Similarity between computer control systems and community planning

Abstract

The planning of a community's development and opera tions, whether for a small town or an international project, requires the allocation of resources to various areas of endeavor. These resources can best be allocated if a reasonably accurate estimate is made of the needs for corrective action and the effectiveness of it as a function of the type and amount of expenditure. For example, an estimate may be made of the amount of pollution and social conflict which may develop and of the effectiveness of various physical and human countermeasures (sewage disposal facilities, air pollution control, police, hospitals, etc.); on this basis a reasonable allocation may be made. Such a procedure forces one to establish value systems in order to assess social costs on a basis compatible with real costs. This is difficult. Few planners understand the philosophical and long- term implications of their actions.

The approach adopted in this paper bears great similarity to optimal process control by computer, but it cannot solve problems unless suitable value systems can be established. Even when values cannot be adequately established, however, this approach to examining community problems allows decision- makers to better understand the implications of their actions. This approach helps educators to better plan programs which differ from the tradi tionally narrow engineering curricula and to intro duce the concept that technical tools and techniques have important applications in politics and philosophy.