Includes bibliographical references (p. 271-279) and index.; Differences between lines and circles -- Lines and circles as planning metaphors -- A brief history of lines and circles -- Planning theory : both lines and circles -- Examples of planning approaches -- The "surety" of the line and the "tentativeness" of the circle -- A conceptual framework -- Programs : containers for idea implementation -- Programs and projects, services and interventions -- Programs and projects -- Services and interventions -- Programs in organizational context -- Program planning -- Mandates and initiatives -- Planning different types of programs -- Rational planning and prescriptive approaches -- Case : the mayor and the street educators -- 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 -- Interpretive planning and emergent approaches -- Case : the invisible people and the area agency on aging -- History of interpretive planning and emergent approaches -- Dimensions of interpretive planning and emergent approaches -- The logic of emergence -- Engagement -- Discovery -- Sense-making -- Unfolding -- Accountability in an emergent approach -- Accountability challenges -- Accountability options -- Interpretive planning -- Mind-sets -- Skills -- Strengths and challenges of interpretive planning -- Knowing when to use which planning approach -- Case : 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 mind-sets and skills -- Decision issues for approach selection -- 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 interpretivism -- Responding to accountability demands -- Cultural competence and program planning -- Planning with sensitivity to difference -Planning with sensitivity to inclusion -- Planning with sensitivity to context -- Planning across multiple organizational settings -- Issues when practicing internationally.;