Strategic urban management in China: A case study of Guangzhou Development District

Abstract

While the importance of urban management in achieving sustainable urban development is increasingly recognised as being significant by urban managers and the general public, there is still great deal of confusion and misunderstanding in China about the substance of urban management, which impedes effective implementation. This paper examines some of the problems encountered in urban management practice in Chinese cities, and highlights the importance of a holistic conceptual understanding, and a strategic model for enhancing urban management capacities in the Chinese context. Focusing on a case study of Guangzhou Development District (GDD), the paper demonstrates that the application of a set of measurable evaluative criteria for assessing urban management performance is useful in improving urban management practice.

Managing urban growth in the city of Amman, Jordan

“…The term "growth management" is often used to describe the policies and regulations which control and guide urban growth and development (Garba, 2004;Rakodi, 2001;Wong et al, 2006). Urban growth management can be defined as a set of actions to control the location, quality, scale, rate, and timing of development (David & Brower, 1979;Pollock, 2008;Porter, 1997;Richardson, 1993;Schulz & Kasen, 1984).…”

Governing Harmonious Human Engagement with the Spatial Capital

“…It would also be helpful in involving all the relevant stakeholders at the critical steps of the plan, and, consequently, spatial plans are more likely to be implemented effectively. It would also help to create a balance between the ambitions and practical feasibility [49][50][51]. This kind of spatial governance would be able to steer the community towards socially desirable outcomes.…”

Challenging limitations for achieving decentralization in terms of participatory planning in developing countries, case study: Egypt

“…However, it should be clearly stated that, it is difficult for urban management to succeed if it is to operate within a rigid statutory framework (Wong et al [13]). Clarke [14] suggests: 'Traditional master plans have been mainly static in nature, attuned to a scenario of slow urban growth, rapid population growth, lack of infrastructure and services, and shortages of funds and staff in a developing country city, require a more dynamic planning process.…”

“…As for the strategic planning itself, it is widely defined as a continuous and systematic process during which planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation are involved to achieve objectives, which emphasises the importance of getting the key stakeholders involved (Wong et al [13]). This is directly correlated with all participatory approaches concepts.…”