In the context of program planning, the question "how will we know the change has occurred?" corresponds to which SMART objective?

The question "how will we know the change has occurred?" directly focuses on the measurement aspect of the objectives set within program planning. A SMART objective is characterized by being Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. The notion of measurement is critical because it defines the indicators or metrics that will be used to assess whether the desired change has taken place.

In program planning, it is essential to establish clear criteria that allow for the evaluation of outcomes. This means defining specific data points or outcomes that can be quantitatively or qualitatively assessed. When an objective is Measurable, it indicates that there are concrete thresholds or benchmarks to compare against to determine if the program has succeeded or if the intended changes have been realized. This could include data collected through surveys, participation rates, health measurements, or other relevant metrics.

Being measurable ensures that there is a systematic approach to evaluating progress and impacts, which is key for making informed decisions and possibly adjusting strategies as necessary throughout the implementation of a program.