15145 Development Negotiation

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular semester, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject level:

Postgraduate

Handbook description

This subject develops the communicative skills and understanding needed by planners in managing urban development. It provides an introduction to community participation techniques, negotiation skills and conflict resolution techniques. It develops understanding of the perspectives of developers and other stakeholders in urban development. It introduces the role of ethics in the way planners address development proposals and developer demands.

Subject objectives/outcomes

Students completing this subject should be able to:

1. understand the nature of contemporary socio-political conflict over urban development, and the perspectives of the principal types of stakeholders involved
2. understand the potential and limits of key techniques for community participation in planning and development
3. as a planning professional, to understand the negotiating position and context of urban developers while being able to effectively communicate worthwhile development planning goals
4. facilitate communication between stakeholders in urban development in a procedurally just and enlightening manner
5. to be cognisant of, and know how to apply, basic ethical values that should underpin professional practice.

Contribution to course aims and graduate attributes

Students in this subject will gain:
1. Understanding of the goals & methods of the planning & development professions
2. Understanding of the nature & methods of management of urban areas
3. Understanding of the interdependency of the various urban policy fields to enable sound urban outcomes
4. Ability to responsibly participate in debate & scrutiny of policy & practice
5. Ability to interpret economic data & social trends in terms of impact on the built environment
6. Ability to appreciate the wisdom of fellow practitioners & other persons in the community & to work effectively with them

Teaching and learning strategies

Delivery is two block sessions. Face-to-face classes will incorporate a range of teaching and learning strategies including standard lectures, videos, case studies, and short class exercises. These will be complemented by self-directed student learning via subject readers guided by discussion points / questions.

Content

This subject covers the context of, and techniques for, negotiation between developers, planners and the community and other stakeholders to achieve development approval. An introductory overview of urban politics and the role of different stakeholders and institutions is set out. This leads to consideration of stakeholder mapping and analysis. Community participation techniques are considered, viewing such participation as a basic condition for acceptable development. Specific planning and developer skills needed in negotiation, including communication skills, and understanding of objectives of the other party, and micro-physical influences on negotiation outcomes, are set out. Development conflict resolution techniques are explained. Case studies illustrating important aspects of development negotiation are given. The nature and application of ethics in planning and development is outlined and illustrated by case studies.

Assessment

Assessment Item 1: Urban politics case study

Assessment Item 2: Stakeholder communication

Assessment Item 3: Group evaluation of negotiation case study

Required texts

A detailed Learning Guide will be loaded up onto UTS online containing essential and recommended readings for the Development Negotiation subject.