played before by the aeronautical managers in the sixty years history of Lockheed Martin aerospace and how the roles impacted on the global economy be it positive or negative.
Experimentation was only considered an assertion design but not the major study blueprint in this case. Moreover, its function was to offer the researchers who are most accurate as far as the study results are concerned. Moreover, it offers an insight into the likely causes of aeronautical problems of the global world in relation to bad decisions or roles played by aviation managers before.
Sample surveys
Questionnaires were utilized to interview aeronautical managers in Lockheed Martin aerospace company. In this case, the examiner acknowledged the target team members from the members within the C-130 Hercules aircrafts. Because these persons were situated in various localities globally, the internet was the most proficient way of talking to the study group. In addition, questionnaires were made on Microsoft Word 2007 format and dispatched to the relevant study group on the internet as well as through their private mails. Consequently, the results were to be retrieved back from these persons in the same manner.
Study design
This study will be both a qualitative and quantitative study. It will focus on the issues that have led to the success of the C-130 aircraft success in the last 60 years. The study will not be an investigative process, but will be purely a study aimed at determining the best possible ways to provide aviation services to the organizations in order to ensure that aeronautical downturns are prevented. The researchers have embarked on using questionnaires administered to the organizations that are able to fill in the questionnaires. This means that the researchers will develop easy to understand questions within the questionnaires, which the organizations will find simple to fill-in.
Procedure
I would ideally like to spend a day or two at each organization administering the questionnaire to managers and staff, however, if that is not possible I will request that the current aviation manufacturers. Once all questionnaires have been completed and collected they will be reviewed. Manufacturers with relevant responses will then be interviewed and asked to respond to a series of predetermined questions relevant to the study.
Data Collection Methods
The data for the C-130 was collected within a period of one month with the main aim being to find about the success that the company had received in the last 60 years. This period was predetermined as the phase of data collection and was therefore done without any delay since all the plans and targets put forth were done with utter strictness to the latter and this facilitated the achievement of the researchers targeted one month period. In addition, the qualitative data was obtained over time in individual’s interviews and subsequently documented. Consequently, for the quantitative data, the surveys were collected by the researcher and respectively disseminated through email to the center group in various industries. Responses were also received via the email and communication sailed through perfectly as planned as the banks had been informed beforehand of the academic data collection by the researcher.
Data analysis procedure
Once the data has been recorded, it will undergo the process of analysis in order to derive information from it. The researchers have decided to use the data analysis techniques available, and this will specifically be computer based techniques. In particular, these methods will include SPSS, Microsoft excel and access software. The researcher will develop t-tests, graphical analysis, correlation tables and correlation charts. Data presentation will be done using pie charts, correlation tables, tables, graphs and statements.
Ethical Assurances
The researcher worked within the conventional ethical standards. Specifically, the researcher was guided by Lather opinion that, “just as there is no neutral education there is no neutral research” Consequently, the researcher ensured that all the salient processes were carried out in accordance with the espoused theoretical framework of postmodernism. The researcher was aware that study findings and conclusions are in most cases products of the researcher’s moral and political convictions. To this end, the researcher worked within the postmodernism framework. In addition, the researcher undertook to thoroughly study the target population as well as to review the existing relevant literature.
The researcher clarified the study purpose to the participants prior to commencing of the study. Mason posits that before embarking on the process of collecting data, a researcher should partake of the following steps: Seek permission from the relevant authorities, identify the potential participants, inform them of the purpose of the study, and most importantly, assure them that their participation will be based on their willingness (Downs, 1999). To this end, the researcher sought permission from the company as well as from the potential participants. The company together with the participants were assured that the information collected from them would only be used for academic purposes. Again, they were assured that only the information they were willing to divulge would be used in the study, that is, there would not be any instances of coercion to participate or even to divulge certain information. Moreover and so as to enhance participation, the potential participants were informed that they were free to withdraw from the study any time they may wish so. Furthermore, the researcher undertook to communicate the study schedule to the participants prior to dispatching the questionnaires. This gave the participants the opportunity to make adjustments to their own schedules.
3.8 Study Limitations
Like many other social studies, this study suffered a considerable number of problems. These problems revolved around the accuracy (validity and reliability) of the formation gathered through primary methods. As a matter of fact, the accuracy of the information collected from the participants using questionnaires could not be authenticated as the researcher relied on the participants’ goodwill. The risk that some of the participants would give out untrue information was real. For instance, though the identities of the participants were not divulged, some of the participants may have felt uncomfortable providing information that would paint a bad picture of their organizations in regard to their contribution or lack of it towards the mitigation of various problems in the aeronautical industry. Such participants may have been tempted to give false information. The study also suffered severe limitations since the data that was required for the study for the last 60 years in regard to the success of the C-130 Hercules aircraft was insufficient since it was hard to find on most sites.
3.9 Summary of the Chapter
This chapter has presented a comprehensive account of the core study processes of sampling, data collection, and data analysis. So as to enhance the ease of participation as well as the elicitation of accurate information, a random sampling method was employed. Again and so as to increase the amount of data collected both primary and secondary data collection methods were utilized. The primary data collection methods comprised of questionnaires which were administered to study participants while the secondary data collection methods comprised of reviewing of the relevant literature. The collected data was analyzed using a continuous method of drawing short memos and codes. Lastly, the researcher worked within the set ethical provisions.
