N31: Management of the Decommissioning Process

This unit aims to:

Explain that it is absolutely necessary for clear and concise business cases to be made for approval, by an appropriate sanctioning authority, before nuclear decommissioning and radioactive waste management programmes of work are allowed to proceed.  This unit therefore sets out the framework for the production of such cogent cases, including:

• Programme formulation
• Developing the programme with plans
• Making the most appropriate use of available funds and other resources
• Arrangements for monitoring and controlling the work

Brief description of the unit

Programme Management & Contract Proposals – Discussion of the history leading to current organisational arrangements in the nuclear industry and their international context.  Responsibilities for policy issues.  Importance of an understanding of the need for individual projects within the context of an overall programme for site environmental restoration.  Description of the principles for carrying out the financial appraisal of projects and their application to a realistic sanction case.  Introduction of the principles for decommissioning programme alignment with policy requirements, and discussion of evidence of systematic and progressive reduction of hazards.

Financial Appraisal of Projects – Introduction of the concepts of project identification and capital investment.  Develop an understanding of appraisal methodologies, including rate of return, payback, and discounted cash flow which allow for the time value of money.  Apply these techniques to a realistic capital expenditure proposal.  Distinguish between financial and management accounting.  Explain the key elements for inclusion in a Department budget.

Intended Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

• Expound business objectives, uses and sources of funds, the flow of funds, accounting terminology and key financial issues
• Understand the importance of hazard reduction, project prioritisation, and Tolerability of Risk (ALARP) arguments
• Be fully conversant with modern planning processes including Work Breakdown Structures, Organisational Breakdown Structures, Responsibility Assignment, Activity Schedules, Cost Controls, Work Sequence Diagrams and Critical Path Analysis

Practical Skills

• Carry out project financial and economic appraisals including capital investments
• Understand and apply “Earned Value” reporting techniques

Transferable skills and personal qualities

• Problem solving
• Group work
• Verbal and written presentations
• Project work Word-processing and spread sheets