Abstract
This chapter discusses needs analyses in connection with front-end planning of large-scale public works projects. Relevant methods for needs analyses include normative, market-oriented and interest group based approaches. The analyses may be carried out within more or less objectivistic versus interpretative perspectives, reflecting different interpretations of the notion of need. Based on a review of different methods of analysis and experience of deficient and misleading needs analyses in large public investment projects, the chapter provides advice regarding the extent and demarcation of needs analyses, what documentation is needed, appropriate scheduling and organizational responsibility for the analyses.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Assiter A and Noonan J. (2007). Human needs: a realist perspective. Journal of Critical Realism 6: 173–198.
Brinkerhoff R. (1986). Expanding needs analysis. Training and Development Journal 40: 64–65.
Dreborg K. (1996). Essence of backcasting. Futures 28 (9): 813–828.
Flyvbjerg B, Bruzelius N, and Rothengatter W. (2003). Megaprojects and Risk. An Anatomy of Ambition. Cambridge University Press: Cambridge.
Flyvbjerg B, Holm M, and Buhl S. (2005). How (in)accurate are demand forecasts in public works projects? The case of transportation. Journal of the American Planning Association 71: 131–146.
Hiebert M and Smallwood W. (1987). Now for a completely different look at needs analysis. Training and Development Journal 41: 75–79.
Hine J and Preston J. (2003). Introductory overview. In: Hine I and Preston J (eds). Integrated Futures and Transport Choices. Ashgate: Aldershot, pp. 1–9.
Kenworthy J. (1990). Don’t shoot me — I’m only the transport planner. In: Newman P and Kenworthy J (eds). Transport Energy Conservation. Murdoch University: Perth.
Lian O. (2000). En sosiologisk forståelse av behov. (A sociological understanding of needs.) Tidsskrift for Den Norske Lægeforening 120: s11-s114.
Maslow A. (1962). Toward a Psychology of Being. Van Nostrand: New York.
McKillip J. (1987). Need Analysis: Tools for the Human Services and Education. In: Applied Social Research Methods Series. Vol. 10. Sage Publications: Newbury Park/Beverly Hills/London/New Delhi.
Ministry of the Environment (Norway). (1993). National Planning Provisions for Coordinated Land Use and Transport Planning. St.meld. nr. 26 (2001–2002): Oslo.
Næss P. (2004a). Bedre Behovsanalyser (Better Needs Analyses). NIBR-rapport 2004:15. Norwegian Institute for Urban and Regional Research: Oslo.
Næss P. (2004b). Prediction, regressions and critical realism. Journal of Critical Realism 3: 133–164.
Næss P. (2006). Cost-benefit analyses of transportation investments: neither critical nor realistic. Journal of Critical Realism 5: 32–60.
Næss P, Flyvbjerg B, and Buhl S. (2006). Do road planners produce more “honest numbers” than rail planners? An analysis of accuracy in road-traffic forecasts in cities vs. peripheral regions. Transport Reviews 26: 537–555.
Nielsen O and Fosgerau M. (2005). Overvurderes Tidsbenefit Af Vejprojekter? (Are Time Benefits from Road Projects being Overestimated?). Paper for the conference Trafikdage på Aalborg Universitet, 22–23rd August 2005.
NOU. (1999:28). Gardermoprosjektet. Evaluering av planlegging og gjennomføring (The Gardermoen Project. Evaluation of Planning and Implementation). Report from a committee appointed through a Royal Resolution of May 15, 1998. http://odin.dep.no/sd/norsk/publ/utredninger/NOU/028005-020002/hov001-nu.html
østerberg D. (1973). Behov (Needs). Article in the Pax encyclopedia. http://lotus.uib.no/norgeslexi/paxlex/alfabetet/b/b06.html
Røsnes A. (ed.) (1992). Fysisk planlegging. Byer-tettsteder-spredtbygde områder (Physical Planning. Cities, Villages and Rural Areas). Kommuneforlaget: Oslo.
St.meld. nr. 26 (2001–2002). Bedre kollektivtransport (Better Public Transport). Ministry of Transport: Oslo. http://odin.dep.no/sd/norsk/publ/stmeld/028001-040007/dok-bn.html
Steen P et al. (1997). Färder i framtiden — Transporter i ett bärkraftigt samhälle (Transport in a Sustainable Society). KFB-Rapport 1997:7. Kommunikationsforskningsberedningen: Stockholm.
Thomsen J. (2000). Magt og indflydelse (Power and Influence). Magtudredningen: århus.
Wachs M. (1989). When planners lie with numbers. Journal of American Planning Association 55 (4): 476–479.
WCED. (1987). Our Common Future. Oxford University Press: Oxford/New York.
Yin R. (1994). Case Study Research: Design and Methods (2nd edition). In: Applied Social Research Methods Series. Vol. 5. Sage Publications: Thousand Oaks/London/New Delhi.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Copyright information
© 2009 Petter Næss
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Næss, P. (2009). Up-Front Assessment of Needs. In: Williams, T.M., Samset, K., Sunnevåg, K.J. (eds) Making Essential Choices with Scant Information. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230236837_5
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230236837_5
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London
Print ISBN: 978-1-349-30224-6
Online ISBN: 978-0-230-23683-7
eBook Packages: Palgrave Business & Management CollectionBusiness and Management (R0)