Information Flows And Communication Within Planning’ Teams At The Local Level

This thesis examines the use of information. and the communication of information in local authority planning at the local level, and specifically evaluates the use of computerised planning information systems, in this context. The relevant literature of information science and computer information systems is examined. Through an examination of the concepts of ‘information: ; ‘communication' and ‘information systems' a hypothetical “model of planning information systems flows is defined. The model which has been used as a basis on which to construct information Systems in the drivers sector postulates that disaggregate information. Is® collected at the lowest levels of the hierarchy, and moves. up «the hierarchy in growing concentrations. A methodology is devised to test this model empirically so as to be able to evaluate its relevance in the tesieon. sof computerised planning information systems. A review of the literature and theoretical context is undertaken in terms of the statutory planning requirements, the theoretical planning process, the ideal information base, and the ideal and theoretical aspects are thus evaluated in two case studies. The case studies involve officers in two local authorities in inner London - one team preparing a District: Plan’, the other undertaking area improvement work. Cv ia) The research finds.that’ the orteinat model, adapted to local: ‘planning » is inadequate in explaining information flows: 2ins practice. Although it may be a useful basis. on which ‘to. construct information. system. in. .the. private sector ; .t requires modification in relation to local government. Finally ,; an organization design is considered in terms’ of the Creation of €1). self-contained tasks Git) lateral relations, (iii) vertical information systems, and (iv) the creation:. Of slack resources. Today, the introduction of computerised planning information systems can be relevant to all these aspects of organization design, imo particular however management should be wary of the introduction of slack resources as a by product of computerisation.