Management of Urban Infrastructures

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/

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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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

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

Reviews summary

Foundational understanding of urban infrastructure management

According to learners, this course offers a solid introduction to the principles and challenges of urban infrastructure management. Many found the lectures clear and informative, providing a good overview of complex topics like urban energy and transport systems. The course structure, with its modular blocks, was generally well-received, helping students navigate the material. While some appreciated the practical assignments that encouraged applying concepts to their own cities, a few reviewers felt the course content, particularly the videos, could benefit from being updated to reflect more current examples and research. The workload, including quizzes and a final exam, was seen as manageable for many, making it accessible for professionals.

Workload is suitable for busy learners.

"The course workload is manageable, even with a busy schedule."

"I was able to complete the course alongside my work commitments."

"The quizzes and assignments weren't overly demanding."

"Good pace and workload for a part-time study."

Assignments help apply concepts to real cities.

"The assignments which encourage you to look at your city are very useful."

"Short Answer Assignments were a good way to apply the lessons to my city."

"I liked the practical assignments that made me analyze my own city's infrastructure."

"Assignments required me to analyze my own city, which made the concepts very real and practical."

Videos and explanations are easy to follow.

"Lectures are very clear and easy to follow."

"The video lectures are well produced and the presenters are clear."

"I particularly appreciated the clarity of the videos and explanations."

"The course content is well-structured, and the lectures are presented clearly."

Provides a strong foundation and broad overview.

"The course provides a very good introduction to the topic of urban infrastructure management."

"I found this course to be a very good introductory course for those interested in urban infrastructure."

"It was a great overview of urban infrastructure and the challenges of managing it."

"This course gives a solid foundation on urban infrastructure, its components and related management challenges."

Some material feels outdated.

"Some of the content feels a little bit dated, like the references to 2017 events."

"The course material, especially some videos, could use an update."

"I think some statistics and examples need to be refreshed for currency."

"While the principles are sound, recent developments in urban tech aren't fully covered."

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

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Provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable urban development principles and practices, enhancing your understanding of the course concepts.

View Designing Healthy Communities on Amazon

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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

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Improves your problem-solving skills and reinforces your understanding of the key concepts.

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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

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Enhances your understanding through collaboration and discussion with peers.

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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

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Show all six activities

Design an infographic summarizing the key challenges and opportunities of urban infrastructure management

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Reinforces your understanding of the complex issues related to urban infrastructure management.

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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

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Expands your knowledge of urban infrastructure systems and their role in smart city development.

Browse courses on Smart Cities

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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

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Improves your knowledge retention and comprehension by organizing and summarizing the course materials.

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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 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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Infrastructure Analyst

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Auditor

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Infrastructure Project 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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Efficiency Program Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Designer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Transportation Planner

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.

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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..

See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Manager

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.

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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

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.

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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architect