In this way, the MBNA can compare all proposals against the same network. The MBNA developed scenarios that expanded the network, changed operations or re-deployed assets in a way that generated the best financial results for the network as a whole. The financial benefit of an individual MBNA action was first analyzed in isolation. Then, to ensure that all changes to the network were taken as a whole, the complete set of MBNA actions were analyzed together. This global analysis also ensured that there was no double counting of benefits from MBNA actions.
Scenario testing is iterative.
As more scenarios are proposed and tested, the MBNA team refined earlier scenarios. The network restructuring actions need equipment. Amtrak is constrained by its capital. Fortunately, the asset re-deployment actions reduce equipment requirements on certain routes, equipment that Amtrak can use to launch new services. One of Amtrak's primary goals is to manage its costs effectively.