Quantitative Methods

CASE STUDY 

The railways play an important role in the economy and infrastructure of Britain. Not very many people travelled back jn the 1920 as compared to present time, in spite of 50% reduction in raif routes as compared to the 1960s. Rail is also used for transporting goods around Britain. Rail proves to be• more eco friendly and safest means of transportation as compa;ed to other vehicles so, not surprisingly, the number of people commuting have gone 40% more since the past ten years. By 2034, this figure can go up. The work of network rail has to look after the tracks, bridges and tunnels which comprises of the British rail network. The railwayinfrastructure is made up of signals and level crossings. It has to look after the 20,000 mile long track and 40,000 bridges and tunnels.

Britain’s 18 main rail stations, from Edinburg Waverley to London King’s Cross, are looked after by the Britain rail system. Ten years ago, when the network rail took up these responsibilities, • it had to face some challenges. The rail neork was facing some problems. Trains were running late, the costs were too high and there was shortage of assets in both the people and machinery. Due to these issues, people had less confidence in the rail network. Ever since then, rail network has aimed at sustaining operations to reduce the expenses.

There has been 28% reduction in expenses mainly because of conomy of scale. New tracks and machinery have been bought, and there has been 90% rise in the rail punctuality. Huge projects have been given on time an towards th budget, as a result the confidence of the people has improved. Rail network has moved from ‘find and fix’ to ‘predict and prevent’ policy.

This has proved to be more cost effective and competent and enabled in avoiding delay or obstruction for the people in their travel. The rail network invested approx. 12 billion pounds between 2009 and 2014, towards the rail network. Britain has the fastest developing network in whole of Europe. By investing in people, the rail network is investing in the future to. .Britain has the largest working personnel of 35,000 workers.

It has people working in various positions, like, engineers for maintenance and signaling to project managers. Each area offers an opportunity to work. They also consist oi HR (human resources), IT (information technology), and finance and customer service. Network Rail needs to employ and keep capable engineers in order to get the work done. Presently, its engineers are doing some oi the most stimulating projects in Europe.

The projects include HS2, which is the new super spted rail link between the north and south Britain, and the project of London Crossrail. Some oi the biggest and busiest rail stations are being upgraded, like, London King’s Cross and Birmingham New Street. The main focus of the HR of Network Rail is to recruit various personnel.

This not only deepens the culture of business but it also makes sure that it can reach every talent. It offers training for every applicant, whether he is a school dropout or a graduate, whether male or female, a continued flow of appropriate talent is ensured to keep its long term project going. The company abo gives many opportunities to its workers to receive recognized qualifications, such as an exclusive programme in post graduation, sponsoring the Master’s Degree in project management and trainee.

Answer the following question.

Q1. What were the initial problems that Network Rail of Britain face? (Hint: It has to look after the 20,000 mile long track and 40,000 bridges and tunnels. Trains were running late, the costs were too high and there was shortage of assets in both the people and machinery)

Q2. What is the new super speed rail link between the north and south Britain called? (Hint: HS2)