Policy structures and their implication for planning theory and practice

This dissertation addresses the inadequacy of definitional features of current planning theories. To address this inadequacy, a more complete theory of public policy process needed to be formulated. The dissertation outlines a proposed theory of policy making in the American public policy context (Structural Policy Theory) using David Easton's System/Structure Framework. The usefulness of the Structural Policy Theory was shown through a case study of the third airport planning process in the Chicago Metropolitan Area. The insights that emerged from the case study were then used to develop preliminary propositions about a more appropriate definitional and procedural theory of planning in the public policy environment. The propositions are preliminary because they are based on a single case study, but they show promise.