Need Assessment
A needs assessment is a process that is used to determine if and what type of training is necessary. Before a training content is developed, a need assessment is required in “analyzing the organization’s needs; the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform the job; and the person or jobholder’s needs." Ivancevich, J., & Konopaske, R., (2012).
A need assessment is conducted for the following rational according to the research done by Brown Judith, in her research titled Training Needs and Assessment. She lists the following:
1 To identify specific problem areas in the organization
2 To obtain management support
3 To develop data for evaluation
4. To determine the costs and benefits of training.
1. To specific problem areas in the organization; Identifying a specific problem in an organization gives the management team an insight into the best type of training to counter that problem. " Any gap between what is expected and actual results suggest a need for training (Ivancevich, 2012).
We must also take into account the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (K, S, A ) needed to perform the job (Ivancevich,2012). The employee's need also must also be put into consideration when a need assessment is being drafted (Ivancevich, 2012).
2. To obtain management support; Most management is in support of training, top management "usually thinks training is a “nice thing to do” Brown, J., (n.d). "The way to obtain management support is to make certain that the training directly affects what happens in that manager’s department"(Brown pa.03, para.03). Management is more willing to go along with training if HR can show that training will lead to an improvement in job performance.
3. To develop data for evaluation; Need assessment data can be used by management to evaluate the effectiveness of the training program. Also, the evaluation can serve as a reference point for future training programs.
4. To Determine the cost and benefits of training; A cost and benefit analysis can be developed from training conducted. "A thorough needs assessment that identifies the problems and performance deficiencies, allows management to put a cost factor on the training needs". This ensures that resources are properly allocated based on the priority of the need.
