The needs assessment serves as the foundation of a successful training initiative. The needs assessment helps understand what needs to be addressed in the training program to ensure that the solution matches the need.
Tasks:
Using your module’s readings and Internet research, create a 4- to 5-page paper and respond to the following points:
- List different methods used in a needs assessment.
- Choose one method discussed in the text and provide the pros and cons of the method.
|
Methods |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|
Observation |
Generates data relevant to work environment Minimizes interruption of work |
Needs skilled observers Employees’ behavior may be affected by being observed |
|
Surveys |
Inexpensive Can collect data from a large number of persons Data easily summarized |
Requires time Possible low return rates, inappropriate responses Lacks detail Only provides information directly related to questions asked |
|
Interviews |
Good at uncovering details of training needs, as well as causes of and solutions to problems Can explore unanticipated issues that come up Questions can be modified |
Time-consuming Difficult to analyze Needs skilled interviewers Can be threatening to SMEs Difficult to schedule SMEs provide only such information they think you want to hear |
|
Focus groups Crowdsourcing |
Useful with complex or controversial issues that one person may be unable or unwilling to explore Questions can be modified to explore unanticipated issues Reduces risk that training based on needs assessment will be rejected by stakeholders |
Time-consuming to organize Group members provide only information they think you want to hear |
|
Documentation (technical manuals, records) |
Good source of information on procedure Objective Good source of task information for new jobs and jobs in the process of being created |
You may be unable to understand technical language Materials may be obsolete |
|
Online technology (software) |
Objective Minimizes interruption of work Requires limited human involvement |
May threaten employees Manager may use information to punish rather than train Limited to jobs requiring interaction with customers via computer or phone |
|
Historical data reviews |
Provides data related to performance and practices |
Available data may be inaccurate, incomplete, or not fully represent performance |
| Assignment 2 Grading Criteria |
Maximum Points |
|
25 |
| Included all citations in APA format. |
15 |
| Wrote in a clear, concise, and organized manner; demonstrated ethical scholarship in accurate representation and attribution of sources; displayed accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation. |
15 |
| Total: |
100 |
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