A METHOD FOR REAL-TIME OPERATORS TRAINING PROGRAMS FOCUSED ON BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES

Real-time operators act on phenomena characterized by uncertainty, incomplete information, time pressure, unexpected events, and security threat. Emergency and urgent situations demand for rapid and effective decisions. This is the case of marine and air traffic control, nuclear plants control, and power system operation. It requires the development of behavioral skills in training programs. The traditional methods for training programs directed towards real-time operators have a gap to develop behavioral competencies such as skills and attitudes. In this study, we suppose that the engineering training processes can assist in building a sequence of activities involving technical and behavioral competencies. This paper proposes a method to build training programs directed towards Brazilian power system operators. The method was verified and evaluated by experts from the Brazilian National System Operator. The method comprises six steps: Analysis of real-time operation problems, Operational context analysis, Identifying training needs, Choosing training tools, Structuring the training program, and Evaluation. These steps and a set of techniques and behavioral tools composing a training program customized to the Brazilian power system operation needs. The roleplay technique coupled with traditional simulation exercises is proposed as a device for developing behavioral competencies. This combination of tools favors the development of a behavioral observatory to improve actions in real time. In order to increase the contribution to the real-time operations, it is necessary to test the method in related areas. Marine and air traffic control may benefit from the method, since demand similar competencies.