Conducting

Needs Analysis

yourelearningworld.com
COND U CT I N G N E ED S A N A LYS I S

Steps for To conduct a thorough needs analysis for your

Conducting courses, you should do the following:

Needs
1. Define objectives – This step answers the following questions:
Analysis
• What is the purpose of the course?
• What are the performance issues?
• What are the root causes for performance issues?
• Is training the solution to the problem?

2. Identify Data – This step answers the following questions:

• What is the purpose of the course?

• Who needs this training?
• What are some of the strategies for designing and delivering this training?

3. Select Data-Collection Method – This step answers the following question:

• Which data collection approach will be used for needs analyses?department

can also be effective. For very small organizations, one or two may be enough.

4. Collect Data – During this step, you gather the

information using selected methods.

5. Analyze Data – In this step, you use the data you collected
and compare, organize, and analyze it.

6. Prepare Analysis Report – During this step, you document both the
data you collected and your analyses of that data in the analysis report.
In addition, your report should include conclusions made as a result of
data analysis. Typical analysis report includes the following sections:

• Overview of the project

• Performance analysis
• Tools used to collect data
• Training needs analysis
• Conclusions or recommendations made based on the analysis
2
The questions below
should help you conduct
your needs analysis.

1. List objectives for your course

2. What is the purpose of the course?

3. Who needs this training? (Identify your target audience)

3
4. What are the performance issues?

5. What are the root causes for performance issues?

4
6. Is training the solution to the problem?

7. What are some of the strategies for designing and delivering this training?

5
8. Which data collection approach will be used for needs analyses?

9. What information is currently available to you?

6
Needs Analysis Report

Section 1: Project Overview

7
Needs Analysis Report

Section 2: Performance analysis

8
Needs Analysis Report

Section 3: Tools used to collect data

9
Needs Analysis Report

Section 4: Training needs analysis

10
Needs Analysis Report

Section 5: Conclusions or recommendations made based on the analysis

11
Notes:

12