Knowledge Management White Paper

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Learn more about the issues of knowledge management and the 5 critical features you should look for in a knowledge management solution.

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Solving the Brain Drain of the Nuclear Industry: A White Paper Excerpt //

In 2006, the IAEA’s (International Atomic Energy Agency) report titled Risk Management of Knowledge Loss in Nuclear Industry Organizations, stated “There are two other complicating factors. The USA faces the issue of a ‘greying’ workforce where literally half the current workers will be eligible to retire within the next five years. Secondly, the lead time required to produce an individual capable of safely operating the complex nuclear systems and technologies may exceed the timeframe available until substantial retirement of the existing workforce begins.”

The growth of the industry will be impeded unless viable solutions are implemented to capture and apply the knowledge of workers.

According to the IAEA it is critical to establish knowledge management programs to “maximize the flow of nuclear knowledge from one generation to the next and attract, maintain and further develop a dedicated cadre of highly competent professional staff to sustain nuclear
competence.1 ”

Managing knowledge is a multi-step process which includes the capture, dissemination and utilization of information. The benefits of effective knowledge management are numerous:

  • Capture and identify tribal knowledge
  • Increase productivity through easy access to information and reduced impact on work schedules caused by rework and repeatable errors
  • Increase safety levels
  • Improve/maintain competitive advantage through operational efficiencies
  • Minimize the impact of worker mobility
  • Maintain high levels of information integrity

Throughout the career of a nuclear professional knowledge is accumulated not only through direct experience but also from the intangible experience gained from being a part of a complex operational environment. This cumulative knowledge is impossible to quantify. However, the potential impact of this lost knowledge can increase costs through...Read more...

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1IAEA Nuclear Energy Series No. NG-T-6.2, Development of Knowledge Portals for Nuclear Power Plants