Chapter 4: Research Methodology
1. Define research Scope and Objectives
4.6. The rationale for the research design
Network analysis design is based on analyzing organizations as complex systems where multiple actors interact in dynamic and non-linear relationships that shape the overall behavior and performance of the organization (Daniel and Daniel 2019, Woo 2013, Young and Leveson 2013, Cervi 2019, Chroust and Finlayson 2017, Tejeda and Ferreira 2014, binti Ab Hamid et.al 2001). One key factor dynamic relationship is the information flow structure represented by interactions between those actors. Network analysis provides an overall collective analysis accompanied by both a visual illustration and a statistical analysis that is not possible using probability-based statistical methods (Carley & Wallace, 2001). The use of data triangulation in data collection has become popular in recent research. The term triangulation refers to the use of secondary and primary data as the two sources of data collection
Furthermore, the use of secondary data helps the researcher to enhance the reliability of Network analysis (Newman 2003). In fact,
Therefore, network analysis complemented by confirmatory in-depth interviews and supported by secondary data review ensured addressing the following research questions:
66
5. What are the Interactions (the Information flow structure) between different actors involved in the UAE Nuclear Power Plants Operational Readiness Program (Programs, Processes, Procedures, systems, and stakeholders)?
14) Level 0 Process to Requirement 15) Level 0 Process to Program
16) Level 1 Process to another level 1 process 17) Level 0 Process to Stakeholders
18) Level 1 Process to Stakeholders 19) Level 0 Process to Plant Systems 20) L0 process to Implementing procedure 21) Level 0 Process to L0 Process
22) Programs to Requirement 23) Programs to Role
24) Program to Program 25) Program to Plant System
26) And Finally, one network graph analysis on the operational readiness program level 6. What are the Interdependencies and the nature of influence between individual actors within detailed interactions between the components of the nuclear power plant operational readiness program in UAE?
7. What are the Interdependencies between the five key components of the UAE Nuclear Power Plant Operational Readiness Program (Full Network Level)?
8. What are the most influential components of different Programs, Processes, Procedures, systems, and stakeholders on achieving the Operating License requirements?
67
The research design of this study is consistent with the work of Young and Leveson (2013) where they have presented a use case for systems thinking in nuclear cybersecurity describing how network analysis can be suitable for addressing the challenge of securing complex systems against cyber-attacks. Accordingly, they have proposed a new framework that shifts practitioner’s focus away from threats as an individual immediate cause of losses to more comprehensive focuses and understanding of the system structure and behavior that allowed for such a loss. Moreover, the adoption of network analysis is consistent with Woo (2013) where it was used and found beneficial to quantify the dynamics of the physical security in the Nuclear Power Plants where the same logic of analyzing the impact of the interaction between several external driving forces (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, etc.) and their collective delayed impact on the physical security objectives and the defense against a possible terror attack. Additionally, Network analysis and systems dynamics were also adopted binti Ab Hamid et.al (2001) and have been seen as one of the most appropriate tools for analyzing and addressing the complexity of developing radiation and emergency preparedness plans in the Nuclear Power Plants. Furthermore, network graph analysis was adopted by Tejeda and Ferreira (2014) for analyzing wind energy sustainability which was found very helpful in fostering a better holistic understanding of the wind energy sustainability behavior and the interaction between different elements affecting it through using causal models and feedback loops. Along the same line, some recent studies like Chroust and Finlayson (2017) have discussed the role of network analysis in fostering anticipation and support analyzing system disturbance and disasters like Fukushima nuclear disaster. Most importantly, the research design is consistent with the recommendations of one of the most important studies for Sireli and Mengers (2009) that was published in the IEEE Systems Journal that examined the relevance and value of using systems thinking and network analysis for analyzing the trend of extended operation of U.S.
68
nuclear reactors and concluded with the fact that U.S. nuclear power plants are good examples of complex systems in need of a change from a traditional managerial view to a system thinking approach. Sireli and Mengers (2009) has suggested some future lines of research within the context of Nuclear Power Plants based on the conclusion of the relevance of Systems Thinking and network analysis to the Nuclear industry and its challenges. Those suggestions included the following which goes in line with the research agenda and methodology:
1. To thoroughly investigate new emerging issues and apply Forecasting methods to ensure effective decision making and better management of risks and issues.
2. To investigate the complex interaction and combined impacts of technical and non- technical Issues on the focal subject under study.
As discussed earlier in this chapter, the Network Analysis Design in the form of system modeling using Gephi software was used as a research method in conjunction with the in-depth interviews with processes owners and Nuclear experts to validate and confirm the relationships, interdependencies, and the strength of influence between all Programs, Processes, Procedures, Plant Systems and Stakeholders involved in the development and management of the UAE Nuclear power plant operational Readiness Program. The adopted research is seen as the perfect fit for purposes since it directly answers the research questions and addresses the research aim.
Additionally, it supports both methodological triangulation and data triangulation which both enhances the researcher's ability to balance out any of the potential weaknesses in each data collection method and therefore enhance the quality and validity of the research outputs (Saunders, Lewis, and Thornhill 2011,Easterby-Smith et al. 2002). This study depended heavily on reviewing and collecting secondary data from different inputs like engineering standards, regulatory and
69
statutory requirements, management systems policies, process maps, management systems procedures, systems architectures, programs and projects documentation, performance reports, assessment reports, enterprise architecture, stakeholders’ maps, etc. and transform them into the form of ‘Dependency Matrices’. The secondary data when utilized before the in-depth interviews enabled the researcher to develop a preliminary understanding of the situation/phenomenon under study. This preliminary understanding was the basis for capturing key focus areas and emerging themes for further discussion and analysis during the in-depth interviews.