Planning Theory

Question 1

What are the primary planning theories?

Answer 1

1. Rational planning
2. Incremental planning
3. Mixed scanning
4. Advocacy planning
5. Transactive planning
6. Radical planning
7. Communicative planning
8. Equity planning

Question 2

Describe rational planning

Answer 2

Pure rationality assumes that a planner has perfect knowledge of all of the factors in a given situation. A planner is able to evaluate all alternatives and is not constrained by limits of time and money. Criticized as unrealistic.

Question 3

Describe incremental planning

Answer 3

Theorized by Charles Lindblom in his 1959 article. “The Science of Muddling Through”. It essentially states that decision makers work off of small changes. Think about making patchwork updates to code to address whichever new issue comes up at the time.

Question 4

Describe mixed scanning

Answer 4

A compromise of rational and incremental planning. Policy making decisions should utilize the rational planning approach while implementation should utilize the incremental approach.

Question 5

Describe advocacy planning

Answer 5

Paul Davidoff developed the theory of advocacy planning in the 60’s. Planners should represent special interest groups rather than acting on behalf of the entire community.

Question 6

Describe equity planning

Answer 6

Adopted by Norman Krumholz in Cleveland during the 70’s. Planners should work to aid the poorest and most disadvantaged in a community.

Question 7

Describe transactive planning

Answer 7

Theorized by John Friedman in 1973 in his book, “Retracking America: A Theory of Transactive Planning”. Planners meet with community members for “mutual learning”. Planners bring the technical knowledge while citizens provide community knowledge.

Question 8

Describe radical planning

Answer 8

Theorized by John Friedman in 1987 in his book, “Planning in the public domain”. Removes power from the government by having citizens create their own plans.

Question 9

Describe communicative planning

Answer 9

Currently the popular theory. This theory recognizes that planning operates within the realm of politics and that it contains a variety of stakeholder interests. Listen to all stakeholders and mediate to create a consensus.