Which phase follows the assessment of needs and goals in program planning?

After assessing needs and goals in program planning, the next phase is design. This phase focuses on creating a structured plan that outlines how the identified needs will be addressed and goals will be achieved. It involves translating assessment findings into actionable strategies, determining specific components of the program, selecting appropriate activities, and establishing methods for delivery.

In this phase, careful consideration is given to the resources available, the target population, and the overall objectives. The designed program should align with the goals identified in the previous phase and provide a clear roadmap for implementation. This logical progression is essential for ensuring that the program is both effective and relevant to the participants.

While evaluation, implementation, and feedback collection are important aspects of program planning, they come sequentially after the design phase. Evaluation assesses the effectiveness post-implementation, implementation is the execution of the plan, and feedback collection gathers information about the participants' experiences and outcomes. Therefore, focusing on the design phase is crucial as it directly shapes the structure and function of the program moving forward.