The reliability of ocean systems is dependent on organizational factors. It has been
shown that low probability / high consequence system failures are overwhelmingly
induced by organizational factors. However, no methodology is yet widely accepted
for the evaluation of this phenomenon or its accurate quantification.
A qualitative complementary approach is proposed based on the CANL (Complex
Adaptive Non-Linear) model. In the first part, the understanding of organizational
processes that affect reliability is sought. The approach is applied to several case
studies based on published information: the "Story of a Platform Audit" (where no
failure occurred) and some offshore accidents. A methodology is proposed to
complement regular safety audit procedures. The approach is shown useful also to
improve post-mortem investigations.
In the second part, quantitative probabilistic formulations are revised, based on the
understanding obtained through the previous approach. Some of the limitations of
these quantitative methods are pointed out. The Reliability State of an Organization
is defined and a ranking for its evaluation is proposed. Preliminary guidelines are
presented for the use of this approach as a framework to identify suitable quantitative
methods for a given case.
The use of a qualitative approach is demonstrated. A different insight into
organizational factors is achieved based on a disciplined approach that relies on
experience. Significant conclusions regarding quantitative methods, their limitations
and appropriate use, are obtained. / Graduation date: 1999
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ORGSU/oai:ir.library.oregonstate.edu:1957/26761 |
| Date | 22 October 1998 |
| Creators | Biondi, Esteban L. |
| Contributors | Yim, Solomon C. S. |
| Source Sets | Oregon State University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
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