How can multi-criteria analysis support deliberative spatial planning? A critical review of methods and participatory frameworks. (October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: te Boveldt, Geert; Keseru, Imre; Macharis, Cathy
• Is Part Of: Evaluation. Volume 27:Number 4(2021)
• Page Start: 492
• Page End: 509
• Publication Date: 2021-10
• Subjects: appraisal -- decision-making -- deliberative planning -- evaluation -- multi-criteria analysis -- participation; Evaluation research (Social action programs) -- Periodicals; 361.61068
• DOI: 10.1177/13563890211020334
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1356-3890

Abstract

In spatial planning, the paradigm has shifted from positivist to deliberative approaches. Still, cost–benefit analysis remains the dominant evaluation method. Multi-criteria analysis is arguably more appropriate, as it allows for stakeholder participation. While there are dozens of ever more sophisticated multi-criteria analysis methods, their practicality as real-world learning tools has received little attention. The goal of this article is to assess the suitability of different multi-criteria analysis methods for deliberative planning. It presents a critical review of the logical-mathematical cores of the principal methods but also of the different participatory frameworks within which they can be applied. While mathematically sophisticated methods are valuable in well-defined problems with precise data available, we conclude that in the participatory and politically sensitive stages of the planning process, user-friendly and transparent methods are more appropriate and recommend the development of a method that supports the incremental improvement of design options rather than ranking alternatives.