What is planning
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Consensus Meter
Understanding Planning: Definitions, Approaches, and Applications
Introduction to Planning: Definitions and Scope
Planning is a multifaceted concept that encompasses a wide range of activities aimed at guiding change within social systems. It involves coordinating how society interacts with and within built and natural environments, often described as "the mediation of space; making of place". This broad definition highlights the complexity and diversity of planning activities, which can include transport planning, environmental assessment, and community development.
Historical Evolution of Planning: From Design to Systems Thinking
The discipline of planning has evolved significantly over time. Initially, planning was closely associated with architecture and public health, emerging as a response to the poor living conditions during the Industrial Revolution. Early planning was seen as the design of blueprints for desired states of areas, focusing on the aesthetic and morphological aspects of space. However, as urban complexity increased, this view became untenable, leading to a shift towards systems thinking and scientific evaluation of spatial processes. This transition marked a move from viewing planning as an art to considering it a science.
Modern Approaches to Planning: Advocacy and Collaboration
In contemporary practice, planning is often seen as a process of managing decision-making and advocating for the needs of those who live and work in the planned spaces. This approach emphasizes bottom-up inclusion and consensus-seeking, aiming to reconcile different perspectives and achieve collective goals. The collaborative approach to planning is particularly prominent in the UK and Ireland, where it is seen as essential for effective urban and regional development.
Strategic Planning: A Tool for Organizational Success
Strategic planning is a specific type of planning that focuses on producing fundamental decisions and actions to guide an organization. It is a leadership tool designed to enhance strategic thinking, acting, and learning, rather than a substitute for these activities. Strategic planning can take various forms, emphasizing either the process or the content, and is closely linked to strategic management, which integrates planning with implementation.
Conceptual Models and Modes of Planning
Planning can be understood through various conceptual models that categorize different modes of planning, such as developmental, adaptive, allocative, and innovative. These models help organize empirical research into planning processes and provide a framework for understanding the different forms of thought, institutions, and implementation procedures involved in planning.
The Temporal Dimension of Planning
Plans have a complex relationship with time, as they are forward-looking but also reflect the contemporary situation when they were created. This temporal dimension raises important questions about the relevance and implementation of plans over time, as they must balance future goals with current and past contexts. Understanding this relationship is crucial for effective planning and policy-making.
Business Planning: Path to Success for New and Small Businesses
In the context of business, planning is essential for achieving success, particularly for new and small businesses. A business plan serves as a tool to organize goals and strategies, improve internal operations, and market the business to potential financiers. It typically includes sections on introductory elements, business operations, financial statements, and appendices, providing a comprehensive framework for business development.
Conclusion
Planning is a dynamic and multifaceted discipline that encompasses a wide range of activities and approaches. From its historical roots in architecture and public health to modern strategic and collaborative practices, planning continues to evolve to meet the needs of complex social systems. Whether in urban development, organizational strategy, or business success, effective planning requires a deep understanding of its various dimensions and the ability to adapt to changing contexts.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic