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Decision Making : The Rational Planning Model

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The process of decision-making, and the models used during this process, has long been a focus in the field of Urban Planning. Part of this focus has been a discussion regarding which decision-making model is best suited for this profession. One often employed but highly controversial model for decision-making found in this field is the rational planning model. This model, which was first adopted by planners in the 1950’s and 1960’s, focuses on addressing the problems of cities and their inhabitants through a series of comprehensive and rational steps. This multi-step model assumes that following a sequence of interdependent steps will result in finding the best possible solutions for any proposed problems.
Within the field of urban planning this model of decision-making is most often applied to the creation of comprehensive master plans, and it often begins with first establishing a vision for the city and creating a set of goals, in order to reach this ideal vision. This first step also includes working to identify, comprehend, and define problems that should be addressed within the master plan. One important aspect of this entire decision making process is ensuring a variety of voices are heard, so that decision makers have a shared understanding of any problems facing potential stakeholders of this process, and so that they can work towards implementing common goals. The next step of the rational planning model involves gathering information and developing a set of

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