The Family of Goals-Achievement Matrix Methods: Respectable Enough for Citizen Participation in Planning?

Abstract

This article examines the problems of location and land rent within the framework of a linear and multisector production model in a radioconcentric space. In the case of a single product, the order of the differential fertility and location rent is examined. This order is neither given nor natural, but depends especially on the distribution. Formulating a spatial equilibrium with n goods where several qualities of soil exist raises a number of difficulties. When several techniques are used to manufacture a product then it is shown how different techniques are located in relation to the centre according to prices and the distribution variables. The manner in which a new technique is introduced and spreads in space is also examined. The predominant method used for evaluation in British structure planning compares strategies in terms of their achievement of particular criteria derived from community objectives. A recent survey shows that of the traditional evaluation techniques only modified goals-achievement matrix (GAM) methods are widely used in structure planning. This approach is also applied to local and project oriented planning processes where citizen participation seems even more necessary. The goals-achievement matrix was not presented by its originator—M Hill—as an entirely unambiguous method. It can be interpreted as a set of significantly diverging variants which are used here for three purposes: to show that economists' critique of GAM is too general, to clarify the connections between GAM and other well-known evaluation methods, and to discuss how GAM could best be structured for use in local participatory planning.