The Planner and the Planning Process

Introduction

  • Overview of the planner and planning process.

  • Learning objectives:

    • Explain the planning process.

    • Identify characteristics of the planning process.

    • Understand planner's role.

    • Familiarize with planning cycles.

The Planner

  • Professional planners play critical roles in the planning process.

  • Specialization in spatial dimensions and physical planning.

  • Functions:

    • Development moderator, change agent, manager of development.

    • Allocation of land as a development control planner.

    • Long-term planning as a structure planner.

Basic Characteristics of the Planning Process

  • Problem solving nature addressing societal issues.

  • Multi-objective approach targeting various goals simultaneously.

  • Cyclical process adapting to societal changes.

  • Evolutionary aspect, improving from basic to organized tools.

  • Interdisciplinary, involving various professionals and authorities.

Role of the Planner

  • Can complicate decision-making by increasing consultations.

  • Facilitative role in community engagement and appreciation of effective planning.

  • Identifies regional development issues, resources, and economic needs.

  • Requires setting up efficient organizations for planning and implementation.

  • Guides formulation of goals for plans.

Identification of Problems and Data Analysis

  • Collects and analyzes relevant socio-economic data.

  • Presents conditions through various means: statements, maps, charts.

  • Leads in analyzing data to identify problems and potentials.

Formulation of Goals and Development Themes

  • Collaborates with stakeholders on data analysis.

  • Guides authorities on national policies and goal setting.

  • Formulates development themes:

    • Human resource development, diversification, institutional capacity building, environmental quality.

Generation of Development Scenarios

  • Facilitates negotiation on alternative actions to achieve objectives.

  • Assesses opportunity costs and action impacts: growth, equity, sustainability, and policy conformity.

Preparation of a Development Framework

  • Gathers information on national and international standards.

  • Makes projections with technical sectors and presents in structured formats.

Plan Preparation

  • Coordinates and provides guidelines for sector plans.

  • Harmonizes plans across sectors and liaises for budget estimates.

  • Organizes validation workshops for draft plans.

Plan Implementation

  • Identifies activities for projects and prepares schedules.

  • Leads resource mobilization and defines roles for stakeholders.

  • Establishes management structures for implementation.

Monitoring and Evaluation

  • Forms project monitoring teams and furnishes targets to agencies.

  • Arranges routine monitoring and regular reviews.

  • Ensures documentation and timely project reporting.

  • Conducts evaluations and documentation of contracts.