Planungsgröße

Planungsgröße is a quantifiable variable used in planning processes to describe the expected or desired future state. It functions as input to planning models, as a target value to be achieved, or as a constraint within optimization or simulation. The term is not strictly standardized; in German-language practice it is used alongside terms like Zielgröße (target value) or Randgröße (boundary). In different domains, Planungsgrößen serve similar roles but differ in interpretation and scale.

In practice, Planungsgrößen encompass a broad range of quantities. In production and operations management they include projected demand, planned production volume, available capacity, inventory levels, and budgeting. In urban and regional planning they can be population forecasts, housing units, land use, traffic volumes, or environmental limits. In energy planning they may be forecasted demand, generation capacity, or reserve margins. The common function is to provide a concrete, quantitative basis for decision-making and for evaluating alternative scenarios.

Methodologically, Planungsgrößen are estimated or forecasted from historical data, trend analysis, scenario techniques, and expert judgment. They are embedded in models as inputs or target conditions and are monitored during implementation. When actual values deviate from the Planungsgröße, plans are typically revised, and the inputs or constraints adjusted. Given uncertainty, Planungsgrößen are often subjected to sensitivity analyses and used in scenario planning to test robustness.