The utilities industry is facing a fundamental change in its structure, purpose, and operating focus. Historically, utilities have operated in an independent manner where each utility works for the benefit of its own constituents and is funded either by a distinguishable public or private model. This scenario is changing in a dramatic manner as the era of Integrated Infrastructure Networks is emerging. In this era, infrastructure networks are facing the prospects of integrating resources, delivery options, funding mechanisms, and physical layouts as issues such as technology, public oversight, consumer demand, and funding models begin to break down the separation that has been the hallmark of the utilities industry. This course introduces students to the new issues facing utility managers and the influences that are driving utilities to the new integrated model. The focus of this introduction is to prepare students to enter management positions within the industry and provide the foundation for students to take specialized courses within the utilities management field.

? Physical Infrastructure o Intent of the individual physical infrastructure components o Historic and current scope of the utilities o Current role in the physical and social infrastructure ? Organization Structure and Behavior o Classic hierarchical structures o Emerging network structures o Utility integration demands and challenges ? Government Process o Public utility oversight o Legislative funding o Legal aspects of utility right-of-way ? Privatization and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) o Privatization funding and operation models o The role of bonds in infrastructure development o Private investment and its consequences o Quality control and assurance ? Contract Management o The new role of the utility project manager o Consultant management o Liability and utility oversight ? IT Integration o Management Systems o Control Systems o Utility network integration ? Future Regional Issues o Urban development o Land Management o Population expansion o Recreation requirements

Provide the fundamental knowledge for managing utility operations.

Senior standing.