3 Review(s)

A new approach to planning called "Organisational Analysis" is presented in this boo. Like procedural planning theories, organisational analysis could be used as a prescriptive tool to recommend, for example, a preferred organisational structure or method of delivery. But at the same time organisational analysis could also be employed as an analytical tool to describe and analyse the planning function itself - the central concern of the theories of political economy. The existing approaches to land use planning provide only a limited view of the planning function because they fail to identify the major elements of that function. The existing approaches to planning support the view that land use planning is primarily made up of two parts : the control function and the policy function. The control function includes administrative statutory development control, and the policy function includes regimes of decision making including development plans and other policy documents. This classification is further restricted by the fact that government, practicing planners, and researchers have primarily focused on development plans and related policy documents. The development control function is taken for granted. On the other hand, organisational analysis considers that "control function and policy function" are just one element of the planning function i.e. strategies and tactics. The other major elements of the planning function, according to organisational analysis, are the people associated with an organisation; the structure of roles and relationships in an organisation ; the materials that enable an organisation to carry out its functions; the environment of an organisation; the political systems in which an organisation works; the resources of an organisation and the values of an organisation. Thus "organisational analysis" provides a different focus where by emphasis is shifted from one element of the planning function (development plans and development control mechanisms) to all the main elements of the planning function. Dr. Ashok Kumar is a town planner trained at the India's premier Planning institute - the School of planning and architecture, New Delhi. Dr. Kumar passion to conduct methodical research took him to the University of Liverpool in Britain Where he completed his doctorate degree. At present Dr. Kumar teaches at the School of planning and Architecture, New Delhi.Dr. Kumar started writing for the professional journals at a very young age. He has already contributed more than 25 academic papers in national and International journals. Dr. Kumar also Writes for the leading English dailies including. The Economic times, The Times of India and the Telegraph.Dr. Kumar has been associated with the planning practice for the last 10 years. He continues to associate himself with the Delhi Urban Basic Services Programme where he worked in the initial stages of his productive career. At present he is conducting research on many projects of applied nature sponsored by national and international organisations. His major research interests include decision making and spatial conflicts in planning.