Information systems impact on national security execution: A model for the Security Assistance Training Program execution in security assistance offices

This dissertation uses ethnographic techniques in qualitative research to present theoretical and empirical models of the United States Security Assistance Training Program (SATP) execution in U.S. Embassies around the world. The model consists of the constructs and the moderating and mediating effect of these constructs on the SATP's relationship to U.S. national security. Particular attention is given to the utility of information systems in the SATP. The primary purpose of the SATP is shown to be its relationship to U.S. national security strategy. The dissertation shows that only one information system currently impacts the relationship between U.S. national security objectives and the SATP in the model—the Training Management System. The other major constructs strongly influencing this relationship are Equipment Purchases Driven Training, Country Desired Training, and Budget Available for Training. Of these constructs, only Budget Available for Training's influence is mediated by an information system, and that mediation has low effect. The research does suggest great potential for use of additional or modified information systems in the SATP execution at U.S. Embassies and provides a model of information inputs and outputs in the SATP execution in U.S. embassies to assist in further research or development.