What is one potential outcome of ineffective change management in nuclear systems?

Ineffective change management in nuclear systems can lead to compliance issues with security protocols because such changes may not be properly assessed or implemented. This can result in gaps in the adherence to established regulations and practices that are crucial for maintaining the safety and security of nuclear operations. Effective change management ensures that all modifications to systems, processes, and technologies are thoroughly evaluated in the context of existing security measures. Without this diligence, there is a heightened risk that essential protocols could be overlooked or inadequately enforced, potentially compromising the security framework that protects against unauthorized access or incidents.

In contrast, the other potential outcomes presented would generally require effective change management. Increased safety standards and decreased operational costs stem from well-managed changes that are carefully planned and executed. Enhanced secrecy of operations might stem from effective measures but could also be jeopardized by poor management of operational changes. Thus, the emphasis on compliance issues underscores the critical need for rigorous change management in the nuclear sector.