Tool 116: Needs Analysis


AKA

Needs Assessment

Classification

Analyzing/Trending (AT)

Tool description

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.

Typical application

  • 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.

Problem-solving phase

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

Typically used by

1

Research/statistics

Creativity/innovation

Engineering

2

Project management

Manufacturing

Marketing/sales

3

Administration/documentation

Servicing/support

Customer/quality metrics

Change management

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links to other tools

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)

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Notes and key points

  • 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-by-step procedure

  • 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.

Example of tool application

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Six Sigma Tool Navigator(c) The Master Guide for Teams
Six Sigma Tool Navigator: The Master Guide for Teams
ISBN: 1563272954
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2005
Pages: 326

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