AKA | Needs Assessment |
Classification | Analyzing/Trending (AT) |
The primary goal of a needs analysis is to determine what needs to be accomplished to close an existing gap between actual and desired performance. To adequately assess requirements, a systematic study of organizational processes, job performance tasks, and employee needs is performed to identify potential solutions and process improvements to close performance gaps.
To assess and develop solutions to close identified performance gaps or discrepancies.
To analyze the needs of the organization.
To study the organization and its processes to determine what employees need to perform their jobs.
Select and define problem or opportunity | |
→ | Identify and analyze causes or potential change |
→ | Develop and plan possible solutions or change |
Implement and evaluate solution or change | |
Measure and report solution or change results | |
Recognize and reward team efforts |
1 | Research/statistics |
Creativity/innovation | |
Engineering | |
2 | Project management |
Manufacturing | |
Marketing/sales | |
3 | Administration/documentation |
Servicing/support | |
Customer/quality metrics | |
Change management |
before
Data Collection Strategy
Information Needs Analysis
Audience Analysis
Interview Technique
Surveying
after
Task Analysis
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Activity analysis
Circles of knowledge
Action and Effect Diagram (AED)
Needs analyses are based on data collection. The basic procedure requires, as a minimum, information and statistical data on the following: people, processes, documentation, reporting relationships, organizational resources, performance goals and measurements, and performance plans and results.
STEP 1 The team establishes the goals for the needs analysis to be performed.
STEP 2 A plan is developed to acquire the data required to determine performance gaps and potential solutions. See example Employee Performance Improvement.
STEP 3 Team participants research, collect, and analyze the data. Alternative solutions and process improvements are finalized.
STEP 4 A list of resource requirements is compiled for the recommended gapclosing and process-improvement activities.
STEP 5 A proposal and action plan is developed and submitted to management.