Application of a plant performance improvement model and implementing process

The Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) published the document INPO 05–005, “Guidelines for Performance Improvement at Nuclear Power Stations,” to assist nuclear power plant management in identifying and addressing gaps in performance improvement, including those involving human performance activities. INPO 05–005 contains descriptions, or elements, of standards of excellence in performance improvement. As emphasized in INPO 05–005, effective line management involvement and ownership are essential to success in performance improvement activities. This paper describes the FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating Company’s (FENOC’s) Performance Improvement Model and its associate implementing processes based on INPO 05–005. An integrated approach is provided for performance improvement. The FENOC Performance Improvement Model focuses on identifying performance gaps, developing target actions to close the gaps, and achieving results. To implement a workable, practical process, a plant business practice has been developed to compare current plant performance against industry standards of excellence, identify and analyze gaps, and determine, plan, and implement solutions to address those gaps.