Nuclear Technology Management

Professional Development Programme

www.manchester.ac.uk/nuclear-pdp

Module Matrix and Structure

Issue 1.05 | 21st of June 2015

Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences

School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering

Professional Development Programmes

Module and Topic Matrix

Introduction

The modules and topics listed represent the current contents - the programme, module

and topic contents are under constant review and will be altered and updated as and

when appropriate.

There are areas of overlap in subject matter between different modules to ensure that each

is stand-alone (and can therefore be taken individually if needed). Overlaps will be managed

to ensure clarity and complementarity across modules.

Assessment for the programme is a combination of examinations and assignments.

Module Number Module Title

1 Essentials of Delivering Nuclear Technology

2 Decommissioning Nuclear Facilities

3 Fundamentals of Nuclear Energy

4 Nuclear Power Plant Management

5 Managing Nuclear Installation Safety

6 Managing Nuclear Fuels

7 Safeguards, Security and Safety Management for the Nuclear Sector 8 Research Methods

In addition to the modules listed, additional teaching at the attendance events covers

People Management Skills and Essentials of Accountancy and Finance.

Delegates can also undertake a postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma within the

framework of the Masters programme (1-2 years for a certificate, 2-4 years for a diploma

and 3-6 years for an MSc). Modules may be taken as stand-alone short courses for

Continuing Professional Development purposes.

Modules are designed to cover different nuclear industry segments for breadth of learning

(e.g. new build of nuclear installations, operation and maintenance of nuclear power plant,

decommissioning, and fuel cycle and waste management). The programme makes a wide

range of “broad and shallow” and “deep and narrow” modules available as possible options.

Module 1: Essentials of Delivering Nuclear Technology

Tutor: Prof Gregg Butler

Purpose of module

This module is designed to prepare delegates with the foundation knowledge and

understanding of the management of technology in the nuclear industry. As well

as its design as a stand-alone foundation module, it prepares delegates for further study

on the programme.

Topic Number Topic Title

1 Challenges in Delivering Nuclear Technology

2 Fundamentals of Project Management for the Nuclear Environment

3 Strategy, Stakeholder Management and Project Selection

4 Life Cycle Management

5 Case Study

6 Project Planning – Scope and Risk Management

7 Commercial Law and Procurement Practice

8 The Human Side of Technology Management

9 Organisations

10 Cost and Value Management

11 Risks and Quality Management of Nuclear Technology Delivery

12 The Management of Projects

Module description The module forms a general introduction to the course, introducing the key issues, disciplines and challenges facing the management of nuclear technology.

Module 2: Decommissioning Nuclear Facilities

Tutor: Prof Barry Lennox

Purpose of module

This module is designed to prepare delegates with knowledge and understanding of

decommissioning projects in the nuclear industry.

Topic Number Topic Title

1 Decommissioning Strategy

2 Radiation and Health

3 Decommissioning Project Management

4 Decommissioning a Nuclear Power Station/Facility

5 Nuclear Facility Case Study: the Site, the Legacy, the Challenge

6 Decommissioning Technologies

7 Irradiation Testing

8 Preparation for Storage and Disposal of Waste

9 Remediation of Contaminated Land

10 Deep Geological Disposal of Nuclear Waste

Module description

This module details the scope of nuclear decommissioning project management, the key

factors for successful decommissioning projects and this module’s relationship with the

remaining modules. Particular stress is placed on understanding the steps in the process,

sustainability aspects, radiological protection, legislative approaches, economic aspects,

modelling and case studies.

Module 3: Fundamentals of Nuclear Energy

Tutor: Prof Juan Matthews

Purpose of module

This module is designed to introduce the fundamentals of nuclear reactors, and in

particular:

1. Provide a basic course on nuclear physics, including reactivity control, criticality,

and shielding.

2. Provide an introduction to the thermal and hydraulic design of reactor primary

cooling systems.

3. Explain the need for, and means of, radiological protection.

Topic Number Topic Title

1 Introduction to Nuclear Power Plants

2 Nuclear Physics

3 Radiation Protection

4 Reactor Theory and Control

5 Types of Nuclear Reactor (Introduction)

6 Coolant and Heat Transfer

7 Containment Function and Fault Response

Module description

The module explains the physics of nuclear fission and the engineering design of reactor

cores, radiation effects on living tissue (and the need for radiological protection).

Module 4: Nuclear Power Plant Management

Tutor: Dr John Roberts

Purpose of module

This module is designed to provide delegates with a broad knowledge and understanding of

nuclear power station technology and its management.

It will make explicit the need for quality management to be thorough and effective in

delivering nuclear power as a viable solution, and provide an insight into the key tools,

techniques and responsibilities involved. It will investigate how risk is managed in the

nuclear sector and how risk aversion can lead to greater risks being taken than needed, with

higher costs.

Topic Number Topic Title

1 The case for Nuclear Power stations

2 Basic Principles of Nuclear Plant (Power Conversion Cycle)

3 Safety and Quality Management

4 Principle Reactor Technologies

5 Materials and Structural Integrity

6 NPP Operation

7 Security: Site security; Fuel (New & Spent); Other Radioactive Waste

8 Future options: Gen IV reactors; Thorium Fuel Cycle; Accelerator Driven Systems

9 Risk Management for an Expanding Nuclear Industry

Module description

Delegates will receive a general overview and roadmap detailing nuclear power station

engineering management and the key factors for successful power station projects.

Module 5: Managing Nuclear Installation Safety

Tutor: Dr Neil Irvine

Purpose of module

This module examines the fundamental basis and realisation of the management of nuclear

safety in nuclear installations in the UK.

It is the aim of this module to provide a clear understanding of how regulatory requirements

can be met. It aims to give a realistic appreciation of how safety and progress must be

considered and managed together to create safety cases.

Topic Number Topic Title

1 Legislative Requirements for Licensing and Operations of Nuclear Sites & Facilities in the UK

2 Management of Nuclear Safety, Both for New Construction and Existing Facilities

3 Nuclear Safety Principles

4 The Structure and Content of a Safety Case

5 Safety Cases in Operation

6 Requirements for Quality Management

7 Radiation Protection for Employees and the General Public

8 Making it Work in Practice – Nuclear Safety Culture

Module description

Within the statutory framework that regulates the nuclear industry, there is an overriding

requirement to maintain and demonstrate safety in all aspects of nuclear installation

building, operation and decommissioning. This is achieved through adequate and

appropriate safety management, including the development and implementation of nuclear

safety cases, in which all hazards are demonstrated to be understood, effectively managed

and controlled. This Module introduces the knowledge and skills necessary to judge and

influence the adequacy of licensees’ nuclear safety management.

Module 6: Managing Nuclear Fuels

Tutor: Prof Tim Abram

Purpose of module

This module is designed to provide delegates with a broad knowledge and understanding of

the nuclear fuel lifecycle and managing its technological, environmental, societal and safety

challenges.

Topic Number Topic Title

1 Front End: Exploration, Mining, Milling and Conversion; Enrichment; Fabrication

2 Main Fuel Cycles: Fuel Design for Different Reactor Systems; Uranium; Plutonium/MOX

3 Power Generation: Transport of Fuel; Loading

4 In-core Changes, Fission Products, Transuranics and Other Long-lived Radioisotope Production, Irradiation Behaviour of the Fuel and Cladding

5 Release of Radioactivity During Normal Use and Accidents; Spent Fuel Behaviour; Spent Fuel Management

6 Back End: Reprocessing of Nuclear Fuel; Vitrification and High Level Waste; Fuel Cycle Waste Treatment

7 Intermediate Storage, Geological Disposal Concepts; Actinide Recycling

Module description

The module provides a general overview of managing nuclear fuels, and their technological,

environmental, socio-economic and safety requirements.

Module 7: Safeguards, Security & Safety Management

Tutor: Dr John Roberts

Purpose of module

This module examines the sector-wide basis and realisation of the management of nuclear

safeguards, security and safety. Unlike module 5, it considers the risks, issues and challenges

facing the industry as a whole and the global nature of nuclear safety.

Nuclear energy is discussed in context with other sources of electricity, with emphasis on

the unique aspects of nuclear energy in terms of safety, security and how the perception on

nuclear energy had been shaped by major accidents.

Topic Number Topic Title

1 The Science, Politics and Ethics of Nuclear Technology Assessment

2 Nuclear Safeguards and Security

3 Safety and Environmental Effects

4 Nuclear Safety Culture and Methodologies for NPP Safety Assessment

5 Nuclear Safety

6 Nuclear Knowledge Management

7 Nuclear Information Security

Module description

There is an overriding requirement to maintain and demonstrate safety and security in all

aspects of nuclear work, and to safeguard the world from the proliferation of nuclear

weapons. This module considers the management of safety, security and safeguards across

the whole industry globally, unlike module 5 which focuses on safety at the site or

installation level.

Module 8: Research Methods

Tutor: Dr Paul Blackwell

Purpose of module

This module is designed to prepare delegates in research techniques and disciplines in

readiness for further study for their dissertation.

Module description

The unit will introduce the principles of research design and illustrate the application of

alternative research methods to research problems in the domain of engineering,

technology and engineering management. In addition, emphasis will be given to carrying out

a literature review, including searching for relevant literature, writing a well-structured and

coherent review including an element of critical and reflective review.

There are two “pathways” addressed by this module. Delegates may chose the Reflective

Pathway Assignment or the Research Pathway assignment in preparation for the two types

of dissertation. The Research Pathway is associated with classical research and the

Reflective Pathway offers delegates the opportunity to reflect on their own lived experience

of working in their professional role. The emphasis is on how delegates make sense of their

lived experience in relation to different perspectives on professional practice. Engaging in

this kind of activity is an example of reflective practice and constitutes an important part of

practitioner development.

Additional Teaching at Attendance Events

A key element of blended learning is the opportunity for face-to-face teaching of those topics where

distance-learning isn’t effective.

We use the attendance events as an opportunity to teach critical aspects of module content e.g. lab

classes, but we also take the opportunity to teach management skills requiring active interaction.

People Management Skills

Managing people is a critical component of managing nuclear technology and the skills need face to

face teaching methods. We have engaged a leadership development team to design and deliver a

programme of tuition and exercises for the attendance events that:

1. explains the need to manage people effectively 2. practices the skills needed

The programme, as provisionally outlined*, includes:

Communication – getting your message across o Written o Oral o Video o Effective briefing o The psychology of communication – transmitted is not the same as received!

Interpersonal and other people management skills o Rapport building o Influencing o Questioning

Leadership o Leadership styles o Tasking (SMART), outcome-orientated o Motivation o Team-building o Appraisal and giving feedback o Dealing with Politics o Conflict and negotiation

* The course elements above are illustrative – we may adapt the curriculum in response to delegate

needs.

Essentials of Accounting and Finance

Any leader aiming to deliver the “right” answer must justify it financially, and nuclear technology is

no different.

We have engaged a team with extensive financial and accounting experience and a strong track

record of teaching their skills, to design and deliver a programme of tuition and exercises for the

attendance events that:

1. introduces the key concepts and formulae of accounting and financial management 2. teaches the skills needed through practice 3. develops practical skills in using financial management techniques using MS Excel

The programme, as provisionally outlined*, includes:

Basic introduction to accountancy o Interaction between Profit & Loss account, Balance Sheet and Cash flow statement, and

what each does. o The flow of money in the business cycle. o When cash and profit are recognised in the accounts

What’s in the balance sheet? o Investigation of the main elements of a balance sheet

Budgeting o Preparing budgets and forecasts, o Impact of internal & external factors, o Budgetary control to improve organisational performance.

Costing o Understanding the role of costing in an organisation, o How costs are classified and accounted for.

Financial Performance o Introduction to management accounting techniques, performance measurement

and reporting.

Project Investment Evaluation & Project Portfolio Optimisation o Introduction to project investment techniques, o Project portfolio optimisation

Spreadsheet Skills (Excel) o Range of spreadsheet skills to complete both routine and non-routine tasks

* The course elements above are illustrative – we may adapt the curriculum in response to delegate

needs.

How it works

The programme is designed around:

A blended learning approach – allowing for distance learning (at home or work) and

face-to-face education (attending The University of Manchester), so that delegates

can fit their course around their professional and other responsibilities.

Manageable time commitment – the course is designed so that, once registered,

delegates will not need to take time away from the office to attend for more than

two days per quarter.

Effective use of delegate time - through e-learning technology and mentoring by

email and telephone.

Delegates can take one or two modules each semester.

There is a high level of flexibility in the programme, with access to a wide range of modules,

both bespoke for Nuclear Technology Management (N-PDP) and from other University of

Manchester Professional Development Programmes. This module flexibility is illustrated by

the following flowchart outlining some potential study paths to Masters level:

Followed by the dissertation. Module 8 is not compulsory for the Postgraduate Diploma.

PMPDP Modules - for more details go to the PMPDP home page.

Project Strategy

Planning & Resource Management

Project Cost Management

Commercial & Procurement

Systems Engineering & Project Management

People, Organisation & Culture

Project Quality Management

REAM Modules - for more details go to the REAM home page.

Asset Management & Maintenance Strategy

Maintenance Organisation

Asset Maintenance Systems

Condition Monitoring

Design for Reliability and Asset Management

Auditing Asset Management & Maintenance Organisations

Turnaround Management

Reliability, Maintainability & Risk

Machinery Vibration Monitoring & Analysis

NTEC Modules - for more details go to the NTEC home page Distance learning (also available attendance-based)

Decommissioning, Radioactive Waste & Environmental Management

Processing, Storage and Disposal of Nuclear Wastes

Decommissioning Technology & Robotics

Management of the Decommissioning Process

Reactor Physics, Criticality & Design

Nuclear Fuel Cycle

Radiation & Radiological Protection

Criticality Safety Management

Reactor Thermal Hydraulics Attendance-based only

Particle and Colloid Engineering in the Nuclear Industry

Risk Management

Geological Disposal of Radioactive Waste

The Design of Safety Critical Systems

Water Reactor Performance & Safety

Reactor Materials & Lifetime Behaviour

Radiation Shielding

Radiological Environmental Impact Assessment Please note that only some of these modules are delivered by The University of Manchester. Choosing attendance-only modules may require travel to other NTEC partner campuses.

Module Choices and Learning Paths

Not all module combinations are possible or appropriate.

Applications to take modules other than the N-PDP modules will be reviewed by the

Programme Tutor to ensure that the modules proposed are consistent with:

The overall learning outcomes for the award

Consistency with the applicant’s experience and personal learning objectives

Module availability & timetabling (please see restrictions below)

This is to ensure that all delegates have a learning path that is consistent with the

requirements of the University and of the delegate. The decision of the Programme Tutor is

binding.

Module Restrictions

Please note that each N-PDP module overlaps with some NTEC modules, so there are

restrictions on the selection of modules. Some NTEC modules require the prior study of

other NTEC modules.

If selecting REAM modules, restrictions may apply, depending on background skills and

knowledge.

Module Structure and Costs

Phased availability of programme modules

October 2014 March 2015 October 2015 March 2016 October 2016

Nuclear Technology Management (N-PDP)

Module 1

Modules 1, 3 and 5

Modules 1, 2, 3, 5 & 6

Module 4, 7 and 8

New modules possible

Dissertation

New modules possible

PM PDP Selected modules

Selected modules

Selected modules

All modules (as available)

All modules (as available)

REAM Selected modules

Selected modules

NTEC Selected modules

Selected modules

Selected modules

Increased selection

Masters – module selection (2014/15)*

Module Duration Minimum number

Maximum number

Runs

N-PDP 6 months 5 (inc 1,5,7,8)

8 Every 6 months

PM PDP 6 months 0 3 Every 6 months

REAM 6 months 0 2 Annually

NTEC 6 months 0 2 Annually

Dissertation 12 months 1 1 Every 6 months

Overall MSc

3–6 years 8 modules, dissertation

8 modules, dissertation

Every 6 months

Postgraduate Diploma – module selection (2014/15)*

Module Duration Minimum number

Maximum number

Runs

N-PDP 6 months 4 (inc 1,5,7)

8 Every 6 months

PM PDP 6 months 0 3 Every 6 months

REAM 6 months 0 2 Annually

NTEC 6 months 0 2 Annually

Overall PG Diploma

2 – 4 years 8 modules 8 modules Every 6 months

Postgraduate Certificate – module selection (2014/15)*

Module Duration Minimum number

Maximum number

Runs

N-PDP 6 months 2 (inc 1,5)

4 Every 6 months

PM PDP 6 months 0 2 Every 6 months

REAM 6 months 0 2 Annually

NTEC 6 months 0 2 Annually

Overall PG Certificate

1 – 2 years 4 modules 4 modules Every 6 months

The Nuclear Professional Development Programme is eligible for Engineering Construction

Industry Training Board (ECITB) funding support. ECITB subscribers may be able to reclaim

some or all of their course fees from the ECITB.

*Fees on application.