Understanding Quality in Planning Consultancy: A Review and Synthesis of the Literature

Abstract

Delivering quality is a central goal of planning. A substantial share of planning work involves private practitioners working in consulting firms. Accordingly, there is a need to contemplate the achievement of quality through complex modes of practice, such as work performed by temporary project teams drawn across client, consultant, and stakeholder organizations. Through a review of management and planning literature, and drawing on practice, we synthesize core concepts of quality in planning consultancy. We distill guidance for achieving many forms of quality through meeting diverse publics’ interests, and through the continual improvement of the standards and standing of our profession.