A Deferred Model for Evaluating and Improving The Dubai Metro Train Security Management

Abstract

Recent attacks on train facilities and passengers in different cities of the world have turned attention to the security risks in the rail transportation system and the need to prevent, eradicate and manage the risks and the consequences. The disruptive impacts on the efficiency of transport systems and the safety and security of passengers and assets have become a major concern to the government and management of Dubai Metro. The ability to meet the security needs of passengers is therefore of vital importance and requires the creation of a secure environment for passengers, staff and the facilities of the Metro. This research evaluates the present security systems in place at the Dubai Metro lines to forestall terrorist attacks and manage the aftermath of emergent crises effectively with minimal loss or damage to the system. The evaluation aims to determine the extent to which emerging social factors and emergencies and the impacts are taken into consideration concerning existing planned action to formulate deferred action suitable to meet the challenges of the current situation. This is with the view of designing an improved Metro line security system that will enable the organization and the security personnel to act purposefully in the face of terrorist attacks or any form of crime. Dubai is described as the fourth most-visited city in the world based on the number of international visitors and is the fastest growing city. A fast, modern and reliable transportation system is therefore required to move people around the city. A case study using Dubai and the Dubai Metro Line system was adopted in this research investigation to provide a qualitative interpretation of the study phenomenon. The study examines how the management of the Dubai Metro line plan for emergent situations to forestall and manage terror attacks on the rail transportation system. It examines iii how the organization reacts to emergencies which describe the evolutionary and random changes of relationships between agents and different organization systems. The study also examines how such interactions facilitate the development of new systems. The theory of deferred action which is a design and action theory was applied to evaluate the three meta-design dimensions namely planned action (rational design), emergence and deferred action or modalities. This was applied to determine how planning for emergent situations required a fluid system that allows changes and adaptability of security systems to coping with current emerging situations. The three dimensions and constructs of the theory of deferred action helped the formulation of the research framework which enhanced the research design, investigation, data collection, analysis and interpretation of results using an interpretive qualitative methodology. Different sets of data were collected using in-depth interviews, focus groups and document analysis for a comprehensive and holistic view of the study phenomenon. The data set was analysed using thematic analysis which identified concepts and themes that showed the planned action (real systems) of the metro line in terms of its organisational infrastructures, organisational framework and resource developments that are constantly reviewed in line with the current trend in rail operations and security. The data also showed the efforts of the organisation to plan for emergencies in terms of security training and the involvement of passengers through awareness and feedback mechanisms. The findings also showed how the organisation created a fluid system that easily merges the planning for emergent situations into the existing planned action of the security system to create a deferred action (system) to deal with any emergency crises at any time. The study concludes that the management of the security system of the Dubai Metro line has put in place structures and systems that can enhance the improvement and the development of the MetPass model required to forestall and manage crises. The MetPass model has extended the deferred action by enforcing its concepts in the analytical tool, for the Dubai Metro Trains security management system. This is an adjustment of the theory in practice. The research further approved that deferred action is necessary for security systems development in emergent organizations.