Rational planning model

The rational planning model is a model of the planning process involving a number of rational actions or steps. Taylor (1998) outlines five steps, as follows:[1]

  • Definition of the problems and/or goals;
  • Identification of alternative plans/policies;
  • Evaluation of alternative plans/policies;
  • Implementation of plans/policies;
  • Monitoring of effects of plans/policies.

The rational planning model is used in planning and designing neighborhoods, cities, and regions. It has been central in the development of modern urban planning and transportation planning. The model has many limitations, particularly the lack of guidance on involving stakeholders and the community affected by planning, and other models of planning, such as collaborative planning, are now also widely used.

The very similar rational decision-making model, as it is called in organizational behavior, is a process for making logically sound decisions.[2] This multi-step model and aims to be logical and follow the orderly path from problem identification through solution. Rational decision making is a multi-step process for making logically sound decisions that aims to follow the orderly path from problem identification through solution.

  1. ^ Taylor, Nigel (1998). Urban Planning Theory since 1945. London: Sage Publications. pp. 67–68.
  2. ^ Robbins, Stephen P.; Timothy A. Judge (2007). Organizational Behavior (12th ed.). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall. pp. 156–8. ISBN 978-0132431569.