Needs Assessment: Collecting information, making decisions, and accomplishing results

Complied By K.D.Prasad GM(Mining), ISO, BCCL

Needs Assessments Help Us

Collect useful information that can inform our decisions Link the results we want to accomplish to our decisions about what to do Consider our alternatives and options Verify that our activities will lead to desired results Create consistency in decision making by implementing systematic processes

Needs Assessments Help Us Avoid

What we really need is training on XYZ. But that is the way we have always done it here. Training that isnt aligned with World Bank priorities Solutions in search of problems Answers that are simple, straightforward, acceptable, understandable and yet wrong

Why Needs Assessment

Provides a systematic process to guide decisions.

Provides justification for decisions before they are made. It is scalable for any size project, time frame, or budget. Offers a replicable model that can be applied by novices or experts. Provides a systemic perspective for decision makers. Allows for interdisciplinary solutions for complex problems.

Many Needs Assessments

Disciplines

Medical (Health) Needs Assessments Community Needs Assessments Organizational Needs Assessments Individual-Decision Needs Assessments

Three Types of Organizational Needs Assessments

Strategic Needs Assessment

Focus on needs of those external to the organizational (e.g., clients, communities, countries) Alignment of societal goals with organizational objectives

Tactical Needs Assessments

Focus on organizational performance and contributions Alignment of organizational objectives with programs and projects

Operational Needs Assessments

Focus on individual or team performance Alignment of program and projects with individual or team performance objectives Guide the development of pragmatic learning plans

Needs Assessments and Results Chains

Current Results The Results We Are Accomplishing Impacts Gap Desired Results The Results We Should Be Accomplishing Impacts Gap
Strategic Needs Assessment
Tactical Needs Assessment Operational Needs Assessment

Outcomes

Outcomes Gap

Outputs

Outputs Gap

Activities

Activities Gap Inputs

Inputs

Needs Assessments and Results Chains

Impacts Plan
Performance Expectations (Societal) Performance Expectations (Organization)

Measure Outcomes

Plan

Measure Outputs

Plan

Performance Expectations (Individual or Team)

Measure Activities

Plan

Developing Learning Plans Calendar of Learning Events

Measure

Inputs

No more starting with

We need to train them on You need to buy the latest release of We need a course on They need a new attitude about We really need do be doing

Arent we already doing this?

Maybe

Example, My team should go to training X this year because they will have to be able to do Y next year.

Systematic and consistent needs assessments are, nevertheless, better since they

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Systematically align desired results with plans and activities Use performance expectations to guide decisions Examine training and non-training alternatives Provide consistent processes from manager to manager

Where to Begin
Phases of Needs Assessment Pre-Assessment

Planning for success Collecting data Turning data into information and knowledge Making decisions

Assessment

Post-Assessment

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Continuum of Assessments

Not every needs assessment has to be complex Scope of the assessment should be based on the scope of the project
Small Project

Large Project Large needs assessment

Small needs assessment

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Tools for Collecting Information and Making Decisions

Focus Groups - DACUM Focus Groups - Delphi Focus Groups - Nominal Focus Groups Straw Votes Interviewing Task Analysis Cognitive Task Analysis Card Sorts Tabletop analysis SWOT + Causal Utility Dual-response surveys

Johari

Window Concept mapping Fault Tree Diagrams Fishbone Diagrams Multi-attribute Utility Analysis Force Field Analysis Risk and Resilience Analysis Scenarios Systematic Document Review Performance Observation Guided Expert Review

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Performance System
WHAT

Needs Assessments

WHAT

Current Results

Required Results

WHY

HOW
Examples: Program, Project, Learning Plan, Learning Activity, Mentor, Recruitment Plan

WHAT

Analysis

Performance Objectives

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Needs Assessment Series: Multi-Method Approach

Training Sessions: Principles and Practice

Knowledge Base

Training Sessions: Practical Application

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Consulting Services & Team Support

Training Sessions Principles and Practice

Basics of conducting needs assessment Framework for conducting a needs assessment Aligning needs assessment with program logic Managing the process of needs assessment Multiple strategies for using needs assessment to accomplish intended results

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Training Sessions
Practical Application

Focus: Practice with data collection and analytical tools for decision-making

SWOT with Causal Utility Analysis Dual-Response Surveys JOHARI Window Task Analysis Qualitative Data Analysis

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Support for Implementation Online Knowledge Base

Materials posted for just-in-time learning Readings: tools and techniques FAQ and Discussion Boards Coming attractions (e.g., sample surveys, question database, etc.)

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Support for Implementation Consulting Services & Team Support

WBI Evaluation Group team, first stop for advice Consultant available for advisory services With HRSLB, support to teams on learning plans

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/kU;okn THANK YOU