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A needs assessment is the first step in almost any training project. You can't design training without knowing the requirements of trainees and the organization.
Not only does a needs assessment help you form the foundation for your training, but it also serves as a preventive measure to guard against future problems. By identifying potential problems, a needs assessment can save you time and money. It can make you and our organization look good.
The literature is full of needs assessments. There are assessments for training, assessments for strategic planning, and assessments for practically ever other purpose. Each uses different terms, examples, data sources, and steps. The options can be confusing, especially for a first-time needs assessor. These general guidelines may help.
PLANNING AHEAD
PLAN TO USE DATA. Someone once said, "Planning is a substitute for good luck." The data you collect in a needs assessment can be useful long after you've used it to determine training needs. You should plan to make your needs-assessment data an integral part of your whole training project. The data can keep you from having to "reinvent the wheel" at every stage of the training, as new needs arise.
ESTABLISH CRITERIA OR GOALS. What do you expect your needs assessment to find? List your expectations and make a note of conditions prior to the assessment.
RESEARCH THE TOPIC, TASK, OR FOCUS. Become familiar with the subject that is targeted by your needs assessment. Interview people in the field. Review books, journals, and reports on the topic.
CREATE A GUIDANCE GROUP. Get together a group of people whose function is to make decisions and keep the needs assessment on track.
The group should include some of the people who requested the needs assessment, some subject matter experts, and some stockholders people who may be affected by the outcome.
Before starting the assessment, get everyone's commitment to working as a group and achieving...