In the problem-solving framework, which step involves executing the plan and evaluating its impact?

• A. Step Four
• B. Step Five
• C. Step Three
• D. Step One

Answer: (B)

Carrying out the plan and checking what happens is the phase where ideas become action and results are measured. After you’ve defined the problem, explored options, and chosen a strategy, this step puts the plan into motion. You implement the actions, monitor the outcomes, collect data, and compare what actually happened to what you expected. This evaluation shows whether the solution produced the desired effect, and it also reveals any adjustments that might be needed. The value here is in closing the loop: you learn from the implementation and decide whether to continue, modify, or try a different approach. Other steps focus on understanding the problem or planning the solution, but this one is about doing and assessing in real terms.