Planning Methods for Smart Govern (ID)

Uitgebreide vaknaam	Planning Methods for Smart Governance (ID)
Leerdoelen	(1) Explain different theoretical perspectives on the role of planning methods. (2) Apply a selection of planning methods in a specific case and translate the method’s outcomes in a spatial policy advice. (3) Reflect on the value, use and performance of planning methods in smart policy design. (4) Clearly present the outcomes of the planning methods as well as the knowledge and motives behind these methods to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Omschrijving	Complexity and uncertainties are intrinsically part of spatial design problems. By applying planning support and evaluation methods, planners try to deal with these uncertainties and, often, reduce complexity. Worldwide, a wide-ranging assortment of planning methods is applied in policy-design practice. Some generic functions of these methods include complex problem structuring (‘problems first’), generating and defining scenarios, analysing and visualizing impacts, and selecting and comparing alternative solutions for these problems. The format of the methods and the way their performance is perceived strongly depends on underlying theoretical views on policy design. (e.g., goal-oriented, interactive, institutional). This course provides students with knowledge about the smart use of planning methods in governance from different theoretical perspectives. The meaning of ‘smart’ relates to (1) high performance of methods in governance, (2) the use of innovative methods and (3) increase in available open data and crowdsourced data. More in detail, the conditions for successful application of methods based on problem structuring, scenario development and Space Syntax will be discussed and applied in the group assignment (Step 5). Students reflect on the value, use and performance of these methods in policy design. Part of the course is a group assignment on a self-chosen spatial design question. The aim of this assignment is to write spatial policy advice. This will be based on the findings produced by using and integrating several planning methods related to problem solving, scenario development and scenario testing with the space syntax method. The students will complete a portfolio that – stepwise – builds up to the final policy advice. Critical reflection on the contribution of planning methods in smart governance will be part of the assignment. Students are expected to complete a written exam, to actively participate in the tutorials and to complete the group assignment.
Uren per week	4
Onderwijsvorm	Computer practicals, Guest lectures, Lectures, Seminars
Toetsvorm	Active participation, Examination with open questions, Group assignments, Oral presentation
Vaksoort	master
Coördinator	dr. F. Niekerk
Docent(en)	Guest lecturers ,dr. F. Niekerk
Entreevoorwaarden	Following knowledge is of advantage: GIS
Opmerkingen	Students will have computers for the computer practicals, but in case of preference they can bring their own notebooks with QGIS 2.8 and space syntax’ Depthmap X software installed. If you are facing any problems, please inform us timely. For students EIP: restrictive elective. If there are places left, also open for other Master's programmes of FSS and RUG elective. Maximum number of students is 50.
Opgenomen in	Opleiding Jaar Periode Type MSc Economic Geography  (Optional courses Economic Geography) 1 semester I b keuze MSc Environmental and Infrastructure Planning  (ID Restricted elective sem. 1b) 1 semester I b gebonden keuze MSc Population Studies  (Optional courses Population Studies) 1 semester I b keuze MSc Real Estate Studies  (Optional courses Real Estate Studies) 1 semester I b keuze MSc Society, Sustainability and Planning  (Optional courses Society, Sustainability and Planning) 1 semester I b keuze MSc Spatial Sciences (research)  (Optional methodological courses (GERMMETH) year 1 and 2 Spatial Sciences) - semester I b keuze