Current systems thinking in urban and environmental planning provides ways to consider hidden forces behind both planned and consequential changes, in order that we can express, check, and clarify our mental models of the structure and function of these systems. In this path-breaking book, Anastassios Perdicoulis progresses the conception and expression of the planning problem as an 'extended mental model'. In doing so he concisely expresses the essential elements of strategic planning (conditions, objectives, action) in a visual form which both stimulates and clearly communicates reasoning. As a result, concerns, defined objectives, and corresponding actions are uniquely linked. He goes on to illustrate how the structural and functional organization of the target system extends naturally into the planning process, and how decision-making therefore becomes based on systems learning. This challenging book will enhance the ability of spatial planners of all levels, especially students and newly qualified professionals, to prepare effective plan proposals. Strategy consultants will also find it a useful tool in preparing improved plan proposals and communicating more effectively with clients. Additionally, the book will assist government bodies to focus on the crux of development problems and reach balanced decisions more quickly. The enhanced problem formulation method presented in this volume is sure to prove an invaluable tool for researchers, students, and consultants in related fields including: operations research, system dynamics, business management, impact assessment, landscape architecture and environmental engineering.

Spatial planning is a process. The focus of this book is on the sequence of key tasks that constitute the process and on special techniques that are suitable to conduct these tasks. Spatial planners require a number of skills to manage this process in an efficient manner, select the necessary tasks for each specific planning context, as well as the appropriate techniques for each task always considering the people with whom and for whom they plan.

Rather than recommending options, or recipes, this book stimulates critical thinking and questioning: What do we want to achieve? How can we do that? What options do we have? Which option is the best for our case? This book contains enough planning theory to discuss the function of the planner and the alternative approaches, as well as to provide the background for defining a core set of planning tasks.

Building Competences for Spatial Planners is ideal for both planning students and newly qualified planners who are rapidly accumulating knowledge and experience. Perdicoulis uses practice examples, diagrams and thought provoking chapter questions to help planners develop high-level skills such as efficient organisation, communication and thinking. His engaging style carries the reader through areas such as team functions, how to define the planning problem, organising timings and how to use charts and diagrams to help planners and their clients.

More details at http: //www.tasso.utad.pt/

Spatial planning is a process. The focus of this book is on the sequence of key tasks that constitute the process and on special techniques that are suitable to conduct these tasks. Spatial planners require a number of skills to manage this process in an efficient manner, select the necessary tasks for each specific planning context, as well as the appropriate techniques for each task always considering the people with whom and for whom they plan.

Rather than recommending options, or recipes, this book stimulates critical thinking and questioning: What do we want to achieve? How can we do that? What options do we have? Which option is the best for our case? This book contains enough planning theory to discuss the function of the planner and the alternative approaches, as well as to provide the background for defining a core set of planning tasks.

Building Competences for Spatial Planners is ideal for both planning students and newly qualified planners who are rapidly accumulating knowledge and experience. Perdicoulis uses practice examples, diagrams and thought provoking chapter questions to help planners develop high-level skills such as efficient organization, communication and thinking. His engaging style carries the reader through areas such as team functions, how to define the planning problem, organizing timings and how to use charts and diagrams to help planners and their clients.

More details at http: www.tasso.utad.pt

From Amores Perros and Y Tu Mama Tambien, this books delves into the development of Mexican cinema from the intense cultural nationalism of the Mexican Revolution, through the 'Golden Age' of the 1930s and 1940s and the 'nuevo cine' of the 1960s, to the renaissance in Mexican cinema in the 1990s.

Individual chapters discuss:

• the relationship with Hollywood cinema
• the stars of the Golden Age
• the role of foreign authors in the founding of Mexican cinema
• tensions in the industry in the 1960s
• national and international reception of contemporary film and film-makers.
  

Examining the portrayal of Mexican nationhood through critical analysis of film genres including revolutionary films, machismo and a ~mexicanidada (TM), the prostitute, and the work of female authors, Mexican National Cinema is an excellent addition to all media, film, and cultural studies students.

"Mexican National Cinema "offers an account of the development of Mexican cinema from the intense cultural nationalism of the Mexican Revolution, through the "Golden Age" of the 1940s and the "Nuevo Cine "of the 1960s, to the renaissance in Mexican cinema in the 1990s.
The book moves from broad historical and theoretical context, particularly theories of nation, emergent discourses of "mexicanidad" and the establishment and development of the Mexican industry, towards readings of key film texts and genres. Individual chapters discuss the relationship between Hollywood cinema and Mexican cinema, the stars of the "Golden Age," the role of foreign auteurs in the founding of Mexican cinema, tensions in the industry in the 1960s, and the national and international reception of contemporary films and film-makers. The author then examines the portrayal of Mexican nationhood through critical analysis of film genres including Revolutionary films, machismo and "mexicanidad," the prostitute, and the work of female auteurs.

The environmental impact of development projects is currently studied and mitigated from two distinct perspectives: before and after project implementation, with environmental impact assessment (EIA) and environmental management systems (EMS) being the main instruments on the respective sides. This double perspective creates a discontinuity in the way environmental impacts are analyzed, an issue that has been noted by both academics and practitioners. This book gathers and presents both theoretical and actual examples to link EIA with EMS and explores ways to overcome difficulties and provide innovative solutions. Academic researchers, advanced students, EIA practitioners and EMS practitioners will find the book essential for the theoretical explorations of how the link might occur and practical examples in which to explore and critique these theories. Contributors: D.M. Anh, F. Becker, C. Briffett, M. Broderick, B. Durning, N. Earnshaw, K. Fuller, K. House, B. Munro, L. Palframan, A. Perdicoulis, J. Pope, B. Raissiyan, L.E. Sanchez, J. Scanlon, C. Vetori, H. Worsley