Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Business and Law

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  The Practice of Planning

• Unit Code

  PLN2605

• Year

  2016

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  2

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

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Description

This unit examines the responsibilities and role of professional planners in Australia, with particular reference to planning practice in Western Australia. It identifies the main elements of the practice of planning for private, public and not for profit organisations and their respective functions. This includes some code of professionalism and practice management skills and knowledge. The gap between planning practice and planning theory is explored through a work-integrated learning placement process and professional and personal reflection. Other contributions are explored including a planner's professional development as a global professional, ethical professional and life-long learner.

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded PLN4600

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Develop awareness of and ensure good professional practice management, liability and indemnity cover, human and technological resources, operational and documentation procedures, standards and information management.
2. Identify and explain the roles and responsibilities of planning professionals including Certified Practicing Planners in Australia.
3. Interpret and communicate the foundations of planning knowledge and skills and contemporary developments in planning.
4. Understand the gap between planning theory and practice, and identify ways to improve planning practice.
5. Understand the main elements of planning practice in public, private and not-for-profit sectors and in the community.
6. Understand the roles of advocate, expert witness and mentor.

Unit Content

1. Contemporary issues for the continuous improvement of the planning profession and the practice of planning in Australia and overseas.
2. Negotiation and mediation in the roles of advocate, expert witness and mentor.
3. Planning knowledge and skills to contribute to the community, professional foundations and charitable organisations.
4. Professional practice management, liability and indemnity cover, human and technological resources, operational and documentation procedures, standards and information management.
5. Reflective practice covering the theory and implementation of planning and the continuous improvement of the planning profession.
6. The main elements of planning practice in public, private and not-for-profit sectors and the community.
7. The roles and responsibilities of planning professionals including Certified Practicing Planners in Australia and overseas.

Additional Learning Experience Information

On-campus students have to attend regular seminars and meetings with academic staff and organise a work-based placement. The teaching and learning approach in this unit is enhanced through in-class discussions of practical industry examples of local and state government, and private planning practice. The skills of working effectively with others in a planning environment (specifically teamwork, task collaboration and working productively with people from diverse cultures), communicating effectively, critical appraisal and the ability to generate ideas are emphasised. This unit also provides for engaged teaching and learning with opportunities for practicing professional skills and for networking with planners. Individual meetings with the unit lecturer and mentor will help develop students one-to-one skills and allow honest reflection of interpersonal skills. Students are required to complete assessments which are assessed for quality academic and professional standards, including written communication (structure, language and conventions), critical analysis (depth of thought, development of argument, logical analysis and insight), depth and breadth of coverage, the ability to research effectively using both academic and contemporary sources, and industry relevance. Written assessment methods provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their content knowledge, critical thinking and develop their written communication and creative presentation skills. Written self-reflection processes will reinforce these self-evaluation skills. Students will be required to complete a work-integrated placement for three days, working in the private or public sector in order to complete one of their assessment items. These activities encourage students to improve their professionalism, communication skills, and critical thinking skills reflectively. Assessment methods include a creative presentation to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their content knowledge, record their experiences in the workplace and present their findings using a creative alternative to a professional report. Professionalism, time management and interpersonal skills will also be assessed. Blackboard will be used to provide learning materials via this electronic portal. A range of additional materials such as website links, blogs, group-boards, gradebooks etc will be made available where appropriate. All information will be delivered to off-campus students via Blackboard. Online tutorials may also be offered to students in this mode to support learning and extend discipline knowledge. Regular online access is essential

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Text References

• Beatley, T., & Manning, K. (1997). The ecology of place: Planning for environment, economy and community. Washington, DC: Island Press.
• Planning Institute of Australia. (2006). Code of membership. Canberra: Planning Institute of Australia.
• Planning Institute of Australia. (2006). Code of professional conduct. Canberra: Planning Institute of Australia.
• Planning Institute of Australia. (2006). Certified practicing planner, Planning practice course. Canberra: Planning Institute of Australia.
• Higgs, J., & Titchen, A. (Eds). (2001). Professional practice in health, education and the creative arts. Oxford: Blackwell.

Journal References

• Howe, E. (1992) Professional roles and the public interest in planning. Journal of Planning Literature, 6, 230-248.
• Alexander, E. (2002). The public interest in planning: From legitimation to substantive plan evaluation. Planning Theory, 1, 3, 226-249. Note: .

Website References

• Canadian Institute of Planners. www.cip.icu.ca
• American Planning Association. www.planning.org
• Planning Institute of Australia. www.planning.org.au
• Royal Town Planning Institute. www.rtpi.org.uk
• ECTP 1998. The New Charter of Athens 1998: European council of town Planners' Principles for Planning Cities. www.ceu-ectp.org/en/athens.html

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