Program Description

A stand-alone module of our established and highly respected Railway Management Certificate Program, this five-day program in Chicago, IL, covers the strategy and management of railway operations for both freight and passenger railways. We combine classroom presentation of concepts with discussions led by rail industry subject matter experts, with site visits to see these topics in context. Railway Operations brings together many aspects of the complex railway ecosystem.

Outline

MONDAY
Chicago, Operations Models, Capacity

TUESDAY
Site Visits

WEDNESDAY
CREATE and CTCO Visit, Non-US Operations, Amtrak

THURSDAY
Railcars, Locomotives and Leasing, Decision-Making and Analyst Viewpoint

FRIDAY
Conclusion and Summary

Schedule and content are subject to change. For a copy of the latest schedule please email: kucheren@msu.edu

SITE VISIT INFORMATION
Regional/short line railroad, major rail customer loading facilities, economic development sites (subject to availability.)

Key Learning Objectives

By the end of the program, participants will have:

• A better understanding of the importance of Chicago’s complex rail network and how traffic flow is managed
• Learned about different operating models and practices, for dedicated and mixed traffic applications
• Examined dispatch/control centers and communications
• Visited passenger and freight operating venues in Chicago
• Understanding of major freight customer requirements and operations integration
• Learned about locomotive and railcar availability, maintenance, and design implications for managers
• Improved understanding of lease vs. buy options
• Learned how better decision-making improves performance
• Heard first-hand from a Wall Street analyst about the current state of the freight rail industry

Faculty and Speakers

VAL KUCHERENKO, FACULTY LEADER

is the Director Railway Education, Center for Railway Research and Education (MSU/CRRE). Before joining the CRRE team, Val built a career in supply chain management with Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway (CPKC), C.H. Robinson Global Forwarding, and Maersk Line, spanning roles across Europe, the United States, and Canada.

RON BATORY, CHAIR IN RAILWAY MANAGEMENT & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

is a seasoned railroad industry professional with over 52 years of experience, including leadership roles at Class I railroads and as President of The Belt Railway Company of Chicago. He later became the 14th Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration, following a distinguished career in both private and public sectors.

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY FACULTY
from the #1 ranked University for both graduate and undergraduate Supply Chain Management programs for many years (US News & World Report).

SELECT SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS
will join for guest lectures and presentations.

TRIBUTE TO NICK LITTLE, FORMER FACLUTY LEADER

This program builds on the groundwork established by Nicholas (Nick) Little, former Director of Railway Education, whose efforts and leadership have greatly contributed to its current form. Nick's commitment to excellence in education continues to inspire our work each and every day.

Additional Information

$5,000 – full tuition (2024 calendar year)

$5,250 – full tuition (2025 calendar year)

Includes instructional materials and site visits, faculty and staff support, overnight hotel rooms, daily breakfast and lunch. Transportation to and from the program, and dinner most nights are not included.

Discounts are also available for multiple participants from the same company.

To utilize the best in adult learning practices, class size will be limited to twenty-five participants.

This program will comply with COVID-19 MSU requirements pertaining at the time.

For more information on MSU/CRRE and our research, please visit: www.raileducation.com

Applies Towards the Following Series

• Railway Management Certificate Program : Required