Chapter 3 Needs Assessment

Introduction Chapter 3 Chapter 3 Needs Assessment: The process of determining learning needs and opportunities and whether training is the appropriate solution.

Introduction Chapter 3 Pressure Points: Things that indicate training is necessary. These “red flags” include: performance problems new technology job redesign new legislation new products skill deficiencies

Introduction Chapter 3 Pressure Points: Performance = Ability x Motivation How difficult are the tasks being assigned. How capable is the individual. How hard is the person trying to succeed. How much improvement is being made.

Introduction Chapter 3 Three Levels of Analysis: Organizational Analysis Person Analysis Task Analysis

Introduction Chapter 3 Organizational Analysis: Determining the appropriateness of training, given the company’s business strategy, resources, and managerial and peer support for training.

Introduction Chapter 3 Person Analysis: Determines - - whether deficiencies are due to a lack of knowledge, skills, abilities; problems with motivation; or work design who needs training employee’s readiness for training

Introduction Chapter 3 Task Analysis: Identifying the important tasks performed as well as the knowledge, skills, and behaviors that are required to perform those tasks.

Methods used in Needs Assessment Chapter 3 Methods used in Needs Assessment Observation: Involves analyzing employee’s job performance by watching them directly.

Methods used in Needs Assessment Chapter 3 Methods used in Needs Assessment Questionnaires: Instrument that asks employees questions about their work, coworkers, and work environment.

Methods used in Needs Assessment Chapter 3 Methods used in Needs Assessment Technical Manuals, Printed Materials & Records: Printed materials about company performance, technology, tasks, and business environment that can be used for needs assessment.

Methods used in Needs Assessment Chapter 3 Methods used in Needs Assessment Interviewing: Asking questions face-to-face to gather data. Usually done one-on-one but can be done in groups.

The Needs Assessment Process Chapter 3 The Needs Assessment Process Organizational Analysis: There are three factors to consider - - Company’s strategic direction Support of key Managers and Peers Resources available for training

The Needs Assessment Process Chapter 3 The Needs Assessment Process Organizational Analysis: Company’s Strategic Direction - - Influences training to the extent that, in companies where training plays a significant strategic role, more money is invested in training and the training function more likely to be structured like a Corporate University or VTO.

The Needs Assessment Process Chapter 3 The Needs Assessment Process Organizational Analysis: Support of Key Managers and Peers - - Mgrs and peers must have a positive attitude about participation Mgrs and peers must use new skill, behaviors and knowledge back on the job.

The Needs Assessment Process Chapter 3 The Needs Assessment Process Organizational Analysis: Resources Available for Training - - Includes money, time and expertise allocated for training by the organization. “In-house” vs. consultant/purchased options

The Needs Assessment Process Chapter 3 The Needs Assessment Process Person Analysis: Identifies who needs training by examining whether current and expected performance match.

The Needs Assessment Process Chapter 3 The Needs Assessment Process Person Analysis: Readiness for training - whether the employee can and wants to learn, the environment will maximize learning, & performance improvement needs are indicated.

The Needs Assessment Process Chapter 3 The Needs Assessment Process Person Analysis: A person’s motivation to learn will be impacted by the following factors: Person characteristics Input - instruction & resources provided Output - the job’s performance standards Consequences - incentives for performance Feedback

The Needs Assessment Process Chapter 3 The Needs Assessment Process Person Analysis: To determine if training is the best solution - - Is it a training problem, or a performance problem?

The Needs Assessment Process Chapter 3 The Needs Assessment Process Task Analysis: Develop a description of the tasks performed on a job as well as the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job.

The Needs Assessment Process Chapter 3 The Needs Assessment Process Task Analysis: Knowledge = facts, figures and procedures Skill = competency to perform a task Ability = physical and mental capacities req’d. Other considerations include equipment, environment, performance standards, safety, and time.

The Needs Assessment Process Chapter 3 The Needs Assessment Process Task Analysis: Four steps - - 1. Select job(s) to be analyzed 2. Develop preliminary list of tasks performed 3. SME’s validate and confirm task list 4. Identify knowledge, skills, and abilities

Needs Assessment Practice Chapter 3 Needs Assessment Practice After watching the following clip, you will: Task Analysis – Make a list of the specific tasks performed Make a list of KSAs for each task Person Analysis – Expected performance level for each task Rank if employee fails/meets/exceeds level Analyze employee’s motivation

Needs Assessment Practice Chapter 3 Needs Assessment Practice