The research I conducted for my MSc Psychological Studies with Organisational Psychology thesis was the icing on the cake of a fantastic year with the School of Psychology. I have enjoyed being part of a brilliant cohort of Masters students with their impressive cognitive plasticity. Having access to the latest thinking and research in psychology, and hearing directly from leading researchers in the field in lectures and through participating in and supporting various studies, has exceeded my expectations of what the year would bring. A fun bonus has been taking part in public events the school held as part of its 130-year anniversary. This academic year has been a great experience all round.
My thesis explored the perspectives of senior decision-makers working in the UK oil and gas industry on factors contributing to normalisation of deviance (NoD). Since its initial use in explaining the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, NoD has been applied across several high-hazard sectors, including nuclear power, aviation, and healthcare. Its relevance in oil and gas in the UK is very timely given the late-life stage of assets in the UK continental shelf and the increasingly fragmented operating environment. My research stands firmly on the foundations established by my supervisor Dr Nejc Sedlar who provided a perfect balance of support and challenge.
If the thesis was the icing on the cake, the cherry on that cake is winning the Elizabeth Fraser Award. It gives me the opportunity thank Dr Sedlar, as well as everyone who supported and participated in the research, all of whom made it both possible and enjoyable.
The School would like to congratulate Nicola on her graduation and wish them the very best in the future!
