One of the first things to do before developing training is to conduct a Needs Analysis. How else can you determine the type and period of training for your employees?
This article describes how to conduct a Needs Analysis.
But first, what are Needs Analysis?
What are Needs Analysis?
Needs Analysis is a process in which training or specific needs of a person or group of people are identified and evaluated in a structured, systematic manner that help determine if such training is needed.
Processes Involved in Needs Analysis
To assess the needs of your employees before determining the type and period of training to develop for them, these steps must be followed.
- Collect Information
- Analyze the Data
- Utilize your data
- Plan the Implementation
2. Analyze the Data:
Once you have collected the information, the next step is to analyze it.
Data analysis is generally conducted with the help of quantitative methods.
This is done by ranking data according to priorities, interest, etc, and then comparing the responses between departments or divisions.
Even within one division, there may be areas of similar need as well as areas of dissimilar need, when determining organizational priorities. Obtain the perspectives and biases of diverse groups of people before drawing conclusions.
Assess how your stakeholders and target audience will respond to any process changes by sharing it with stakeholders and community members.
3. Utilize your data
Your information collection is complete at this point.
In order to create a final report and an action plan, you have to use the results of the needs assessment.
Include a summary documenting the next steps, including phases, technical assistance, training programs, and other components that will aid in implementing the process changes, along with the notes, details, and observations you’ve made during brainstorming sessions.
Establish a system for guiding improvement in your team.
4. Needs analysis implementations
In implementation planning, these goals often form both short- and long-term objectives, so each step must be approached accordingly.
- The importance, desirableness, frequency of selection, etc., of each data item should be ranked and sorted.
- A representative group of experts will evaluate all the information, assess priority and importance, and reach a consensus on the ranked data and preliminary conclusions.
- The third step is achieved by fine-tuning the results. Revisions and modifications based on recommendations.
Conclusion
Identifying those who need training and determining the best type of training isthe goal of conducting a training needs analysis.
However, the most important aspect is determining which needs are the highest priority.