Mary Katherine O'Connor is a Professor in the School of Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University.

This book will demonstrate its value among students and practitioners alike. I imagine using it with undergraduates in community practice courses in a graduate advanced practice seminar as well as with leaders in local nonprofits....This is the book I've been waiting for. It provides not only a linear approach to program design but gives language to the tacit knowledge many planners have of the circular nature of their work. Both linear and circular thinking are important to planning processes and now we have a resource for teaching. -Jon E. Singletary Ph.D. M.S.W. M.Div. Baylor University School of Social Work As a practitioner in the field for over 30 years I have been exposed to endless "planning" sessions that are prescriptive to the point of being oppressive. This text allows for and "gives permission" to the practitioner to allow for emergence uncertainty and ambiguity in the planning process. Comparative Approaches to Program Planning provides a guide for the manager administrator executive director strategic planner and CEO to embrace multiple planning strategies and the understanding of each. This is extremely worthwhile in a dynamic environment and an ever changing landscape and worldview. -Paul D. McWhinney ACSW Director of Social Services City of Richmond Richmond VA

Written by leaders in the social work education community this innovative book provides practical and creative ways to effectively conduct program planning within human service organizations comparing prescriptive and emergent approaches to planning.� Covering�both the philosophical and intellectual understanding of rational and interpretive program planning the authors present two very different approaches to the planning process.

Chapter 1. Differences Between Lines And Circles. Lines and Circles as Planning Metaphors. A Brief History of Lines & Circles. Science and Reason. Positivism vs. Interpretivism. Rational and Nonrational Thought. Rational & Nonrational Problem-Solving and Decision-Making. Planning Theory (Both Lines and Circles). Examples of Planning Approaches. The "Surety" of the Line and the "Tentativeness" of the Circle. A Conceptual Framework. Summary. Discussion Questions.
Chapter 2. Programs -- Containers For Idea Implementation. Programs and Projects; Services and Interventions. Programs and Projects. Services and Interventions. Programs in Organizational Context. Program Planning. Mandates & Initiatives. Planning Different Types of Programs. Summary. Discussion Questions.
Chapter 3. Rational Planning And Prescriptive Approaches. Case: The Mayor and the Street Educators. Introduction. History of Rational Planning and Prescriptive Approaches. Dimensions of Rational Planning and Prescriptive Approaches. The Logic Model. Assessing Needs. Defining and Analyzing Problems. Selecting Intervention Strategies. Writing Goals and Objectives. Program Design and Decision-Making. Accountability in a Prescriptive Approach. Accountability Challenges. Information Systems. Budgeting. Rational Planning. Mind Sets. Skills. Strengths and Challenges of Rational Planning. Summary. Discussion Questions.
Chapter 4. Interpretive Planning And Emergent Approaches. Case: The Invisible People and the Area Agency on Aging. Introduction. History of Interpretive Planning and Emergent Approaches. Dimensions of Interpretive Planning and Emergent Approaches. The Logic of Emergence. Engagement. Discovery. Sensemaking. Unfolding. Accountability in an Emergent Approach. Accountability Challenge. Accountability Options. Interpretive Planning. Mind Sets. Skills. Strengths and Challenges of Interpretive Planning. Summary. Discussion Questions.
Chapter 5. Knowing When To Use What Planning Approach. An Example: AIDS Orphans and the Pig Intervention. Similarities in Planning Approach Challenges. Gaining Entry. Becoming Oriented. Engaging in Critical Thinking. Making Ethical Decisions. Comparing Program Planning Approaches. Comparing Dimensions. Examining Accountability. Thinking about Mindsets and Skills. Decision Issues for Approach Selection. Summary. Discussion Questions. Appendix.
Chapter 6. Program Planning In Diverse Cultural Contexts. Culture and Context. Defining Culture. Elements in Culture Development. Cultural Competence. Skills of the Culturally Competent. Challenges to Culturally Competent Human Service Programming. Understanding Empiricism. Recognizing Realism and Rationalism. Responding to Accountability Demands. Cultural Competence and Program Planning. Planning with Sensitivity to Difference. Differences within the Mainstream.& Within-Group Differences. Planning with Sensitivity to Inclusion. Planning with Sensitivity to Context. Planning Across Multiple Organizational Settings. Issues when Practicing Internationally. Summary. Conclusion. Exercises. Glossary. References. Index.