Strategic business analysis for UBC utilities

This paper presents a strategic business analysis for the utilities department, UBC Utilities, at the University of British Columbia (UBC). UBC Utilities provides electricity, water, natural gas, steam for heating and sterilization, water supply and distribution, and waste water services to the university. UBC's major focus is on education and research; it considers UBC Utilities an undesirable risk and has the intention of privatizing UBC Utilities to minimize that risk. This paper analyzes comparable utility functions at a number of locations in Canada and the US; assesses UBC Utilities' competencies; considers factors influencing its effectiveness; and investigates options and then makes suggestions to improve the viability of UBC Utilities and increase its attractiveness for sale.