Alternatives in Community and Resource Development

Abstract

T HE goals of community and resource development are frequently considered to be the improvement of incomes and the quantity and quality of goods and services available to people living in a given area [1]. Attainment of such goals requires evaluation of the alternatives by which these aspirations can be reached. Such study implies the availability of information permitting comparison of the possible means of development. In most instances, knowledge must be drawn from studies and experiences at different points in time. Planning groups, trying to determine the most appropriate development path for their area, find little to reduce their uncertainty. In order to provide a better basis for such decisions, a study was undertaken to determine how growth in a particular industry would affect total output of all industries in the area. The objectives of the study included (1) determining the industrial composition of the area and (2) developing a conceptual model which would describe, explain, and estimate effects of increasing demand in one sector on the total economy.