Denver Case Study
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I. View Point
I will be assuming the Management Consultant expert in productions view point.
II. Definition of the Problem
The opening of the Denver International Airport had to be delayed four times due to problems in the baggage handling system. The enormous increase in complexity of the baggage handling system is the root of the problem. The total delay was 16 months. The total costs were $4.5 billion.
III. Statement of Objectives
To improve ground efficiency
To reduce close-out times for hub operations
To minimize time – consuming manual sorting and handling
IV. Areas of Consideration
A. Strengths
New Denver Airport
Represents a model of the airport of the future
Planned to be the second largest hub.
huge local commitment
DIA was financed by a lot of different sources
Baggage Handling System
Uniqueness of the technology being integrated and automated
BAE Automated systems
Had enjoyed the reputation of being among the best and, on the strength of it good work, has been responsible for most of the major baggage systems recently installed in the United States.
B. Weaknesses
Baggage Handling System
Poor scheduling
New and untested technology
complexity of the system and changing requirements
Highly visible mechanical problems
does not deliver productivity and efficiency
lower cost-effectiveness of the system.
Denver Airport
Did not open as scheduled
Enormous costs on the part of the owners due to delays
Costs of maintaining the new airport
Management System
Resignation of the head of the DIA project assigned
Death of Chief Airport Engineer Walter Slinger who was the key player in the negotiations.
Communication was a problem from the beginning channels between: (a) The City, (b)The Project Management Team and (c) Consultants, were never well defined
The City did not get airlines together to ask them what they wanted or needed to operate.
The management team had no experience of baggage handling systems and treated it as being similar to pouring in concrete or fitting air-conditioning ducts.
Poor management relationships
BAE had to change its working structure to conform to DIAs project management team structure.
BAE felt restricted with the breaking over their agreement on unrestricted access which occurred everywhere. Other contractors work was impeding BAE progress. (key point in original negotiation).
C. Opportunities
The City of Denvers 1983 mayoral race precipitated initiatives to improve the airfield infrastructure.
Mayor of Denver put a very high emphasis on jobs and trade for the city
Denvers geographic location and the growing size of its population and commerce made it and attractive location for airline hubbing operations.
The growth of the determination of the ” pro New Airport”
D. Threats
Expensive for the airlines due to delays
Economic free-fall in 1987
Airlines are likely to limit operations below the level for which the airport was designed. Fewer flights and passengers increase the cost per passenger, thus encouraging airlines to route connecting traffic through alternative, competitive hubs.
The new mayor was elected who inherited the project with no commitment to it by the major airlines.
City of Denver invited reporters to observe the first test of the baggage system without notifying BAE.
V. Alternative Courses of Action
1. Denver Airport considering automated baggage systems should start out by assessing