A model of RAC’s roadside operations was built using a new corporate modelling methodology currently under development at the University of Birmingham. Using soft systems methods combined with causal forecasting techniques, this Influence Engineering model gave insight into the factors and relationships affecting company performance. A soft systems influence mapping technique was used to describe the underlying system and its inter-relation with the business environment. Next, a statistical analysis of the influential factors was conducted to quantify changes in productivity, rescue patrol attendance rate, overall level of service and the number of contractor jobs. Finally, a spreadsheet corporate model (using the causal equations developed by the statistical analysis) was used to predict company performance, helping to highlight a number of peculiarities in RAC operation and its zone configuration. The study illustrates the advantages of this new system approach to corporate modelling.
