Behavioural Change Management Tools: Case Study Analysis

Changes Faced by Train Controllers in the Mining Project

Identify the changes the train controllers will face 

Discuss how these changes these might affect the train controllers. 

Choose two behavioural change management tools 

Using the data from the case study, demonstrate  how you would use these tools in the project setting

This is an academic assignment so a minimum of three academic references are expected. Please use the Harvard referencing system. Instructions on this system can be found in the ‘More, More, More’ section of the course.

Read the case study below and answer the question:

The train controllers are unhappy

Project Background

The mining industry in Australia was booming. The Chinese market was growing rapidly, and the iron ore miners were struggling to keep up. One miner, a large global company who already had four operating mines in the Australian outback, decided to bring forward their plans to build and operate a further three mine sites as quickly as possible, to meet demand. They had two main competitors, one in Chile and another working in Australia, with whom they would be competing to sell ore to China. The quicker these new mines were operational, the better. The race was on.

Both the new and old mines were in a large expanse of Australian bush – literally in the middle of nowhere. The old mines were mainly serviced by fly-in, fly-out, mine staff. A small number of critical workers lived in nearby townsites, mining towns with very limited services. These towns were heavily subsidised by the mining companies. They were really like small communities, with everyone knowing each other and looking after each other. Workers and their families who lived in these small communities spent their time bushwalking, camping, and enjoying a simple, outdoor lifestyle. 

The nudge theory is a good change management tool.

Nudge is a concept in behavioural science, political theory, and behavioural economics which proposes positive reinforcement and indirect suggestions as ways to influence the behaviour and decision making of groups or individuals. Nudging contrasts with other ways to achieve compliance, such as education, legislation, or enforcement.

Understanding the Nudge theory and how to use it will provide you with a great tool to proactively encourage stakeholders to embrace the changes that your project will deliver.  Rather than just communicating the change and measuring how stakeholders accept it, the nudge theory is a proven method of communicating the project change that subconsciously promotes the change by personalising the message.