1. We Are WSP
  2. Insights
  3. Delivering complexity in the rail industry

Delivering complexity in the rail industry - a system engineering approach to programme management

In this paper, a combination of System Engineering and Programme Management Techniques is proposed to bring order into managing the delivery. 
Friday, 23 August 2019

The infusion of technology into modern railways has introduced a complexity that requires new techniques in delivery.  Management of technically rich projects themselves require a structured System Engineering approach to controlling the engineering aspects.  However it is not just the infusion of technology that makes these projects challenging; there are other elements like the management of logistics, multiple stakeholders, safety and operational demands that add to the challenge.  A combination of System Engineering and Programme Management Techniques is proposed to bring order into managing the delivery.

The ultimate output capability of the project must first be established; the scope is then broken down technically, operationally, contractually and programmatically, and then re-assembled around common goals covering disciplines and stakeholders.  The programme schedule is established, stages of delivery are identified by key delivery points which are then defined by their physical, functional, performance and operational characteristics.  A graphical representation helps to give a clear understanding of the delivery strategy.  This is then used to communicate the plan and to monitor progress.  The process has been employed extensively in the UK, mainland Europe and the Middle East.

More on this subject

Thn-Web-VZ-ITS-Article3

October 2020

Effective Intelligent Transport Systems Integrate Human Factors

Feature
Mobility , Places , Society
thn-maritime-insights

October 2020

Can sailing into the past inspire an autonomous future?

Feature
Climate , Resilience , Mobility , Places , Technology
thn-Web-VZ-ITS-Article2

October 2020

On the "ITS" Road Toward Vision Zero

Feature
Mobility , Places
thn-Web-VZ-ITS-Article1

October 2020

Intelligent Transport Systems Advance Vision Zero Road Safety

Feature
Mobility , Places
thn-Web-Asset-Mgmt-Resilience

October 2020

Asset Management Prepares Organizations for Unexpected Events

Feature
Resilience , Places , Society , Mobility , Resources
thn-insights-sustainable-transportation

September 2020

Cultivating Sustainable Transport Systems

Feature
Mobility , Places , Resilience
thn-web-WMD-2020

September 2020

Mapping More Sustainable Cargo Transport Routes

Feature
Climate , Mobility , Resilience
thn-wp-alliance-contracting

September 2020

Leveraging Project Procurement and Delivery Approaches for Positive Outcomes

White Paper
Mobility , Places , Resources
thn-web-insight-SI-Lab

September 2020

Systems Integration Labs Make Ideal Proving Grounds

Feature
Mobility , Technology , Resources
thn-web-insight-geospatial

September 2020

Geospatial Technologies Inform Infrastructure Decisions

Feature
Technology , Resources , Mobility , Climate
thn-future-ready-car-park

August 2020

The Future Ready Commuter Car Park

Australia
Feature
Mobility , Society
thn-california high speed train

July 2020

Achieving Systems Integration through Interoperability

Technical Paper
Mobility , Resources
Read the article