Development planning typically follows a set of distinct phases:

• situation analysis, both internal to the area, and the forces which are shaping the area. This may involve a range of tools to assess the strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities (SWOT) facing an area;
• prioritizing key issues, problems or outcomes;
• developing objectives;
• developing plans to address the objectives, including strategies, activities and projects;
• developing a spatial picture of the situation as well as plans;
• developing budgets to achieve the plans.

Planning at all levels uses some form of these basic tools, and Khanya-aicdd has applied these in particular ways.