MANAGING IN A MIXED ECONOMY Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

MANAGING IN A MIXED ECONOMY - Essay ExampleThe LU provides transportation to over a billion individuals annually, a trope almost equivalent to that, transported by the National Rail Network (NRN). LUs land portfolio of to a greater extent than 4,000 ha, a labour force of more than 19,000 individuals, and its insurance coverage of most parts of London, Essex, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire, all serve to show the immense significance of this transport system. The Transport for London (TfL) is a public institution currently tasked with the duty of managing LU and other modes of transport throughout London. The principal strategy of the TfL is to ensure excellent performance of Londons transportation network, making it distinctive and more efficient in comparison to other cities around the world, while providing London dwellers with ample access to transportation. The TfL also strives to raise the performance standards of the LU in esteem to surroundingsal protection, hence making the system a global leader not only in addressing the challenges of urban transportation, but also in environment conservation. Significant changes towards the better have already been attained in the mentioned efforts, but there are still prevalent challenges, especially in upgrading the Tube to new-fashioned standards. Background Based on historical analysis of the London Underground, major development inhibitors have been present, and particularly under investment. Poor financial backing, prior to registration of managerial structure, had rendered the LU outdated and unreliable. The principal challenge of the body responsible for managing the LU is, therefore, attempting to continually develop a safe and reliable transport improvement (Great Britain Parliament House of Commons 2010, p. 42). It is, however, imperative to note that while safety and reliability are crucial attributes of an effective transport service, they should not be the resole focus of management. Other fea tures should be accorded equal attention, and these include, time taken during travelling, as well as, quality of services offered in the course of the journey. This is because most passengers require a fast mode of transportation, especially in the contemporary economic environment where time is a crucial resource. Quality should not be overlooked, since if customers are minded(p) comfort and priggish service during the travel, there is a high likelihood of using the LU other than alternative means of transport. Quality of transportation and proper care of passengers are, clearly, features that London Undergrounds members of staff hold with utmost regard. This is evident from the staffs ease of accessibility and unvarying willingness to help passengers whenever charter arises. The extensive consideration of quality is also apparent from the installation of high-tech security and information systems, which increase customers convenience when using the LU. Additionally, there are many and regular investments to increase the Tubes accessibility for passengers (Dunwoody 2008, p. 102). Nevertheless, the management and effective running of the LU is not devoid of challenges. The primary challenge is to sustain constant transportation of passengers, while still trying to transform the