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Similarity Between Computer Control Systems and Community Planning
HWAHAK KONGHAK, October 1973, 11(5), 312-325(14), NONE
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Abstract
The planning of a community's development and operations, whether for a small town or an international project, requires the allocation of resources to various areas of endeavor. This can best be done if a reasonably accurate estimate is made of the needs for corrective action and the effectiveness of it as a function of type and amount of expenditure. An estimate may be made of the amount of pollution and social conflict which may develop and of the effectiveness of various physical and Khuman 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 ascertain social costs on comparable bases with each other. This is difficult. Few planners understand the philosophical implications of their actions. This approach, which bears great similarity to optimal process control by computer, will not solve the problems unless value systems can be established. Even when values cannot be adequately established, however, this approach to examining community problems allows decision makers to understand better the implications of their actions. This approach helps educators to better plan programs different from the traditionally narrow engineering curricula, and introduce the concept that technical tools and techniques have important applications at political and philosophical levels.