Discussion Committee:
Prof. Sameer Abu-Eisheh / Supervisor
Dr. Samih Al-Abed / External Examiner
. Dr. Ali Abdel-Hameed / Internal Examiner
Supervisors:
Prof. Sameer Abu-Eisheh / Supervisor
Abstract:
This study aims to prepare an overall framework for neighborhood strategic planning. This study derives its significance from the importance of neighborhoods and the concept of strategic planning, and the lack of previous studies on strategic plans on neighborhood level in Palestine.
This research benefited from the international experiences by studying and analyzing the strategic planning processes for some neighborhoods in different countries and attempts to apply the general principles of the process to the case study of Al-Reehan Neighborhood after careful adaptation. Strategic analysis of the current conditions of the pilot case was made first, considering SWOT analysis approach. This aimed to identify the positive aspects (strengths and opportunities) and negative aspects (weaknesses and threats) facing the neighborhood through conducting brainstorming sessions with the residents. This analysis was made in order to formulate neighborhood’s vision, mission, and strategic goals that focus on the residents priorities. The strategic framework also included suggested strategies and actions to achieve desired goals.
Based on the experience gained in the preparation of the neighborhood strategic planning for Al-Reehan Neighborhood with the participation of the residents of the neighborhood, the study derived the general guidelines for the preparation of the neighborhood strategic planning in Palestine, including the steps, the procedures, as well as the tools.
The outcome of the strategic planning process for neighborhoods imply determining priorities and the main elements of any strategic plan, and include the vision, mission, goals, strategies, and actions, in addition to the preparation for implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and updating processes.
The output of this study would be of great importance to the related official institutions in order to adopt and to build on. It can be the basis for the required development on the neighborhood level in Palestine. Neighborhood’s residents and other stakeholders should be engaged in the strategic planning process. Further studies should be done on spatial planning on all levels; national, regional, urban, as well as the neighborhoods level to choose the most appropriate locations considering the identified relevant issues.