Rail Operations Management Program

Program Purpose & Content

CQUniversity, this course captures the knowledge and expertise of long-term railway managers working in the Australian rail industry. It is provided as a professional development program for people working in the rail industry. Graduates will gain skills and knowledge of the complex and interactive railway operating environment including legal, technical, operational, and community requirements. The degree offers understanding of safety and risk management issues in railways and introduces the best practices in operation. The course is delivered via flexible online learning suitable for mature-age students studying part-time and working full-time.

Study Mode

The course is delivered via flexible on-line learning suitable for mature age students studying part-time and working full time. There are no on-campus classes, so you could complete the course from any location world wide. You will study using a combination of on-line, CD and printed materials and submit assignments for assessment. You could choose an early exit from the program with Graduate Certificate after completion of first three units or undertake a study of a selected unit.

Entry requirements

Applicants must possess a bachelor degree from a recognised tertiary institution, or equivalent. Applicants holding other tertiary qualifications with at least five years’ relevant industry experience who are nominated by their employer will also be considered. Applicants must be working in the railway industry and have support from their employer to study the degree.

Times and dates of study:

The program is delivered over three terms per year with terms commencing in March, July and November. Please refer to CQUniversity for details.

Course Modules and Structure

Graduate Certificate in Rail Operations Management

Introduction to Rail Operations Management (OPS1)

The purpose of this module is to give learners a broad, systematic, and multidisciplinary introduction to ‘science and art’ of rail operation. The module explains main concepts and principles used in rail operation and provide an overview of the current business, legislative, industrial, environmental, and social environment of the rail industry. Particular attention is given to requirements of quality and safety in running train services. Learners are introduced to general analytical tools used in rail operation such as demand and performance analysis and different forms of financing of rail projects such as public, private, and public-private partnership financing. The module explains the importance of human factors and people skills in rail operations, particularly in the context of organisational processes and change management.

Railway Infrastructures (OPS2)

The purpose of this course is to introduce managers to main railway infrastructures below and above rail and key

technologies related to rail operation and infrastructure maintenance. The role and impact of technologies on rail operation is illustrated with real life case studies. The knowledge of rail infrastructures and key technologies delivered by the Course is essential to ensure safe and reliable rail operations. The course presents the fundamental concepts of asset life cycle and asset management within the context of the railway industry. Key challenges of rail operations such as management of wheel-rail interface, automatic train control and protection, and concepts and processes for track possession and traffic planning and management.

Network and Localised Train Control (OPS3)

This module introduces managers to main concepts and principles in train control and day to day decisions that train controllers need to make to ensure reliable rail operations. It presents technology tools available and used by train controllers. The module provides an overview of typical responsibilities of managers in charge of a train control centre and challenges associated with these responsibilities. It explains the important safety related topics such as disruption management, emergency planning, preparedness, response and recovery illustrating these concepts by real life case studies. The course introduces managers to main principles of rail safety investigations and provides an overview of relevant legislation requirements.

Graduate Diploma in Rail Operations Management

Train Planning (OPS4)

The purpose of this course is to introduce managers to train planning tools and practices and explain the relationship

between train planning and organisational objectives and performance. The course analyses impacts of different factors such as track access and possession charges, terminal and infrastructure constraints, stakeholders’ interests and customers’ needs on objectives and performance of train timetables in the passenger, bulk, and freight markets. A particular focus of the module is on impact of human factors in train planning including practices for train crews rostering and management, and team leadership and risk management. The course introduces students to the concept of train planning cycle and strategies for optimising train planning and network capacity.

Passenger and Freight Operations (OPS5)

The purpose of this course is to consider rail operations as a provision of services to customers in the passenger and the freight markets. The course introduces students to social and economic factors that have a major impact on demand for rail passenger and freight services. A particular focus of the module is on market analysis and competition, marketing of rail services, and customer and external stakeholders’ relationship management.

An analysis of rail performance from the point of view of value delivered to customers is illustrated by real life case studies presented in the course. You will be able to practice in developing strategies for achieving ‘best practice performance’ in different markets and in the context of a particular market relevant to an operating and business environment of the employing organisation.

Rail Operations Risk Management and Administration (OPS6)

The purpose of this module is to assist learners with developing professional competencies in understanding, analysing and managing risks associated with rail operations. The module considers the ultimate goal of business continuity and analyses factors that impose risks for achieving this goal including risks related to rail operating environment, project and contract management risks, and general governance and business risks. The module provides students with knowledge and skills required for identifying risk factors related to different areas of rail operations and developing valid strategies for managing those risks. It introduces students to management of rail safety accreditation and processes for analysis of corporate governance, business, environment and human resource management frameworks. Management of risks associated with large scale rail infrastructure projects is considered as a separate topic.

Master of Rail Operations Management

Rail Operations Management Project Definition and Planning (OPS7)

This module requires you to perform background research in the area of the proposed project, establish project goals and develop a plan for completion of the project. On successful completion of this module, you will be able to demonstrate your ability to review and identify the problem, decide on an appropriate research methodology, conduct a literature survey, as well as develop and communicate a plan for completion of the proposed project.

Rail Operations Management Project Implementation #1 (OPS8)

This course following on from the previous module OPS7 requires you to undertake and complete the project in accordance with the established project goals and the plan and communicate your findings to a professional audience. On successful completion of this course, you will be able to demonstrate the ability to successfully undertake and complete a rail signalling project.

Rail Operation Management Project Implementation #2 (OPS9)

This is the final module of the master program, which is also project-based. On successful completion of this module you will be able to demonstrate the ability to conduct industrial research and achieve goals of your investigative study. You will also be able to demonstrate your professionalism in rail signalling and defend your thesis to a panel of experts.