By Mukhammadjon Ataev (MSIB)

Featured above: STAP UK participants in front of Winchester Cathedral. 

The program was very interesting, because it was organized with speakers from different backgrounds and industries that showcased privatization from various perspectives. I especially enjoyed that the course allowed us to apply our knowledge in different industries and political viewpoints. I was also excited that speakers were not just from academia, but were professionals in different spheres, sharing their point of view and knowledge based on their own experience. As I believe that theories always should be tested in practice, it was great to have a mix of theoretical and experience-based knowledge. 

Meeting with Cat Hobbs from “We Own It” was very interesting and gave another perspective on the privatization process. A lot of public utilities’ privatizations have taken place throughout history— some of which were successful, while others were not. In the case of water privatization in the UK, the matter was neither one nor the other. Compared to the Argentinian fall in privatizing its water system, the UK hasn’t run into any problems during the process, as their currency was stable and the process went smoothly. However, we can see that long-term issues might appear.

One contributing factor to this possibility is public opinion. The main concerns of the public currently are the quality of the water in the rivers and increasing prices. From the business perspective, the improvement of water quality needs additional investment. While this action will lead to increased prices, it is also an important factor for the public. Now the UK is in a difficult position where actions are needed, but each mistake could cost billions of dollars. As a result, this issue has become a powerful tool in the hands of politicians who can manipulate the issue to gain votes.  

It was wonderful to see how they were able to succeed in a very competitive job market, but still have time to gather and promote GW abroad. During the reception, I was able to talk with many people with fascinating backgrounds. One highlight of the evening was talking to an alum with expertise in my field— they even agreed that we should collaborate together in the future.  

When I hear “privatization” or “PPP,” I mostly think of state-owned companies such as airlines, railways, and national enterprises. However, in the case of the British Army Logistic Corps, I learned how even defense can be established in the form of PPP. It was interesting to learn from someone who worked during these reforms and could speak to how they took place, as well as how the UK did it back in the 90’s. This came to be one of the most valuable lectures we attended because it was a totally different perspective from my own and was delivered by the firsthand source.   

When I hear “privatization” or “PPP,” I mostly think of state-owned companies such as airlines, railways, and national enterprises. However, in the case of the British Army Logistic Corps, I learned how even defense can be established in the form of PPP. It was interesting to learn from someone who worked during these reforms and could speak to how they took place, as well as how the UK did it back in the 90’s. This came to be one of the most valuable lectures we attended because it was a totally different perspective from my own and was delivered by the firsthand source.   

Featured in image to the left: the Royal Logistics Corp Museum.

During this lecture, we learned that contracting the defense is a great saving opportunity for the government. Innovations in industry can have an impact on other spheres. As a result, the government may soon get the latest technological solutions if it contracts with private companies. While I learned a lot during this session, I was also left with some new questions of my own—namely, how safe is it to contract the defense sphere when taking national security and potential dependence on private companies into consideration?

Overall, I loved this course because of the mix of theoretical and experience-based knowledge. By combining these two, I was able to see a lot of similarities between practice and theory. This was useful in learning best practices, while also recognizing that some industries face difficulties in privatizing. One of the most notable difficulties in implementing privatization is balancing it with public opinion and the influence of politics.

Another great aspect of the program was the cohort of classmates taking the course. Our cohort consisted of students from different majors, as well as professional backgrounds. It was nice to hear their perspectives on the subject matter and learn more about their careers. Our group was full of curious people who asked a wide range of questions according to their perspectives. This helped me to look at each issue from different angles and enriched our course discussions. 

Finally, I was surprised by how people care about politics in the UK and how they stand for their viewpoints. They enjoy sharing and defending their ideas, which leads to interesting political discussions. In particular, I loved the meeting with Lord Kinnock to hear his point of view on current political trends and learn more about his career as he went through the long journey of being from a worker's family to achieving the status of a Lord. I was inspired by his story, straightforwardness, and character, proving that there is no limitation if a person works hard and believes in their ideas. 

Featured in the left image: the author posing with Lord Neil Kinnock.

Last, but not least, I want to thank G&EE for working with Prof Weiner and our TA Holly for organizing such an informative and well-established course. As this was my second STAP, I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for the G&EE team (especially, for Olivia and Marie) for their great work that has been done behind the scenes, as well as their support during my visa application processes.  

By Rachel Johnson, PMBA student.

Featured above: The author and classmates posing in Westminster. 

In the PMBA program, most of my course work is business oriented and given my job in finance, I am not often brought outside of my “corporate bubble” (for lack of better term). But throughout this course I was able to stretch my brain and expand my thinking via discussions on public policy, political views, personal beliefs, and business alike through the lens of learning about Public Private Partnerships (PPP). I found that the diversity of speakers we had throughout the week allowed me to analyze each speaker’s opinion on a certain issue or aspect of PPP and determine for myself the pros/cons of their points of view and weigh them against my own opinions. I appreciated that all the speakers were so candid in providing their personal opinions.

I found it interesting to hear from so many politicians on Parliament Day and about their careers and how they came to civil service. I enjoyed most being able to draw my own conclusions from each lecture, and it was nice to see practical/real application of PPP from our first lecture at Long Harbour with Christophe de Taurines but then contrast that with the theoretical/political applications later in the week with Robert Marcus and Lord Neil Kinnock. 

I got something out of each discussion that we had, but from my business mind perspective I enjoyed Long Harbour and the discussion on the Fawley Waterside Project the best, as Christophe was an engaging speaker and supported each question in the room as well as stimulated all of us to think about how the project could be successful. Additionally, I enjoyed the presentation style of Richard Threlfall the best as he came prepared to discuss a wide range of topics but allowed natural flow of conversation via questions. I think that was the most engaging and encouraged the most participation of everyone in the group. 

I also liked that it was just a meeting, where he was sitting with us, as opposed to lecture style. I was surprised from KPMG that it was almost all climate initiative focused, but given that many of the industries discussed (EVs, water, energy) have flipped between or had opportunities to be privatized or nationalized, it fit in well with the issues facing those industries today with climate change. Something I would have loved to delve into more, especially on the political side with our speakers that work in civil service, would be the aspect of accountability as it pertains to the government.  

Featured in left image: The author and classmates in front of Buckingham Palace.