According to the DECIDE approach, what is the next step after developing and implementing a plan of action?

• A. Identify the best alternative
• B. Evaluate and monitor the solution
• C. Establish the criteria
• D. Define the problem

Answer: (B)

Evaluating and monitoring the solution is the step that follows action. Once a plan is put into practice, you need to systematically check how it’s performing by collecting data on outcomes and comparing them to the criteria you established earlier. This helps you see whether the plan is producing the desired results, identify any unintended consequences, and determine if adjustments are needed. If evaluation shows success, you can continue; if not, you loop back to refine the plan or revisit alternatives. The earlier steps—defining the problem, setting criteria, considering options, and choosing the best solution—happen before implementation, so evaluating and monitoring is the immediate next phase after acting.