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Matthias Finger
Sustainability, Resilience and Efficiency are fundamental considerations for city managers in managing urban infrastructures. Today, more than 3.9 billion people, making up more than 54% of the global population, live in cities. Urbanization is expected to continue in the coming years, raising the urban population to 6.0 billion by 2045. This dramatic increase in urban populations will inevitably increase the demand for energy, mobility (transportation), water, and other urban services in every city around the world. Without functional governance and management structures that ensure efficient, resilient and sustainable performance in cities, the current urbanization growth might become a catastrophic risk threatening the quality of life of the humanity.
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Sustainability, Resilience and Efficiency are fundamental considerations for city managers in managing urban infrastructures. Today, more than 3.9 billion people, making up more than 54% of the global population, live in cities. Urbanization is expected to continue in the coming years, raising the urban population to 6.0 billion by 2045. This dramatic increase in urban populations will inevitably increase the demand for energy, mobility (transportation), water, and other urban services in every city around the world. Without functional governance and management structures that ensure efficient, resilient and sustainable performance in cities, the current urbanization growth might become a catastrophic risk threatening the quality of life of the humanity.
Read more
Sustainability, Resilience and Efficiency are fundamental considerations for city managers in managing urban infrastructures. Today, more than 3.9 billion people, making up more than 54% of the global population, live in cities. Urbanization is expected to continue in the coming years, raising the urban population to 6.0 billion by 2045. This dramatic increase in urban populations will inevitably increase the demand for energy, mobility (transportation), water, and other urban services in every city around the world. Without functional governance and management structures that ensure efficient, resilient and sustainable performance in cities, the current urbanization growth might become a catastrophic risk threatening the quality of life of the humanity.
Sustainable development in 21st century can only be realized by introducing innovations in both management and operations of urban infrastructures systems. Developing management practices that effectively integrates the processes of urban planning with urban infrastructures planning and management is a challenging goal that many cities are struggling with nowadays, but is a must for transforming cities to sustainable and resilient engines of growth in both developing and developed economies.
This course will provide you with the basic principles of urban infrastructure management that are fundamental for building prosperous cities that are sustainable, resilient and efficient.
In order to obtain a certificate for this course, the participants have to pass four graded quizzes and complete four mandatory assignments, plus a final exam. In addition to the graded assignments students have the option to write a 7-10 page peer-reviewed case study about management of energy OR transportation system in their city (on your own choice).
The best case studies will be also evaluated by our jury at IGLUS and the authors of the 3 best case studies will win a full tuition fee waiver scholarship to enroll in the IGLUS professional training program in Spring 2017.
You can also pre-enroll in our upcoming MOOC on Smart Cities now. Find our more here:
http://iglus.org/smart-cities-mooc/
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/3ju3mk/management
What's inside
Syllabus
Block 1 - Introduction to Urban Infrastructures - Introduction to MUI MOOC
Welcome to the 1st block: an Introduction to Urban Infrastructures. In this block we will start by exploring the key challenges faced by urban infrastructures (1-2), and then we will learn about the main urban infrastructure systems (1-3), and their main dimensions (1-4). Finally, Mr. Vincent Lusser will provide us with a practitioner’s perspective on urban infrastructures (1-5). To complete this block, first watch the five videos, and visit the discussion forum where other learners and our TA team will answer any questions and facilitate a debate on the concepts treated in the section. After watching the videos, make sure to read the reading assigned for the block. In it, you will find a summary of the lecture content, and an illustrative case study of the urban infrastructure challenges facing Mexico City, the largest urban agglomeration in the Western hemisphere. Finally, when you feel ready, complete the quiz “What did I learn in Block 1?” to assess your knowledge, and Short Answer Assignment 1, to apply what you have learned to your own city.
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Syllabus
Block 1 - Introduction to Urban Infrastructures - Introduction to MUI MOOC
Welcome to the 1st block: an Introduction to Urban Infrastructures. In this block we will start by exploring the key challenges faced by urban infrastructures (1-2), and then we will learn about the main urban infrastructure systems (1-3), and their main dimensions (1-4). Finally, Mr. Vincent Lusser will provide us with a practitioner’s perspective on urban infrastructures (1-5). To complete this block, first watch the five videos, and visit the discussion forum where other learners and our TA team will answer any questions and facilitate a debate on the concepts treated in the section. After watching the videos, make sure to read the reading assigned for the block. In it, you will find a summary of the lecture content, and an illustrative case study of the urban infrastructure challenges facing Mexico City, the largest urban agglomeration in the Western hemisphere. Finally, when you feel ready, complete the quiz “What did I learn in Block 1?” to assess your knowledge, and Short Answer Assignment 1, to apply what you have learned to your own city.
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Block 2 - Introduction to Principles of Urban Infrastructure Management
Welcome to the 2nd block: an Introduction to Principles of Urban Infrastructure Management. In this block, we first answer the question: “What do urban infrastructure managers do?” (2-1), and then we study how to manage different stakeholders and their associated performance objectives (2-2). Next, we will learn about the main dimensions for urban infrastructure management (2-3), the main schools of thought in managing urban infrastructure systems (2-4), and we will finish with an interview with Mr. Christoph Rothballer, from Boston Consulting Group (2-5). Once you have watched the five videos in this block, you may want to visit the discussion forums where you can express your doubts and debate the contents of the lectures. In the 2nd block reading, you will find a summary of the lecture content, and a dramatic illustrative case study that explores the challenges in supplying drinking water in Detroit. Finally, asses your knowledge of the block’s concepts in the quiz “What did I learn in Block 2?”, and answer the Short Answer Assignment 2 to explore how the concepts apply to your city.
Block 3 - Introduction to Urban Energy Management
Welcome to the 3rd block: an Introduction to Urban Energy Management. We now move into the two last blocks, which deal with specific urban infrastructure systems, in this case, the urban electricity system. First we will be introduced to urban energy infrastructures (3-1), we will then move on to understanding urban electricity systems (3-2). We will then learn how to manage urban electricity systems (3-3) and discover what challenges and opportunities must be confronted (3-4). Finally, an interview with Mr. Thierry Clement, from Veolia, will provide us with the perspective of a leading utility firm (3-5).
After watching the five videos in this block, visit the discussion forums to solve your doubts or express your thoughts on the lecture content. In the 3rd block reading you will find a summary of the lecture content, and an illustrative case study exploring the transition towards a sustainable urban energy system in Copenhagen.
Finally, test your knowledge of the block’s concepts in the quiz “What did I learn in Block 3?”, and answer Short Answer Assignment 3 and discover the urban electricity system in your city.
Block 4 - Introduction to Urban Transport Management
Welcome to the 4th block: an Introduction to Urban Transport Management. In this block, we will study the ever-important urban transportation system. We will begin with an introduction to urban transportation systems (4-1), and then we will learn how to manage urban transportation systems (4-2). Prof. Robert E. Paaswell, from the City University of New York, will lecture us on the challenges of managing urban transport (4-3), and Mr. Beat Muller, from CarPostal, will complement Prof. Paaswell’s views, but from the practitioner perspective (4-4). Finally we will address the broader challenges of urban transportation (4-5), and conclude the MOOC with a short wrap up (4-6). After watching the six intense videos in this block, go visit the discussion forums to solve any doubts or simply share your comments on the topic of the lecture. You will find a summary of the content, as well as an illustrative case study on the revolutionary transformation of Seoul’s transport system in the 4th block reading. To conclude the block, test your knowledge in the quiz “What did I learn in Block 4?”, and answer Short Answer Assignment 4 to investigate how the concepts on urban transportation apply to your city.
Finishing the MOOC
You are almost done! The last step to finish the required coursework of this MOOC is to take the final exam. We also encourage you to take on the optional challenge of writing a peer-reviewed case study about your own city to win the big prize of the MUI MOOC !
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Examines sustainable urban infrastructure planning and management
Teaches principles of urban infrastructure management
Applies to both developed and developing economies
Taught by IGLUS, a reputable institute for urban infrastructure
Requires students to apply course concepts to their own cities
Coursework includes a peer-reviewed case study
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Save Management of Urban Infrastructures – part 1 to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Reviews summary
Well-received urban infrastructure course
According to students, Management of Urban Infrastructures – part 1 is well-received. They appreciate its engaging assignments, knowledgeable instructors, and relevant content. Many learners comment on the course's clear explanations and practical insights. If you're interested in urban infrastructure management, this course is highly recommended.
Course is well-organized with clear explanations and a logical progression.
"Well structured, good overview, well explained, future oriented"
Course provides practical insights through expert interviews and case studies.
"I've learned a lot and it's been arranged in a very concise lecture format while providing very useful practical insights through the expert interviews."
"The course was really helpful in understanding about urban management and what are the aspects and challenges and considerations are acknowledged while planning"
Concepts are explained clearly and in a logical manner.
"Very lucid and clear explaining the relevant concepts"
"Concepts, methodology and samples give it a high level study"
"This course is brilliantly explained in such a way that it teaches you how these different infrastructure and its management process is carried out."
Professor Matthias Finger is knowledgeable and engaging.
"Pr Matthias Finger is very good, the explanations and examples are great."
"Very informative lecture and knowledgeable professor!"
Course content is relevant to urban infrastructure management and provides practical insights.
"Excellent presentation"
"Interesting and useful course! A holistic approach to urban infrastructures management."
"The course includes cutting edge technology and techniques to manager infrastructure."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Management of Urban Infrastructures – part 1 with these
activities:
Read 'The Sustainable City' by Richard Rogers
Show steps
Provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable urban development principles and practices, enhancing your understanding of the course concepts.
View
Designing Healthy Communities
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book thoroughly, taking notes on key concepts and examples.
-
Identify and summarize the main arguments and recommendations presented in the book.
-
Reflect on how the book's insights align with the course materials and your own experiences.
Solve practice problems on urban infrastructure management concepts
Show steps
Improves your problem-solving skills and reinforces your understanding of the key concepts.
Show steps
-
Gather practice problems from textbooks, online resources, or your instructor.
-
Attempt to solve the problems on your own.
-
Review your solutions and identify areas where you need improvement.
Join a study group with other students in the course
Show steps
Enhances your understanding through collaboration and discussion with peers.
Show steps
-
Find other students who are interested in forming a study group.
-
Establish regular meeting times and a communication channel.
-
Review course materials together, discuss concepts, and solve problems.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Design an infographic summarizing the key challenges and opportunities of urban infrastructure management
Show steps
Reinforces your understanding of the complex issues related to urban infrastructure management.
Show steps
-
Research and gather data on the challenges and opportunities of urban infrastructure management.
-
Identify key themes and trends.
-
Create a visually appealing and informative infographic using tools like Canva or Piktochart.
Explore the 'Smart Cities and Urban Infrastructure' course on edX
Show steps
Expands your knowledge of urban infrastructure systems and their role in smart city development.
Browse courses on
Smart Cities
Show steps
-
Enroll in the course and complete the video lectures and assigned readings.
-
Participate in the discussion forums and engage with other learners.
-
Complete the quizzes and assignments to assess your understanding.
Create a comprehensive study guide for the course
Show steps
Improves your knowledge retention and comprehension by organizing and summarizing the course materials.
Show steps
-
Review all course lectures, readings, and assignments.
-
Identify key concepts, definitions, and examples.
-
Organize the information into logical sections and subsections.
-
Create practice questions and exercises to test your understanding.
Read 'The Sustainable City' by Richard Rogers
Show steps
Provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable urban development principles and practices, enhancing your understanding of the course concepts.
View
Designing Healthy Communities
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book thoroughly, taking notes on key concepts and examples.
- Identify and summarize the main arguments and recommendations presented in the book.
- Reflect on how the book's insights align with the course materials and your own experiences.
Solve practice problems on urban infrastructure management concepts
Show steps
Improves your problem-solving skills and reinforces your understanding of the key concepts.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather practice problems from textbooks, online resources, or your instructor.
- Attempt to solve the problems on your own.
- Review your solutions and identify areas where you need improvement.
Join a study group with other students in the course
Show steps
Enhances your understanding through collaboration and discussion with peers.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find other students who are interested in forming a study group.
- Establish regular meeting times and a communication channel.
- Review course materials together, discuss concepts, and solve problems.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Design an infographic summarizing the key challenges and opportunities of urban infrastructure management
Show steps
Reinforces your understanding of the complex issues related to urban infrastructure management.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and gather data on the challenges and opportunities of urban infrastructure management.
- Identify key themes and trends.
- Create a visually appealing and informative infographic using tools like Canva or Piktochart.
Explore the 'Smart Cities and Urban Infrastructure' course on edX
Show steps
Expands your knowledge of urban infrastructure systems and their role in smart city development.
Browse courses on
Smart Cities
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Enroll in the course and complete the video lectures and assigned readings.
- Participate in the discussion forums and engage with other learners.
- Complete the quizzes and assignments to assess your understanding.
Create a comprehensive study guide for the course
Show steps
Improves your knowledge retention and comprehension by organizing and summarizing the course materials.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review all course lectures, readings, and assignments.
- Identify key concepts, definitions, and examples.
- Organize the information into logical sections and subsections.
- Create practice questions and exercises to test your understanding.
Career center
Learners who complete Management of Urban Infrastructures – part 1 will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability is a key concern for urban infrastructure management, and Sustainability Managers will need to be well-versed in the management of resources such as energy and transportation. This course will help you learn the principles of urban infrastructure management, including advanced knowledge of the management of energy and transportation within urban areas. It will also help you understand the role of urban planning in effective infrastructure management and address the challenges facing urban planning.
Urban Infrastructure Analyst
Urban Infrastructure Analyst
Urban Infrastructure Analysts use their analytical skills to improve the efficiency and sustainability of urban infrastructure systems. This course will provide you with the foundation you need to become an effective Urban Infrastructure Analyst, including understanding the principles of urban infrastructure management, the management of energy and transportation within urban areas and the integration of urban planning with urban infrastructure management. The course's instruction on the challenges facing urban planning will also prove invaluable.
Energy Auditor
Energy Auditor
Energy Auditors assess energy usage and identify opportunities for energy savings in buildings and other facilities. This course will provide you with a foundation in urban energy management, including an introduction to urban energy infrastructures and how to manage urban electricity systems. It will help you understand the challenges facing urban planning and advanced practices in energy auditing.
Urban Designer
Urban Designer
Urban Designers plan and design urban areas, including the infrastructure that supports them. This course will provide you with a foundation in urban infrastructure management, including the management of energy and transportation within urban areas. It will help you understand the integration of urban planning with urban infrastructure management and the challenges facing urban planning.
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineers design, build, and maintain the infrastructure that supports urban areas, including energy and transportation systems. This course will teach you the principles of urban infrastructure management, including advanced knowledge of the management of energy and transportation within urban areas. It will also provide you with an understanding of the role of urban planning in civil engineering and the challenges facing urban planning.
Infrastructure Project Manager
Infrastructure Project Manager
Infrastructure Project Managers oversee the planning, construction and maintenance of infrastructure projects, including energy and transportation systems. This course will teach you the principles of urban infrastructure management, including advanced knowledge of the management of energy and transportation within urban areas. It will also provide you with an understanding of the role of urban planning in infrastructure project management and the challenges facing urban planning.
Energy Efficiency Program Manager
Energy Efficiency Program Manager
Energy efficiency is a vital concern for urban areas, and Energy Efficiency Program Managers will need to have a strong understanding of urban infrastructure management principles. This course will provide you with the core principles of urban infrastructure management and teach you how to manage the urban electricity system. You will also learn how to manage energy usage, the challenges facing urban planning and advanced practices in urban energy management.
Urban Planning Consultant
Urban Planning Consultant
City managers, urban planners and other urban specialists who excel at their roles share a common understanding of the principles of urban infrastructure management. This course will teach you sustainable management principles, including the sustainable management of energy and transportation within urban areas. It will discuss the challenges of urban planning and how to effectively integrate the processes of urban planning with urban infrastructure planning and management. This course may help you become a more effective Urban Planning Consultant.
Transportation Planner
Transportation Planner
Transportation Planners help manage urban transportation systems and work to improve their safety, efficiency and sustainability. This course will introduce you to the field of urban transportation management and teach you the management principles of urban infrastructure management. The course will provide an introduction to urban transportation systems, the challenges facing urban planning and how to manage transportation within urban areas.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts research, analyze, and develop public policies. This course will provide you with a foundation in urban infrastructure management and the management of energy and transportation within urban areas. It will help you understand the integration of urban planning with urban infrastructure management and the challenges facing urban planning.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineers help to design, build, and manage systems that protect the environment and the health of urban residents. This course will provide you with a foundation in urban infrastructure management, including the management of energy and transportation within urban areas. It will also discuss the integration of urban planning with urban infrastructure management and the challenges facing urban planning.
Data Analyst
Data Analyst
Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course will help you build a foundation in urban infrastructure management and urban energy management and teach you core principles of the management of energy and transportation within urban areas. You will also learn about the integration of urban planning with urban infrastructure management and the challenges facing urban planning.
Architect
Architect
Architects design buildings and other structures, including those that support urban infrastructure. This course will provide you with a foundation in urban infrastructure management, including the management of energy and transportation within urban areas. It will also help you understand the integration of urban planning with urban infrastructure management and the challenges facing urban planning.
Real Estate Developer
Real Estate Developer
Real Estate Developers plan and develop real estate projects, including residential, commercial, and industrial properties. This course will provide you with a foundation in urban infrastructure management, including the management of energy and transportation within urban areas. It will help you understand the integration of urban planning with urban infrastructure management and the challenges facing urban planning.
Construction Manager
Construction Manager
Construction Managers oversee the construction of buildings and other structures, including those that support urban infrastructure. This course will provide you with a foundation in urban infrastructure management, including the management of energy and transportation within urban areas. It will also help you understand the integration of urban planning with urban infrastructure management and the challenges facing urban planning..
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/3ju3mk/management
Reading list
We've selected 11 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Management of Urban Infrastructures – part 1.
Save
Provides an in-depth look at urban energy systems, covering topics such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainable transportation, making it particularly relevant for the block on urban energy management.
Save
This comprehensive textbook provides a thorough overview of urban transportation systems, covering topics such as transportation planning, traffic engineering, and public transportation, making it a valuable resource for the block on urban transport management.
Save
This practical guide provides insights into the challenges and opportunities of smart city development, offering best practices and case studies that illustrate how to effectively manage urban infrastructures.
Save
Provides an overview of the principles of sustainable urban transportation planning. It covers topics such as land use planning, public transport, and traffic management, and provides case studies of sustainable transportation projects.
This guidebook provides practical guidance on financing urban infrastructure projects, making it a valuable resource for understanding the financial aspects of managing urban infrastructures.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the environmental impacts of urbanization, exploring the challenges of managing urban infrastructures in a sustainable manner.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of urban sustainability, exploring the challenges and opportunities of managing urban infrastructures in a sustainable manner.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of urbanization, exploring the challenges and opportunities of managing urban infrastructures in a dynamic and evolving context.
Provides a comprehensive overview of urban policy in a globalizing world, exploring the challenges and opportunities of managing urban infrastructures in a interconnected and interdependent context.
Provides a comprehensive overview of urban water supply systems, covering topics such as water sources, treatment, and distribution. It valuable resource for students and practitioners in the field of water resources engineering.
Provides a comprehensive overview of solid waste management, covering topics such as waste generation, collection, and disposal. It valuable resource for students and practitioners in the field of waste management.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/3ju3mk/management
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Effort
5 weeks of study, 1-3 hours/week
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Institution
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne2
Instructor
Matthias Finger
Language
English
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آذربایجان دیلی
Good to know
Examines sustainable urban infrastructure planning and management
Teaches principles of urban infrastructure management
Applies to both developed and developing economies
Taught by IGLUS, a reputable institute for urban infrastructure
Requires students to apply course concepts to their own cities
Coursework includes a peer-reviewed case study
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