There are many Asset Management Software out there (AM and CMMS are the same). The best for GIS-centricity is CityWorks. There is also InforEAM and Maximo that work with ArcGIS as well.
Typically, for GIS integration into AM software, the GIS data resides in, for example, a SQL Server Database with ArcSDE and ArcGIS for Server, and ArcGIS for Desktop Intermediate (ArcEditor is what you will need to manage this type of database). Each AM software has their own internal GIS Map Viewer.
Have you considered focusing your research on the effectiveness of AM and ArcGIS Integration? Integrating AM and GIS is done by a lot of utilities, but how effective it is done and how well it is sustained over the long term are the most complex issues and are where the problems arise. I see a lot of thesis or dissertation material on this topic.