THE NAVAL NUCLEAR PROPULSION PROGRAM - A BRIEF CASE-STUDY IN INSTITUTIONAL CONSTANCY

Institutional constancy is a concept that has been proposed to help ex plain how given the close scrutiny that now pertains to such activitie s, organizations can effectively manage large technical systems that i nvolve hazardous materials with potentially significant long-term cons equences. One organization that has effectively managed within such an environment for almost 50 years is the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Progr am. The program's management method involve careful organization, meti culous program execution, the achievement of technical excellence, clo se management of program and contractor personnel assets, and effectiv e communications. The attributes of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Progr am compare well to those that have been ascribed to organizations that exhibit institutional constancy. The program demonstrates both trustw orthiness and the capacity to enact programs. The program's consistent emphasis on the technical competence of its personnel it a distinctiv e feature. The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors They do not represent the views of either the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Dir ectorate or those of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board.