Real-Life Decision Making
Engineers keep trains running smoothly. Cargo and people must get to their
destinations on time. That requires extensive planning and precision timing.
Today, that'll be a challenge. A massive storm has buried a good portion
of the area under snowdrifts. Car and truck traffic through nearby mountain
passes may be stopped for a week or more. More people turn to the trains for
transportation.
You have the authority to close down tracks due to foul weather, technical
problems or safety concerns. But that doesn't happen often. The only time
you can remember the trains stopping for good was when a forest fire burned
so hot it warped a section of track!
As morning breaks, decision time approaches. You get reports from drivers
and others along the track and consider the facts. Trains can travel the track
length if led by a plow train -- the snow hasn't made travel impossible. However,
because of the conditions, the risk of derailment is much higher. Speeds will
have to be kept to a minimum.
Meanwhile, your manager reminds you that eight trains -- three carrying
passengers, four carrying traditional freight and one carrying
hazardous materials -- are waiting on your call. Finally, you get a weather
report that calls for improving weather in the next 36 to 48 hours. What will
you do?