P201: Fundamentals and Practice of Planning

Module 1: Planning Concepts and Principles

Introduction
This module highlights the importance of understanding basic knowledge in planning
and the role of planners. It also introduces the learners to the nature and various ideas
of planning, definition of key terms, the principles of planning, its basis, philosophy and
purpose. Additionally, the course includes review of different planning theories with
theoretical perspectives from various academic disciplines and how these theories can
be applied to a contemporary and practical planning problem.

Learning Objectives
After studying this module, the students should be able to:

1. Discuss the concepts, definitions, principles and elements of planning;

2. Discuss the political context and legal basis of planning;
3. Explain the philosophy and purpose of planning;
4. Identify the roles and concerns of planners; and
5. Discuss the rationality and decision-making in planning.

1. Topic 1: Definitions and Essential Elements of Planning

For this topic, the learner is introduced on the various definitions of planning as well as
the elements of planning. This section will also cover discussion on the requirements of
a good planning and the principles to achieve successful planning.

Activity 1-1

Read:
1. Civicus. (Undated). Toolkit on overview of planning. Retrieved on January 27, 2018
at http://www.civicus.org/view/media/Overview%20of%20Planning.pdf
2. Littman, Todd. 2013. Planning Principles and Practices. Retrieved from
www.vtpi.org/planning.pdf.
3. Maxwell, John C. Seven Principles of Planning. Retrieved from
www.teamexpansion.org/brigguy/articles/Seven_Principles_of_Planning.pdf.

Guide questions
1. What are the key definitions of planning?
2. What are the essential elements of planning as a concept? Explain each of the
elements you have identified?
3. What are the principles of planning and how will you apply them in your work or
everyday activity?
4. What are the types of planning, the advantages as well as limitations of
planning?

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 2. Topic 2: The Importance of Planning

This topic highlights the rationale behind planning. It also discusses the importance of
planning in decision-making for future growth and development.

 Activity 1-2

Read

1. Thenmozhi  M.  (Undated).  Planning.  Retrieved  on  January  27,  2018  at    
http://nptel.ac.in/courses/122106031/Pdfs/3_1.pdf    
 
2. State of Georgia. Department of Community Affiars. (Undated). Why do we plan?
Retrieved on January 27, 2018 at  
https://www.dca.ga.gov/development/PlanningQualityGrowth/programs/downloads/g
uidebooks/WhyPlan.pdf  

Guide questions
1. What is the importance of planning?
2. How is planning used in decision-making and formulating blueprint for future
development?

3. Topic 3: Philosophy and Purpose of Planning

The topic encompasses the elaboration of the characteristics of planning as an activity

and as a profession. It also covers the objectives of planning – both simple and compex.

  Activity 1-3

Read
th
1. Hall, P. (2002). Chapter 1: Planning, planners and plans. In Urban and regional planning (4
ed.). Routledge. Retrieved from:
https://new.vk.com/doc2239495_206204053?hash=1cc85cfc29b608dd14&dl=58999518cbf05
9d4 cb.

Guide questions
1. How will you describe planning as an activity and as a profession?
2. What are objectives of planning?

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4. Topic 4: The Planners

This topic explains the skills that need to be honed by planners. It will also define the
principles and practices of planning.

 Activity 1-4

Read
1. Alexander, E. R. (2001). What do planners need to know?. Journal of
Planning Education and Research, 20(3), 376-380.
http://www.arch.mcgill.ca/prof/luka/urbandesignhousing/temp/old/climatech
ange/UnivCourseModules.pdf
2. Planning Principles and Practices, which is available at
www.vtpi.org/planning.pdf.

Guide questions

1. What are the roles and concerns of planners?

2. What are the planning skills and competencies, attitude and behavior, and
kinds of knowledge needed by planners?

Planning Skills and

Competencies Attitude and Behavior Kinds of Knowledge

3. What are the planner’s priorities and conflicts? What is your stand in the
planner’s triangle of conflicting goals for planning, and the three associated
conflicts?

References
Alexander, E. R. (2001). What do planners need to know?. Journal of Planning Education and
Research, 20(3), 376-380.
http://www.arch.mcgill.ca/prof/luka/urbandesignhousing/temp/old/climatechange/UnivCourseMo
dules.pdf

Civicus. (Undated). Toolkit on overview of planning. Retrieved on January 27, 2018 at

http://www.civicus.org/view/media/Overview%20of%20Planning.pdf
th
Hall, P. (2002). Chapter 1: Planning, planners and plans. In Urban and regional planning (4
ed.). Routledge. Retrieved from:
https://new.vk.com/doc2239495_206204053?hash=1cc85cfc29b608dd14&dl=58999518cbf059d
4cb

Littman, Todd. 2013. Planning Principles and Practices. Retrieved from

www.vtpi.org/planning.pdf.

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 Maxwell, John C. Seven Principles of Planning. Retrieved from

State of Georgia. Department of Community Affiars. (Undated). Why do we plan?

Retrieved on January 27, 2018 at
https://www.dca.ga.gov/development/PlanningQualityGrowth/programs/downloads/guid
ebooks/WhyPlan.pdf

Thenmozhi M. (Undated). Planning. Retrieved on January 27, 2018 at

http://nptel.ac.in/courses/122106031/Pdfs/3_1.pdf
 
 
 
 
 
 

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