Occupational Analysis

An introduction to the DACUM job

analysis interactive web site
DACUM
Developing
A
CurriculUM
H P I W
HIGH

PERFORMING

INCUMBENT

WORKER
Walt Disney began by
animating and sequencing
Mickey Mouse on
storyboards.
Display Thinking:
People work more
effectively in groups/teams
when they can see the ideas
they generate.
 DACUM
• PANEL OF WORKERS
• NEUTRAL FACILITATOR
• RECORDERS
• OBSERVERS
 Occupational Analysis
Assumptions
1. Expert workers are the best source
for task analysis.

2. Any occupation can be effectively

described in terms of DUTIES,
TASKS, and KNOWLEDGE,
SKILLS, & TRAITS.
Method of Job and Task
Analysis

Small Group Method

This method requires a
minimum of three incumbent
workers to participate in
developing the job and task
analysis
.
Method of Job and Task
Analysis

Research Method
This method requires a
person trained in task
analysis to research
available resources.
Method of Job and Task
Analysis
Job Observation Method
This method requires a worker
who is performing the task and a
person trained in job and task
analysis to observe and
analyze the task.
Why use the DACUM Process
Cost effective
Involves workers in a participatory
process that honors their expertise
Why use the DACUM Process
Cost effective
Involves workers in a participatory
process that honors their expertise
 Ask
Don’t Tell
 O/A Inverted Pyramid
Highest

Sub Task Task

(“how”) Analysis

Subsequent review Panels

& Validation
Management Review

Tasks
(“what”)
Duties

Level of Detail
Table of
Organization

Job Initial
Definition DACUM
Panel
Job
Title

Lowest
Occupational Duties
Worksheet
Please identify the major (big) pieces of
your occupational pie:
1.
2.

2 3 3.
4.
1 4
5.
6.
7.
8 5 8.
Other
7 6
Definition of Duty: General area of competence that successful workers
in the occupation must demonstrate or perform on an ongoing basis.
 Task
A work activity that has a definite
beginning and ending, is
observable, consist of two or
more definite steps, and leads to a
product, service, or decision.
 Maintain the Automobile
Tasks:
Wash the car exterior
Vacuum car interior
Wax the car
Check the car fluid levels
Check tire air pressure
MODEL DUTY/TASK
CARD
VERB
MODIFIER
NOUN
TYPICAL CARDS

(V) Implement
(M) Training
(N) Program
 Knowledge
An understanding
and familiarity with
facts and information.
 Skills
The ability to perform
occupational tasks with
a high degree of
proficiency.
 Traits
An innate or learned ability
or distinguishing quality that
allows an individual to
complete a job.
 Editing & Prioritizing
• The panelist are then led through a
series of exercises that help to both edit
the profile and identify priority duties
and tasks.
 Criticality
A measure of job duties and tasks
that panelists believe to be
essential and/or most important
components of a job.
 Frequency
A measure of job tasks
that panelists believe to
require the largest time
commitments.
 Training Needs

A measure of job tasks that

panelists believe should be
included in basic and
inservice training programs.
 The job analysis
concludes with a
process evaluation
and the issuance
of training
certificates
"The road to success is always
under construction.”
Lily Tomlin