Nuclear Energy Technology

Case Study 1

QUESTION:

Imagine Malaysia is going for nuclear energy technology in 20 years, with all the problems of uncertainty, possible public opposition and environmental disasters. Study the five concepts of change management and propose the most suitable approach to be used for the Malaysian company to adapt to the new initiative.

The five concepts are:

1. Lewin’s Change Theory
2. Chin and Benner Effecting Changes in Human System
3. Bullock and Batten’s Phase of Planned Changes
4. Beckhard and Harris Change Formula
5. 7-S Model

Take into consideration the following factors:

1. The requirement for new industrial standard of safety
2. Public awareness, where change of mindset is required
3. Open information to public must be implemented
4. This is hazardous energy/technology
5. Advanced country such as Germany and USA are moving away from nuclear technology, but we are entering into nuclear technology
6. Green energy may not be enough to support the economy

ANSWER:

Everything around us are made up of tiny particles called atoms. Nuclear energy is the energy held in the nucleus, or core of an atom. There is huge amount of energy in the bonds that hold atoms together. Nuclear reactions involve changes in the nucleus of an atom and thus causes change in the atom itself. Unlike normal chemical reaction that form molecules, nuclear reactions result in the transmutation of one element into a different element altogether. Nuclear energy originates from the splitting of uranium atoms through a process called fission. Nuclear energy can be used to produce electricity. The fission process generates heat to produce steam which then will be used by a turbine generator to produce electricity in a nuclear power plant. By reliably providing power 24 hours a day, nuclear energy is an important part of the energy mix necessary to meet electricity demand.

For the discussion purpose in this case study, the company that has been chosen that need to undergo the changes and going into using the nuclear energy technology is Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB). Tenaga Nasional Berhad is the largest electricity utility company in Malaysia. Tenaga Nasional’s core activities are in the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity to the country’s businesses, residential and industries. Other activities include repairing, testing and maintaining power plants, providing engineering, procurement and construction services for power plants related products, assembling and manufacturing high voltage switchgears, coal mining and trading.