Bae Automated Systems (a): Denver International Airport Baggage-Handling System

Yunpeng Huang

881340

ISYS90026

5 May 2017

Case Study Analysis

BAE Automated Systems (A): Denver International Airport Baggage-Handling System

Introduction:

The BAE case study describes the events that surround the construction of the BAE Automated Systems at the Denver International Airport. In particular, the case explores project management, including scheduling, budgeting, and the entire management structure. The case study is all about automated baggage handling system built or constructed by BAE automated systems, integrated of Carrolton and Texas for Denver International Airport (Montealegre, Nelson, Knoop, and Applegate, 1996).

Besides, the case investigates airport’s attempt to work with a greater number of outside contractors, such as BAE and coordinating them to make them a productive whole, based on considerable political pressures. The case also documents the challenges that the project manager experienced, critically and comprehensively looking at the causes of the problems or the challenges.

The analysis of the baggage system offers crucial study topic. As a result of system failure, many lessons have been learned by the players in BAE project. Against this backdrop, this paper will discuss the challenges arose through the construction process, the issues of IT Outsourcing and Governance for the project, and suggestions to improve the project’s situation.

Challenges Arose

In any project undertaken, challenges are inevitable. However, it is prudent that measures are put in place to significantly reduce the challenges likely to arise to guarantee project success. In this case study, it is clear that there were many challenges experienced. Unrealistic schedule is one of the biggest challenges experienced. According to BAE officials, timetable that guided opening of the new airport was never realistic and that they should have put in place strategies to ensure that the problem is not experienced. The timetable should have been based on well and carefully crafted planning. It seems no technique was used to develop the timetable and that was why it was unrealistic.

In addition to the above, another incredible challenge to implementing robust baggage handling system was poor working relationship with the management. Successful implementation of baggage system calls for an excellent working relationship between team members and the project manager. However, where the relationship is ruined, the vigor with which team members execute their duties is more likely to change towards the negative. From the case study, it is apparent that the management team tasked with the project lacked prior baggage handling experience or competence. They treated this project as a major public works project. The management team treated baggage system in the same way as pouring concrete or pulling air-conditioning ducts. The fact that every contractor was on his own almost threw then to anarchy as every individual was doing her or his things.