Reform is the primary focus of this article, which points out that although perfecting the way we govern ourselves has been a consistent tendency in the twentieth century, we know little about the effectiveness of these efforts. Using the acquisition of major weapon systems in the Department of Defense as its case in point, this article examines one reform initiative from the standpoint of its relevance and effect on the governmental operations with which it is concerned It argues that this investigation demonstrates two factors that hamper meaningful reform: the complexity of government bureaucracies and the general lack of knowledge concerning their operations.
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