Available online
Description
This programme considers the basic systems concepts introduced in the first TV programme and looks at examples of them taken from the working of British Rail. The idea of open loop is illustrated b...y the working of a marshalling yard at Tinsley, Sheffield, where the wagon movement is controlled by a punched tape. Closed loop control is exemplified by the flow of information to, and response by the signalman in a modern signal box. Another example discussed is the 'Motorail' system which also shows the effects of lag, particularly in system response. Finally, the rail transport of coal from mines to power stations is used as starting point for a discussion on goals and system boundaries.
This programme considers the basic systems concepts introduced in the first TV programme and looks at examples of them taken from the working of British Rail. The idea of open loop is illustrated b...y the working of a marshalling yard at Tinsley, Sheffield, where the wagon movement is controlled by a punched tape. Closed loop control is exemplified by the flow of information to, and response by the signalman in a modern signal box. Another example discussed is the 'Motorail' system which also shows the effects of lag, particularly in system response. Finally, the rail transport of coal from mines to power stations is used as starting point for a discussion on goals and system boundaries.
| Module code and title: | T242, Systems management |
|---|---|
| Item code: | T242; 02; 1975 |
| First transmission date: | 23-03-1975 |
| Published: | 1975 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:24:07 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Nat Taylor |
| Contributors: | Nick Alexander; Ronald John Beishon; Vivian Chadwick; Roger Spear; Jack Stirk |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Closed loop; Coal transportation; Lag response; Motorail system; Open loop; Signal box; System boundaries; Systems concepts; Wagon movement |
| Footage description: | Short film shots of British Rail trains. Beishon introduces the programme. John Roger Spear discusses the problem of finding genuine open loop human activity systems. Film shots of the British Rail marshalling yard at Sheffield showing the automated shunting of rolling stock. Commentary by Spears explains the system. Spears points out why he feels that closed Loop systems are more useful than open loop systems such as that above. Film shots inside a modern automated signal box. Commentary explains how the signalman works and how he receives his feedback. Nick Alexander, British Rail Liaison Officer Movements, explains what happens when a signal man is faced with a deviation from normal systems flow such as a delay in one or more trains. Alexander uses a model electric train and a large signal diagram to illustrate his points. Roger Spear introduces a sequence on BR Motorail as an example of managing a system which displays large systems lag. Vivian Chadwick, British Rail Passenger Services Officer, explains the problems caused by systems lag when planning future Motorail services. He points out some of the data on which he bases his decisions. Film shots show British Rail's coal delivery system from coal mines to electricity generating stations, particularly the automated loading and unloading systems. Commentary by Spears. James Stirk, British Rail Marketing Manager (coal) explains how conflicts among the three parties in the system above (Coal Board, British Rail, Electricity Generating Board) are resolved. John Beishon, James Stirk, Vivian Chadwick and Nick Alexander join in a discussion on the various systems aspects as seen in the three studies above (Signalling, Motorail, Coal delivery). They discuss, in particular, systems boundaries within British Rail, how these are determined and how conflicts between the subsystems are resolved. The group then discuss, briefly, the desirability of establishing integrated transport systems for regions. |
| Master spool number: | 6HT/71774 |
| Production number: | 00525_5191 |
| Videofinder number: | 784 |
| Available to public: | no |
