Reliability project optimization: A South African rail case

The delivery of projects in the rail industry is a challenge. Transnet SOC Ltd (The South African national rail entity) is the sole bulk freight logistics rail company in South Africa. Transnet Capital Projects (TCP), a division of Transnet SOC Ltd, acts as a service provider to all the operating divisions of Transnet. TCP projects constantly failed due to what seemed like project integration challenges. The purpose of this research is to determine Transnet's deficiencies and recommend solutions based on project management best practice in the field of railway engineering. This was achieved through the use of a questionnaire that was designed based on the lessons learnt, via an international best practice review, specific to railway projects. The research found that the major deficiencies lay within various levels within Transnet, specific issues being people and other issues being structural and technological. The research recommends a change in the TCP organizational structure, the recruitment of rail experts, skills development of project managers, the introduction of new railway software and the establishment of an Enterprise Project Management Office as potential international best practice solutions.