The video explores how the nuclear industry influenced public policy in Japan, which
comprised public safety. We explore how this phenomenon created challenges in
decision-making to manage the crisis.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/japans-nuclear-meltdown/
This PBS presentation examines the decision response to the nuclear meltdown on March 11, 2011. As you watch the video, observe the decision-making styles of the various
actors' approaches. After you view the PBS video above, you must read the executive
summary below and then respond to the key questions in the discussion board forum
entitled "Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Crisis: How Special Interests Comprise Public
Interest."
https://www.nirs.org/wp-content/uploads/fukushima/naiic_report.pdf
After viewing the PBS video, read the executive summary to answer the question and prepare for the
memo assessment.
Key Questions Related to the Causes of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Disaster
- Why did the chief regulator, the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA), not require TEPCO to make the necessary improvements in the nuclear facility that could have prevented the crisis.
- How did the failure of the chief regulator create problems for the Prime Minister? Did the government in responding to the crisis and inform the public?
Assess how organizational structure can lead to avoidable crises.
Fukushima Earthquake Nuclear Accident Assessment
Memo Format (see attachments)
I. Opening Segment
The introduction or opening paragraph should briefly discuss the memo's purpose, context, and problem. The memo's purpose will help clarify why the audience should read this document. Before providing the
reader with details and the context, give the reader a brief overview of the memo.
II. Nuclear Industrial Safety Agency (NISA) Organizational Structure
Briefly describe the Nuclear Industrial Safety Agency (NISA) organizational structure. How did NISA's
organizational structure prevent the regulator from mandating or requiring Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) to take necessary safety steps to prepare the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant for a Tsunami to
mitigate a nuclear meltdown? Explain how NISA's organizational structure affects its success in carrying
out its strategy and objectives, such as bureaucracy, communications, and management.
III. Ethical Dilemmas Faced by Decision-Makers
What ethical or moral dilemmas did decision-makers face due to the crisis? Give examples and discuss the implications of these decisions on the fate of individuals, communities, and perhaps the global community.
IV. Pre-Existing Issues that Exacerbated the Crisis
What pre-existing problems within the organization contributed to or worsened the crisis? Why were the issues not addressed? Were decision-makers able to overcome these pre-existing challenges to resolve or
contain the crisis?
V. Lessons Learned
Every crisis offers a vast reservoir of experiences and lessons for future crisis planning and training.
Discuss the organizational lessons learned from this crisis. How can these lessons be translated into
revised organizational practices, policies, and laws?
VI. Closing Segment
The closing segment or conclusion should summarize the key points of the memo, be courteous, includes the action, and discuss how the reader will benefit from the desired actions and make those actions
Sample Solution