Management of Urban Infrastructures – part 1

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/managing-urban-infrastructures-1

Introduction

## Course Review: Management of Urban Infrastructures – Part 1 As urbanization accelerates, understanding how to effectively manage urban infrastructures has become increasingly crucial. The Coursera course **"Management of Urban Infrastructures – Part 1"** does an exceptional job of addressing this pressing need by equipping learners with the knowledge to foster sustainability, resilience, and efficiency in urban environments. ### Course Overview The course highlights the fundamental aspects of urban infrastructure management in the context of a world where more than 3.9 billion people reside in cities, with projections indicating an increase to 6 billion by 2045. With urban growth comes heightened demand for essential services such as energy, transportation, and water. This course is structured into four comprehensive blocks, each focusing on key components of urban infrastructure management: 1. **Introduction to Urban Infrastructures** 2. **Principles of Urban Infrastructure Management** 3. **Urban Energy Management** 4. **Urban Transport Management** Each block features engaging video lectures, relevant readings, and opportunities for peer discussions, ensuring that learners develop a well-rounded understanding of urban infrastructure issues. ### Detailed Breakdown of Syllabus **Block 1: Introduction to Urban Infrastructures** This introductory block lays the groundwork for the course. Learners explore the challenges urban infrastructures face and gain insights into various urban systems. The case study on Mexico City provides a practical context, enriching theoretical knowledge with real-world challenges. **Block 2: Principles of Urban Infrastructure Management** Building upon the first block, participants delve into the role of urban infrastructure managers. The exploration of stakeholder management and performance objectives is particularly relevant for those looking to understand the multifaceted aspects of urban governance. The dramatic case study detailing water supply challenges in Detroit offers a compelling look at infrastructure issues in North America. **Block 3: Urban Energy Management** This block shifts focus to the electricity sector within urban infrastructures. Participants will learn about managing urban electricity systems and the inherent challenges and opportunities for sustainability. The case study revolving around sustainable energy practices in Copenhagen is particularly inspiring, highlighting practical solutions that can be implemented elsewhere. **Block 4: Urban Transport Management** The course culminates in an examination of urban transport systems, emphasizing their critical role in city management. The insights from professionals such as Prof. Robert E. Paaswell and Mr. Beat Muller provide a nuanced understanding of transportation challenges and successes. The case study of Seoul’s revolutionary transport system emphasizes transformative practices worth emulating in other cities. ### Learning Experience Throughout the course, learners engage with a community of peers through discussion forums, allowing for a vibrant exchange of ideas and problem-solving perspectives. The quizzes and short answer assignments encourage participants to apply what they've learned directly to their own urban environments, enhancing the personal relevance of course content. ### Final Thoughts The **"Management of Urban Infrastructures – Part 1"** course on Coursera is not just an academic endeavor; it is an essential resource for urban planners, city managers, and anyone interested in the sustainable development of urban areas. With its comprehensive approach, rich case studies, and expert insights, this course can empower professionals to tackle urban challenges head-on. ### Recommendation I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of urban management, whether they are seasoned professionals or passionate individuals new to the field. The blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application makes this course a valuable investment in your education and career. Don't miss the opportunity to contribute to the future of sustainable urban living!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 !