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Matthias Finger

This course will teach you about the management and governance of infrastructures.

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This course will teach you about the management and governance of infrastructures.

As cities are currently hosts to half of the world’s population, the role played by urban infrastructures in the delivery of services (such as energy, transport and water) becomes crucial. The management and governance of such complex socio-technical systems becomes vital to ensuring their performance.

In this course we look at the economic, social, political, and technological dimensions of urban infrastructure management. Note that this it is not an intensely technical course, but rather a course in the area of (public) management.

In addition to covering the basic principles and main schools of thought in managing and governing urban infrastructures, we also focus on two, particularly vital urban infrastructures, namely energy and transport.

The course is structured into 4 blocks. The first block provides a solid foundation for understanding urban infrastructures: why are they important? How do they function? Why are they different from other large socio-technical systems?

The second block explores the main challenges as well as the main schools of thought in managing and governing urban infrastructures.

The third and fourth blocks are dedicated to developing a deeper understanding of urban energy and urban transport management and governance respectively.

Block 3 will offer an introduction to urban energy systems, focusing, in particular, on the unique characteristics of these systems. Block 4 will do the same for urban transportation systems and highlight, in particular, the emerging integrated approach to urban mobility.

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • What you’ll learn:
  • The systemic nature of urban infrastructures
  • The main schools of thought in management of urban infrastructures
  • Urban energy systems and the key principles for managing them
  • Urban transportation systems and the key principles for managing them

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Taught by recognized instructors, Matthias Finger, who contribute to the field of urban management and governance
A solid foundation for understanding urban infrastructures
Designed for (public) management professionals
Develops knowledge in the economic, social, political, and technological dimensions of urban infrastructure management
Provides a comprehensive understanding of urban energy systems and urban transportation systems, which are vital to urban infrastructure management

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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 Urban Infrastructure Management with these activities:
Review Concepts from Public Management
Ensure that you have a solid grounding in public management skills before beginning this course.
Browse courses on Public Management
Show steps
  • Revisit your notes or textbooks on public management.
  • Identify areas where you need additional review.
Review the principles of urban planning and development
Ensure a solid foundation for your understanding of urban infrastructure management by reviewing the principles of urban planning and development. This will help you grasp the broader context within which urban infrastructure is designed and managed.
Browse courses on Urban Planning
Show steps
  • Review lecture notes or textbooks on urban planning
  • Revisit case studies or examples of urban development projects
  • Discuss the key principles with a peer or mentor
Read "Sustainable Urban Infrastructure" by Martin Wachs
Gain a comprehensive understanding of sustainable urban infrastructure by reading this book. It provides insights into the principles, challenges, and best practices for designing and managing urban infrastructure in a sustainable manner.
View Moving Los Angeles on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book and take notes
  • Summarize the key concepts and findings
  • Apply the knowledge gained to your urban infrastructure projects
11 other activities
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Follow tutorials on urban infrastructure management tools
Enhance your practical skills by following tutorials on software and tools used in urban infrastructure management. This will enable you to apply the theoretical concepts learned in the course to real-world scenarios.
Show steps
  • Identify relevant tutorials for your skill level
  • Complete the tutorials and practice using the tools
  • Apply the knowledge gained to your assignments or projects
Join a Study Group for Urban Infrastructure Management
Collaborate with peers to discuss course concepts, share perspectives, and test your understanding.
Show steps
  • Form or join a study group with other course participants.
  • Meet regularly to discuss course material and practice problem-solving.
Solve urban infrastructure management case studies
Reinforce your understanding of urban infrastructure management principles by working through real-world case studies. This will help you develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the context of urban infrastructure.
Show steps
  • Analyze a case study and identify the key issues
  • Develop and evaluate alternative solutions
  • Present your findings and recommendations
Explore Case Studies in Urban Infrastructure Management
Examine real-world examples to gain practical insights into urban infrastructure management.
Show steps
  • Search for case studies on urban infrastructure management.
  • Analyze the challenges and solutions presented in the case studies.
Attend Industry Conferences on Urban Infrastructure
Connect with professionals in the urban infrastructure field to exchange knowledge and expand your network.
Show steps
  • Identify industry conferences focused on urban infrastructure.
  • Attend the conferences and engage with attendees.
Create an urban infrastructure design project
Develop a deep understanding of how urban infrastructures are designed and managed by creating your own design project. This will enable you to apply the principles and concepts learned in the course to a practical scenario.
Show steps
  • Identify an urban infrastructure problem
  • Research and analyze potential solutions
  • Design and implement a prototype solution
  • Evaluate and refine the solution
Write a blog post on a current urban infrastructure issue
Demonstrate your understanding of urban infrastructure issues and communicate it effectively by writing a blog post on a topic of your choice. This activity will help you develop your writing skills and ability to synthesize information.
Show steps
  • Research and gather information on the topic
  • Develop an outline and structure for the blog post
  • Write and edit the blog post
  • Publish and promote the blog post
Conduct SWOT Analysis on Urban Infrastructure Projects
Apply SWOT analysis to infrastructure projects, assisting you in identifying potential pitfalls and opportunities.
Show steps
  • Identify an urban infrastructure project.
  • Conduct a SWOT analysis by evaluating strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to the project.
Participate in a Local Infrastructure Planning Workshop
Engage with experts and stakeholders in a real-world setting to gain firsthand experience in urban infrastructure planning.
Show steps
  • Locate a local infrastructure planning workshop.
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions.
Participate in an urban infrastructure design competition
Showcase your skills and knowledge by participating in an urban infrastructure design competition. This will provide you with an opportunity to collaborate with others, receive feedback from experts, and potentially win recognition for your work.
Show steps
  • Identify and register for a suitable competition
  • Develop and submit your design proposal
  • Refine your design based on feedback
  • Present your final design to a panel of judges
Develop a Proposal for an Urban Infrastructure Improvement
Design a proposal to address a specific infrastructure need in an urban setting, showcasing your understanding of the field.
Show steps
  • Identify an infrastructure issue in an urban area.
  • Research potential solutions and develop a proposal outlining your recommendations.

Career center

Learners who complete Urban Infrastructure Management will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Transportation Consultant
Transportation Consultants help organizations and communities develop and implement transportation plans and strategies. This course may be helpful as it will teach you about urban transportation systems, and how to manage and govern them.
Transportation Planner
Transportation Planners develop and implement plans to improve the transportation system, including roads, public transit, and bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. This course may be helpful as it will teach you about urban transportation systems, and how to manage and govern them.
Infrastructure Financier
Infrastructure Financiers provide financing for infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and energy systems. This course may be helpful as it will teach you about management and governance of infrastructures, which is very relevant to a career as an Infrastructure Financier.
Infrastructure Policy Analyst
Infrastructure Policy Analysts develop and analyze policies related to infrastructure, including transportation, energy, and water systems. This course may be helpful as it will teach you about management and governance of infrastructures, which is very relevant to a career as an Infrastructure Policy Analyst.
Public Works Director
Public Works Directors oversee the planning, construction, and maintenance of public infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and water and sewer systems. This course may prove useful as it will teach you about management and governance of infrastructures, which is very relevant to a career as a Public Works Director.
Urban Designer
Urban Designers plan and design cities, towns, and neighborhoods, ensuring that they are functional, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing. This course can be particularly useful due to its focus on how to manage and govern infrastructures, which is crucial for Urban Designers.
City Manager
City Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of a city, including the management of infrastructure, public services, and finances. This course may be useful as it will teach you about management and governance of infrastructures, which is very relevant to a career as a City Manager.
Energy Consultant
Energy Consultants help organizations and communities develop and implement energy efficiency and renewable energy strategies. This course may be helpful as it will teach you about energy systems and how to manage them, which is particularly relevant to a career as an Energy Consultant.
Energy Manager
Energy Managers develop and implement strategies to reduce energy consumption and costs for organizations and communities. This course may be helpful as it teaches about energy systems and how to manage them, which is particularly relevant to a career in energy management.
Infrastructure Project Manager
Infrastructure Project Managers oversee the planning, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure projects, ensuring that they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required standards. This course may be helpful as it teaches project management skills, as well as management and governance of infrastructures.
Infrastructure Developer
Infrastructure Developers develop and build infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and energy systems. This course may be helpful as it will teach you about management and governance of infrastructures, which is very relevant to a career as an Infrastructure Developer.
Infrastructure Investor
Infrastructure Investors invest in infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and energy systems. This course may be helpful as it will teach you about management and governance of infrastructures, which is very relevant to a career as an Infrastructure Investor.
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultants help organizations and communities develop and implement sustainability strategies. This course may be useful as it will teach you about energy systems, transportation systems, and how to manage and govern infrastructures, all of which are relevant to a career as a Sustainability Consultant.
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability Managers develop and implement strategies to reduce the environmental impact of organizations and communities. This course may be useful as it will teach you about energy systems, transportation systems, and how to manage and govern infrastructures, all of which are relevant to a career in sustainability.
Urban Planner
Urban Planners focus on the effective development of land, cities, and infrastructure. This course may prove useful as it will teach you about management and governance of infrastructures, which is very relevant to a career as an Urban Planner.

Reading list

We've selected seven 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 Urban Infrastructure Management.
A comprehensive resource for the practice of transportation engineering. will be useful for transportation professionals desiring to refer to established practices in the field.
A practical guide to local government finance, including infrastructure financing. Provides real-world examples and advice for local government officials.
Provides an accessible overview of energy sources, including renewables and fossil fuels. Includes practical examples of energy use and policy.
A basic introduction to the theory and practice of transit oriented development. Includes case studies of different approaches to creating more sustainable communities.
A broad text covering the management of infrastructure, with a focus on the integration of engineering, financial, and policy aspects.
A text on the use of computer modeling to support urban planning, including topics such as land use planning and transportation planning.
Covers the design, construction, and maintenance of different types of bridges. Provides examples of bridge construction, as well as numerical problems for readers to solve.

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