This study presents a new conceptual model of health planning for planners in government. The model developed in this study is based on concepts from the "sociology of knowledge," a branch of sociological theory. There is currently no universally agreed upon grand theory of health planning. The contribution of the sociology of knowledge is that it allows the analyst to move to a higher level of abstraction in which existing theories or models themselves become the subjects of study. This type of formulation allows the theorist to incorporate existing theories into a conceptual space based on fundamental conceptions of the world. By understanding the location of a planning project in this conceptual space, the planner can identify the sets of theories most appropriate to the project, i.e. a contingency model allowing for the best fit resolution matching a project to its correct model of analysis. Knowing which theories to use allows the planner to develop strategies for action. The model in this study has three components: analysis of the planning environment or context, strategy formulation, and the action required to carry out the planning project. This model is called the Contextual Analysis, Strategy and Action (CASA) model. The validity of this model is tested by applying it to six case studies. The conclusion of the study is that the CASA model is a valid model and has more explanatory power than other documented models of planning. / Medicine, Faculty of / Population and Public Health (SPPH), School of / Graduate