the four inherent characteristics of planning contradict the assumptio of a rational approach to planning in that ambiguity suggests that not all factors can be known so it is impossible to predict what the actual outcome will be conflct may arise among stakeholders and detract from a linear rational planning process risk inblces a defree of ambiguity aabout the likelhood of an event ant therefore it is also impossible to predict the final outcome of the planning process control may often need to be ceded in conditions of uncertainty throughout the planning