1. How to Conduct a Needs Analysis
Peter G. Mohn
WLMA Conference 1997
Tacoma, WA
October 9, 1997

2. Introduction Needs Analysis Major Projects vs. Needs Assessment
Literature
Format

3. Why Conduct a Needs Analysis
Needs Analyses Allows You to Gather Support
Minimizes Negative Forces
Identifies Standards in the Profession
Identifies Gaps in Organization
Identifies Steps to Reach the Standards
Reduces the Chance of Project Failure

4. Executive Summary One Page Maybe the only page read Parts of
one copy attached to the outside of document
one copy after the Table of Contents
Parts of
Aim
How the Analysis was Carried Out
Results of the Analysis
Key Recommendations

5. Introduction of Analysis
Who and What the Organization is
Current Challenge Facing the Organization
Write Your Introduction

6. Aim One paragraph Over-all Goal of the Analysis
Use Paragraph in Executive Summary
Write the Aim of Your Project

7. Bias for Action Authority Importance of the Document
Write Your Bias for Action

8. Process Frame Factors Time Constraints Limits in Locating Information
Cooperation
Budget
Politics
List the Process Frame Factors

9. Organizational Background
Assets
Current Procedures
Make-up of
How it Effects the Transition
Write About Your Organizational Background

10. Methodology Types Used How it was Carried Out
Lit. review
Surveys
Interviews
Focus groups
Observations/Visits
How it was Carried Out
Use in Executive Summary
Standards Used to Compare Current Status
Write Down Your Methodology Areas

11. Organizational Frame Factors
How LMC Fits in Over-all Organization
Pressures Placed on LMC
Areas that LMC has No Control
Write What Your Organizational Frame Factors

12. Results of Methodology
List Data and Summarize Results, or
Summarize Results and place data in Appendices
List in the Exact Order as Methodology Section

13. Value Analysis Worth = Value - Cost Opinion of Researcher
End Report Here if Cost is Too High

14. Force Field Analysis Placing a Value on the Patterns Seen
Positive and Negative Values
Positive scores = Do the Project
Negative scores = Re-think Project
Get Input From Others on Point Values
One and Two Step FFAs
Interpret FFA for Reader

15. Needs Identified Difference Between Standards and Current Reality
Try to Group Minor Needs Under Major Headings
Use Major Needs in Executive Summary

16. Recommendations Solutions to Meet Standards
How to Neutralize or Minimize Negative Forces
Become the Objectives of Your Project
Key Recommendations Used in Executive Summary

17. Summary Needs Analyses Allows You to Gather Support
Minimizes Negative Forces
Identifies Standards in the Profession
Identifies Gaps in Organization
Identifies Steps to Reach the Standards
Reduces the Chance of Project Failure