Unit Information
Infrastructure underpins every aspect of modern life. It shapes our economies, environments, and societal well-being. Railways, roads, bridges, airports, hospitals, schools, ports, water and sanitation systems, energy generation and distribution (gas and electricity); its components are varied but fundamentally interconnected.
Infrastructure Systems Management (ISM), when performed effectively, remains invisible to many, but its criticality is highly visible when it fails.
The aim of this unit is to give students an advanced understanding of the sustainable, whole-lifecycle management of infrastructure. It covers the planning, acquisition, design, delivery, operation, maintenance, renewal and disposal of infrastructure projects and programmes. These range in scale from the complexity of interconnected ‘system-of-systems’ to the detail of individual assets. ISM will develop the critical thinking processes which, allied with a deep understanding of needs and performance measurement principles, are required to manage the resilient performance of infrastructure systems.
The ISM unit has three main themes, while also highlighting the role infrastructure plays in both sustainable development and climate breakdown:
Systems Knowledge and Understanding
Context of International Infrastructure
Leadership and Change management
Your learning on this unit
1. Describe, demonstrate and evaluate systems thinking approaches to engineering decision making that recognise uncertainty, complexity, emergence, sustainability, purpose and value.
2. Understand and apply the key principles of asset management, and the engineering activities contributing to effective asset development.
3. Understand, analyse and develop the principles of asset health monitoring and condition-based monitoring, including basic asset and related performance indicators.
4. Identify and debate ethical dilemmas in international infrastructure systems management.
5. Understand and assess the relevant legal requirements governing asset condition including the integrated management systems for health, safety, environment, and quality.
6. Begin to lead change with an understanding of the challenges inherent in making complex systems more efficient, effective and sustainable.
