HS2 in wales

Order Description

A posting on www.parliament.uk containing some written evidence from the Cardiff Business Partnership (HSR 188A), (refer to the web link below for more detail), outlines a summary of how the intended High Speed Rail (HS2) link upgrade between London Paddington and Cardiff , might benefit Wales or not possibly?

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201012/cmselect/cmtran/writev/rail/hsr1 88a.htm

The new High Speed Line intended for London to Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds (HS2) will bring most major English and Scottish cities at least 30 minutes closer to London (for example Manchester to London in one hour 15 minutes). The Department for Transport (DfT) also calculates economic benefits in excess of £40Bn, with the first phase alone generating over 40,000 jobs.

In response, the Cardiff Business Partnership believe, that in addition to electrification, a major upgrade to the Great Western Line into Wales is essential if Cardiff and Wales is to remain competitive in both UK and European terms. Part of this analysis assumed the Great Western Line would be electrified with the Cardiff-London journey times reduced to 105 minutes against a current time of more than 125 minutes.

Rail is just one modal option for passenger and freight movement in any region including the UK and Wales. For example the Japanese and Chinese having been using high speed rail links for many years and over greater distances than those planned in the UK and Wales. Refer to the following web link in China as an example – http://news.sky.com/story/1194709/china-high-speed-rail-network-to-be-doubled

Linking any upgraded transport infrastructure such as rail with other transport modes, including road, air, sea and inland waterways and pipelines, can create an integrated transport approach. This can arguably produce additional benefits for passengers and businesses in any region. For example in Wales, the integration of an upgraded motorway system (M4), alongside HS2 rail links, as well as improved access to the main sea ports and main international airport too.

The Assignment Question:

You are a consultant and the Welsh Government has requested that you conduct a study into the above mentioned issues and has requested that you present a research paper that: –

Uses appropriate and relevant theory, concepts and wider reading to critically evaluate how ANY organisation currently located in South Wales or thinking of locating there, could be affected and impacted by the plan for HS2 into Wales as part of an integrated transport system. In short, are these ‘plans’ a barrier or an enabler for companies to invest and set their global strategies in Wales?

Regarding the data that should be discussed in the assignment :

it should contain 2 parts :

the first part :

in this part we should explain the current status of wales and what’s happening now where the rail way now is arguably needs update and is under performing/under capacity which hinder the supply chain flow ( this needs to be critically evaluated by linking it to some of the supply chain definitions such as capacity ).

Knowing that HS2 is already proposed to the welsh government, it might be a short term solution because the rail is only just one part of the traditional transport and logistics network , therefore, HS2 might be more valuable if it was linked to other transport modals (road, air , sea) or what’s called be an integrated logistics model which provide us with more value. ( this should be linked to the value system and cost benefits analysis / distribution costs)

After that we should discuss the sustainability impact for the stake holders (which is the welsh government in this case) , where they need more Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) and economic growth, by minimizing the barriers. (this needs to be linked to Porter’s 5 forces model and the stake holders theory (Mendalow – Interest Matrix)).

Since improving our rail makes the access easier to many factors such as land , labor and capital . (This needs to be linked to the factors conditions, trade theories, and porter’s diamond)

Finally, to end up part one we should summarize by using the GAP Analysis to show the welsh government where are they now against where they want to be .

Second part :

this part focuses on advising the welsh government on how to improve the current situation in addition to get FDIs and other investments to the region if the transportation system was improved .

Therefore, the advantages and disadvantages of improving the rail system should be discussed ( this should be linked to the concept of values, cost benefits analysis/ distribution costs / integrated logistics model) .

Note : recognize that some trade-offs might have to be made to address the key impacts.

After that , a comparison should be made between improving stand alone road solution (i.e HS2) and the notion of an integrated transport system comprising of road , rail connections, air , and perhaps sea ports such as the sea ports in Swansea , Newport and Cardiff to suggest a longer term value solution but at a higher cost

Note:

1- The advantages and dis- advantages of the transport mode should be explored to recognise the impacts and trade offs of each when linking them in an integrated/Multi model transport system

2- Some of these trde offs could be explained using Elkington (1994) – triple bottom line and other sustainability concepts , plus distribution costs and trade offs analysis

Conclusion :

Draw suitable conclusions for the Welsh Government, outlining clearly the current strategic position and the strategic options you will present for choices to be made by the Government, as a sustainable response for enablers and barriers to firms located and operating in Wales and / or those thinking doing so, as the question is requesting.