Value Chain Framework for Ascertaining Planning Sectors and Competencies

Abstract

Studies that address the deeply rooted uncertainty in identifying planning sectors and profiling required competencies in preparing plans, especially in the urbanization sector (US), are scanty. This is due in part to the lack of concerns for the effectiveness of the plans and competencies of the planners. The value chain (VC) model was appraised to provide a framework for ascertaining relevance and accuracy of planning sectors and concurrence with required competencies. Data on planning sectors and required competencies was collected at five stakeholder consultative fora, 23 key informant (KI) institutions and seven working sessions. The framework of the model facilitated analyzing the data through disaggregation. The urbanization sector (US), which is the main primary activity (MPA) in the model, was assigned the role of the main planning sector (MPS) and expressed as “MPS:US” in the urbanization value chain. MPS:US was disaggregated into four planning sectors in the value chain, and each sector ascertained through disaggregation from level 1 to 3. It was found that the structure of the model and its function provide appropriate framework for ascertaining relevance and accuracy of planning sectors, and also concur with competencies that are similarly ascertained. Second, the two expressions for disaggregation to ascertain planning sectors and required competencies each respectively combine into one expression for simultaneous disaggregation. The paper concludes that the structure and function of VC model and the expression for simultaneous disaggregation provides a framework of methodology for systematic ascertaining of planning sectors and competencies, and allows variation of number of planning sectors any one value chain represents. The paper recommends adopting the structure and functions of the VC model, and the expression for simultaneous disaggregation as a framework for ascertaining planning sectors and competencies, starting with the conduct of planning studios in the training of planners.