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

Introduction Needs Analysis Major Projects vs. Needs Assessment Literature Format

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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