Question

For this assignment, you will brainstorm two lists. For the first list, which you will label "Building a Railroad," I want you to list in as much detail as possible all of the things you would need to do to start a railroad business (with track that covers a significant distance). List all the tasks you would need to perform, the different types of workers you would need to hire, the raw materials you would need to get, etc. 

For the second list, labeled "Managing a Railroad," you will list everything you would need to do to run this railroad business on a daily basis (people to hire, materials needed, tasks to perform, etc.). 

The more detailed the lists, the better. 

Answer 1

Building a Railroad

It is essential initially to understand the policies pertaining to starting a railroad business in the country in which the business has to be started. As a first step, it is very important to be aware about the norms and policies so that next steps can be planned accordingly. Once necessary compliance with the local norms and practices is ensured, the next stage is to plan the implementation process. For this, the most important thing is to take into consideration the resources required for implementation.

The company should decide and remain firm with the length of tracks it wants to operate. Based on this estimation of resources and procurement of materials will happen. Starting Railroad operations involves many intricate processes and establishing relationships with external stakeholders. Once the length is finalized, the next stage is to establish contact with suppliers who will provide necessary materials, services for the project. It is very important to enter into contract with rail track manufacturers. They shall supply the rail tracks - the most crucial element in the project.

Typical tasks in railroad project include, surveying land for railroad track establishment, preparing a layout of the land identified, drawing map, levelling the land, laying rail tracks, levelling the tracks uniformly, putting ballast and ensuring sufficient ballast to avoid collapse of tracks, laying electricity lines, checking regularly if the implemented system works well or not through pilot tests before final system is implemented. Some of the pre-construction activities include constructing subgrade drainage system. This is followed by laying bottom ballast which includes setting the thickness of bottom ballast by the design, track designing, spreading the railway sleepers. The next stage is anchorage. It means fixing railroad spike to railway sleeper. This is followed by steel rail laying i.e. track laying. This is followed by top ballast laying which means laying ballast on the track and renovating it for better results. Top ballast laying has certain steps in orders: transport ballast-spread ballast-track lining-filling ballast-tamping. This is a two stage process.

To accomplish the above tasks, various categories of workers are required. They include field labourers, civil engineers, electric engineers, mechanical engineering professionals, surveyors, operators, draughtsman, stone cutters etc. Raw materials required are rubble used in the construction of railway ballast, pre-stressed concrete sleepers: Concrete sleeper are used nowadays. Earlier, wooden sleepers were used due to the durability they offer. However, environmental concerns have resulted in shift towards concrete sleepers. Earth and rocks from excavation are also used in railroad construction activities. Anchorage involves the use of Sulphur, sand, cement, paraffin, screw spike. The tracks are not raw materials but rather finished products that the suppliers shall provide the business. The tracks are made of steel, so indirectly the railroad business uses steel in its business operations.

Managing a railroad business

Along with having necessary infrastructure in railroad business, it is also essential to have effective processes to carry out the tasks of managing businesses effectively. In the first place, necessary infrastructure to manage the business is must. Communication plays a vital role in railroad business, so effective communication mechanism is required. Secondly, information technology should be leveraged appropriately to ensure required automation and facilitate correct fleet movements over the tracks.

An effective MIS and dashboard is must to keep track of activities involved. For this, it is essential to have high-performance computer and electronic systems that will assist in coordinating operations in wide geography. Offices need to be in place at required terminals to facilitate the railroad operations. Along with this it is very essential to have offices all along the track for maintenance and monitoring activities. Operators posted their shall be responsible for ensuring that required safety parameters are being ensured – this includes preventing people to cross railway tracks prior passing of train.

To effectively manage day-to-day business, people at various positions would have to be hired. This includes technicians for maintenance, electrical, mechanical and civil engineers, Fitters, traffic personals, clerical staff, ticket examiner, station master, goods guard, communication staff, enquiry/reservation clerk, operations manager, commercial managers, railway inspectors and police.

Typical tasks in managing railroad business are: observing and verifying levelness and alignment of tracks, operating various instruments and machines, carrying out maintenance activities. Some of the weekly, monthly tasks are monitoring the tracks, and reporting and locating damaged or broken track. Repair or adjust track switches, operate requisite machines for smooth rail operations. The activities discussed are more operational in nature. Some of the activities related to management function include daily coordination and communication with concerned stakeholders, managing the route effectiveness ensuring minimal route congestion. Keeping close eye on financial parameters and trying to achieve the financial goals through continuous improvements.