Formal evaluation in participatory planning. Conclusions from a literature survey

Abstract

The main part of the paper consists of a commented survey of conclusions abstracted from an annotated bibliography compiled by the author, on the subject of formal evaluation techniques in participatory planning. A summary impression of the empirical studies in the field is that formal evaluation techniques, when tried, have quite often been found useful in participatory planning. But their role is rather that of one among several information sources for political decision making, than a “Solomon machine” providing conclusive recommendations. Furthermore, seemingly successful cases have frequently used either significantly simplified versions of the prototypes (e.g. of the goals achievement matrix), or well‐known techniques like cost‐benefit or cost‐effectiveness analyses supplemented by structured group processes, simplistic point‐rating schemes or environmental impact assessments more easily grasped by lay people.