Technical Modelling of Organisation and System Analysis
- Case Study Analysis of Virgin Hyperloop One Project
Introduction
According to Stair and Reynolds (2008), an organisation is a structured assembly of
individuals and other assets created to achieve a certain set of objectives. Analysis and
modelling can provide a deeper understanding of these institutions and their processes. The
feedback from these analysis and models built provides information on the performance of
the different systems in that organisation, which can then be utilised in adapting the
organization's behaviour and reactions to both internal and external factors (Gobov and
Titlova, 2023). This report involves critical thinking and application of tools and techniques
such as SWOT analysis, Porters Five Forces, Data Modelling, Process Modelling, and the use
of questionnaires respectively, as well as observing their individual relevance in analysing the
case of the Virgin Hyperloop Project. In 2014, the concept of the hyperloop emerged from
Elon Musk's newly published document "Hyperloop Alpha." Where he detailed the
technological aspects and the promised to be quicker, more environmentally friendly, and
more cost-effective than any mode before it. After three years, Virgin Hyperloop One
constructed the world's inaugural full-scale hyperloop test track, transitioning from air
bearings mentioned in the article to magnetic levitation. The report will also explain a
company's rich picture and workshop preparation. The report will be examined in two
sections. Tools and procedures will be covered first, followed by the rich picture and
the workshop design.
SWOT Analysis
STRENGTH
The Virgin Hyperloop Project exemplifies technical innovation at its core, utilizing
electromagnetic levitation and a linear electric motor to achieve unparalleled speed and
efficiency. The prospect of an economic project coinciding with sustainable objectives and a
green world attracted both corporate and government financed entities, a collaboration that
provided the combination of significant skills and resources, particularly with the Virgin
Group known for its cost-effective approach, essential for the successful completion of a
project (Gupta et al., 2020). An attribute that gave Virgin Hyperloop One an edge over its
early competitors was the speed at which it deployed its engineering designs and theories.
Another important advantage was its reputation and brand recognition as the leading
organization in this evolutionary mode of transportation.
Weakness
One major weakness of the Virgin Hyperloop project was the lack of available knowledge
resource. This was a new field where very little to no research had previously been carried
out, despite its speed at deploying designs, it faced the danger of uncertainty in every design
and in the actual monetization of the project itself, as was evident in its fold up in December
2023. This fear will also permeate the public as they observe its progress with reservations.
The elevated platform of this transport mode coupled with the high speed poses a problem of
safety and security which is its biggest weakness so far. Then there is the high price of initial
ticket sales that comes along with heavy investment.
Opportunity
This analyses the industry and external environment of the project. One of the opportunities
this project possesses is of Virgin Hyperloop One being the premier company to embark of
the implementation of the Hyperloop concept and hence a step ahead of its competitors.
There’s the avenue to remedy Colorado’s problem of congestion, a similar problem of most
developed and developing cities. Once again, this initiative had significant promise for
stimulating economic growth in the selected cities during the global challenge, by
establishing rapid connections between two or more large economic centers. The use of green
and sustainable energy was bound to aid its easy entry into the general transportation
industry.
Threats
A close threat is from the already tested and proven, although more expensive and slower,
high-speed railway network. This network has more potential of implementation across cities
with already installed railroads. Coupled with the current flexible prices of airlines, they
could be a significant competition to the Virgin Hyperloop One project. Finally, there is the
risk of vandalism and sabotage, the exposed pillars of the tube and the tube itself are at the
mercy of sabotages
This SWOT analysis serves the importance of evaluating the internal (strength and weakness)
and external influence of the organization during the period of the project, and thus relevant
for its development as an organization.