Geographical planning of space quarterly journal

Geographical planning of space quarterly journal

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Urban Management Development Measures in Semnan City (2013–2023)

Document Type : Articles extracted from Thesis

Authors
Mohammad Nazari
iradj asadie
Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Art and Architecture, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
10.30488/gps.2025.505962.3826
Abstract
The rapid pace of urbanization, coupled with the increasing complexity of urban management, has made the evaluation of organizational performance a crucial tool for achieving urban development objectives. Assessing the extent to which urban management goals align with the actual needs of society is therefore of paramount importance. This study examines the effectiveness of Semnan’s urban development initiatives over the past decade (2013–2023), with a particular focus on the challenges and factors influencing project implementation. A mixed-methods research design was employed. The theoretical framework was established through a comprehensive literature review, while data collection involved analysis of performance reports and municipal financial documents, complemented by in-depth and semi-structured interviews with managers and experts. Data were analyzed using an interpretive-analytical approach to assess both the feasibility of project implementation and the underlying causes of ineffectiveness. The findings indicate that Semnan’s urban management system faced significant challenges throughout the study period. Only 32% of the development projects were fully implemented or completed, whereas 68% remained unfinished or unexecuted. Qualitative analysis identified three primary factors: (1) financial and economic constraints, including delays in budget allocation, inflation, and insufficient sustainable revenue sources; (2) managerial and structural weaknesses, such as frequent managerial turnover, ad hoc decision-making, and inadequate integrated planning; and (3) misalignment between project priorities and the actual needs of citizens, often driven by managerial preferences rather than systematic needs assessments. The study concludes that the shortcomings of a substantial portion of Semnan’s urban development projects result from a combination of structural, managerial, and financial deficiencies. These findings underscore the need for comprehensive and participatory approaches in urban planning and project implementation to improve effectiveness and ensure responsiveness to citizens’ needs.
Keywords
Effectiveness
Urban Management
Urban Development Projects
Semnan
Good Urban Governance

Subjects

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Geographical planning of space quarterly journal
Volume 15, Issue 3
Autumn 2026
Pages 79-99