A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR MANAGING PLANNING PROJECTS

Planning schools teach planners theory and analytical techniques for developing plans, but rarely teach the practical management techniques for ensuring that the final product (the plan) arrives on time, within budget, and with high quality. Planners manage a project when they use information about its status to make incremental adjustments to a preconceived work program, schedule, and budget. This article describes several practical techniques for defining problems, managing research, and writing reports that planners can use to improve their final products. © American Planning Association Chicago, IL.