Capability Modelling Guidelines | How to use Capabilities to Align Investments with Purpose | Benchmark As-Is Capabilities

Seek outside inspiration to overcome the blank page: LLM Example 1

Prompt:

For central-EU passenger travel, who are my competitors within and outside railway Enterprises? Summarise what creates competitive advantage for each of the competitors in a table.

Response:

Competitor Category	Specific Competitors (Examples)	Key Competitive Advantages
National Railway Operators	ÖBB (Austria)	• Extensive Network & Reach: Dominant national network, reaching nearly all towns and cities; strong integration with regional services. • Reliability & Frequency: High frequency on key routes, established schedules. • Brand Trust & Legacy: Long-standing national provider, perceived as reliable and safe. • Integrated Mobility: Increasingly offering seamless connections with other modes (buses, city transport). • Government Support: Often benefits from state investment in infrastructure and services.
	Deutsche Bahn (Germany)	• Vast High-Speed Network: Extensive and fast ICE network across Germany and into neighboring countries. • Integrated Mobility Solutions: Comprehensive offering of rail, bus, and logistics. • Technological Leadership: Advanced digital platforms for ticketing, tracking, and information. • Sustainability Focus: Strong commitment to green transport.
Private Railway Operators	WESTbahn (Austria)	• Modern Fleet & Comfort: New, comfortable double-deck trains, often with more spacious seating, free Wi-Fi, and power outlets. • Competitive Pricing & Flexibility: Often offers attractive fares, especially for walk-up tickets or business accounts. • Customer Centricity: Focus on enhanced passenger experience and service. • Direct Route Focus: Specialization on high-demand corridors (e.g., Vienna-Salzburg).
	RegioJet (Czech Republic)	• Value for Money / Low-Cost Focus: Offers competitive prices with good amenities (Wi-Fi, catering) compared to state operators. • Customer Service & Amenities: Known for onboard service and various classes of comfort. • Mandatory Seat Reservation: Ensures less crowded journeys. • Entrepreneurial Agility: Ability to quickly adapt and introduce new services/routes.
Long-Distance Bus Operators	FlixBus	• Extreme Low Cost: Often the cheapest option for intercity and international travel. • Extensive Network & Flexibility: Broadest network of direct connections across Europe, including many smaller towns. • Digital-First Approach: User-friendly app for booking, real-time tracking, and customer service. • Asset-Light Model: Partners with local bus companies, allowing rapid expansion without heavy capital investment.
Airlines (Full-Service)	Austrian Airlines	• Speed (for longer distances): Fastest option for routes exceeding 3-4 hours by rail, especially internationally. • Global Network Access: Part of Lufthansa Group and Star Alliance, offering extensive connections worldwide from Vienna hub. • Comfort & Service: Full-service amenities, loyalty programs, and higher levels of comfort. • Hub Connectivity: Efficient transfers through a primary hub (Vienna).
Airlines (Low-Cost)	Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air	• Unbeatable Low Fares: Aggressive pricing model, often the absolute cheapest travel option. • Extensive Point-to-Point Network: Connects many secondary airports, avoiding hub congestion. • High Aircraft Utilization: Extremely efficient operations to keep costs down. • Strong Brand Recognition (for low cost): Synonymous with budget travel.
Private Car / Rental Car	Private Car Ownership, Rental Companies	• Ultimate Flexibility & Autonomy: Go anywhere, anytime; door-to-door convenience; ideal for multiple stops or remote destinations. • Group Cost Efficiency: Can be more economical for families or groups. • Luggage Capacity: No restrictions on luggage size or weight (within vehicle limits). • Familiarity & Comfort: Travel in one's own space.
Ride-Sharing Services	BlaBlaCar	• Cost-Effectiveness: Sharing costs makes it often cheaper than individual public transport, especially for mid-range distances. • Flexibility & Directness: Can offer direct connections between points not well-served by public transport. • Social Aspect: Opportunity to meet new people. • Convenience: Often more convenient pickup/drop-off points than traditional bus/train stations.