Overview
Infrastructure in the form of energy systems, transportation and telecommunication networks, and clean water and sanitation facilities has long been recognized as necessary for economic growth and human development. This stream is intended to provide students with an overview on infrastructure policy issues in Asia with a view towards developing tools for policy analysis of questions related to infrastructure and development. Over the last decade, governments around the world pursued policies to involve the private sector in the delivery and financing of infrastructure services. Therefore a central theme of this stream will be changing perspectives on private investment in infrastructure projects. Other important themes include natural hazards and infrastructure provision, the relationship between environmental quality and infrastructure, and the relationship between infrastructure availability and poverty.
Preparation and Expectations
Students entering the infrastructure stream need to demonstrate competency in basic techniques of quantitative analysis such as introductory statistics. Further a basic understanding of economic principles associated with financing of infrastructure projects is required. Prospective students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with quantitative approaches to policy analysis.
Courses
The core course for the Infrastructure stream will focus on the role of privatization in the provisioning of infrastructure services. We will study the debate on privatization of infrastructure services, the pros and cons of proposed approaches to privatization, and examine the evidence on the success and failures of privatization initiatives carried out in Asia and around the world. Course requirements include a research paper, class participation and discussion, and presentation of case studies.
Other Courses
Other Courses related to Infrastructure Module include:
- RMES 500X/ PLAN 548K Disaster Impacts and Mitigation
- RMES 500X/PLAN 548T Decision Insights for Policy Planning and Analysis
- CIVL 522 Project and Construction Economics
- CIVL 524 Legal Aspects of Project and Construction Management