READIT-2007 - Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research

IT enabled KM System/Tools Development in
Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL)
P.B. Mishra*, J.P. Moolani*, R. Mago * and U. Chandra *
Abstract
This paper summarizes the experiences and the future plans towards IT enabled KM
System/ Tools Development in Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL).
In order to facilitate generation, transformation, preservation and dissemination of
knowledge resources of NPCIL, a corporate wide approach has been adopted for
development of IT enabled KM System/ Tools. Many new projects towards work flow
automation, specifically targeting training/learning processes, are being undertaken. Some
processes such as engineers’ selection, induction training, placement, licensing &
qualification have been fully automated.
A company-wide web-application called ‘Corporate Human Asset, Review and
Management System (CHARMS) has been developed and launched to capture, identify and
map knowledge assets within the organization.
Web based application called ‘Licensing and Qualification Information &
Development System (LIQUIDS)’ is continuously fine tuned to capture problem solving
/diagnostic skills.
KM portal facilitates involvement of ‘Subject Matter Experts’ for knowledge
creation/transformation and knowledge sharing and development of Computer /Web Based
Training (CBT/WBT) has been launched.
A web application tilted ‘Glossary’, for development and management of
definition/drill-down description of commonly used technical terms, has been developed.
Taxonomies for definition sources, references, related subjects, developer / reviewer
references and such other are continuously being updated and refined.
1. EVOLUTION OF KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN NPCIL
From year 2000 onwards, expansion of organization and retention of
knowledge resources became the key issues in NPCIL to meet country’s energy need.
Superannuation of experienced personnel and attrition of young engineers needed a
makeover in erstwhile corporate policy of knowledge management and training, for
preserving existing knowledge and generating new knowledge for competitive
business advantages. The basic need of uniform and systematic knowledge
management approach in NPCIL was to inculcate confidence towards preparedness of
NPCIL to undertake massive expansion program by ensuring adequate knowledge
resources and competent trained staffing.
2. THE APPROACH ADOPTED BY NPCIL FOR KM
In order to achieve above, across-the-board approach was adopted. A
dedicated KM group under leadership of senior management personnel was created at
corporate office in order to ensure uniform and systematic KM approach at multiple
NPP sites across the country (a few sites with multi reactor technologies such as
BWR, FBR, PHWR and PWR – also of different generations).
* Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. (NPCIL), VS Bhavan, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400 094.
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