The trending methodology will be a representation of integrated plant performance over time, based on a variety of performance indicators. As the trending methodology is further developed and validated, it will be factored into existing assessment processes. The staff plans to begin using the trending methodology during the October and November 1997 SMM screening meetings. These measures will improve the staff's ability to recognize cyclical performance. It is appropriate to consider corporate performance in decisions on individual site performance.
Corporate performance can affect performance at individual sites.
Shifting licensee resources to improve the performance at one site can result in a corresponding decline at another site. Other corporate influences, including economic-related stresses, such as deregulation and company downsizing, can also affect an individual site's ability to sustain performance. Typically, NRC inspection and assessment processes have focused on individual sites. Corporate performance is routinely assessed for those corporate activities that have a direct effect on individual plant or site performance. For example, individual sites may rely on corporate engineering or corporate oversight functions to support daily plant operations.