Examines the differences between needs assessment and needs analysis as part of the larger process of identifying and resolving problems and opportunities. Proactive and reactive planners are discussed, a system approach is compared with a systems approach, and steps in a systems approach are identified. (10 references) (LRW)

Discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of various approaches to needs assessment is followed by a description of the five phases of the flexible composite needs assessment approach, START (Systematic Technique for Assessing Resources and Training/Development) for developing training programs within various types of organizations. (EAO)

Compares and contrasts the current development of needs analysis and needs assessment through a review of the literature, and offers recommendations designed to restore systems thinking to front-end analysis in organizational and instructional development. The roles of needs assessment and needs analysis in a performance technology model are…

Describes a systematic approach to organizational change based on examination of prior consolidation experiences, which identifies organizational and individual employee needs and uses Maslow's sequence to plan for these needs. Use of this approach to manage transition period prior to consolidation of branch operations of the 3M Company is…

A technique that consultants may use to help their clients define, value, and assess goals, the card sort may be used to establish goals for systematic designs addressing instructional, individual, or organizational problems. Examples illustrate its use and three references are listed. (Author/CHC)

Presents an activities assessment model based on Schumacher's concept of appropriate technology for assessing results of nonformal staff training activities. This model includes identifying training purposes, matching needs to capability levels, choosing source persons to judge student achievement, defining evidence and indicators, generating…

This investigation of the missing link between educators' demands for planning tools and successful implementation of such tools once they became available identified the link as users' attitudes toward a proposed system approach model for the identification, design, delivery, evaluation, and renewal of purposeful change. (MBR)

This alternative model for identifying, diagnosing, and treating organizational needs identifies the basic elements of organizations, determines gaps between what is and what should be for each element, and allows interventions which are internally and externally consistent and successful. Common tools for closing these gaps are described. (MBR)

Examines similarities between performance technology and instructional technology, including a systems approach, reliance upon analysis, theoretical antecedents, causes of performance problems, and anticipating obstacles to the introduction of innovation. Goals, target, activities, deliverables, domain, vision, and futures are compared; and the…

Characterizes the Job Corps experience as the first significant application of the systems approach to instructional development, and discusses the project's mission, trainees, training environment, training programs, needs assessment, student learning units, group training techniques, effectiveness in preparing trainees for jobs, and cost…

Reviews the history of the development of the field of performance technology. Highlights include early teaching machines, instructional technology, learning theory, programed instruction, the systems approach, needs assessment, branching versus linear program formats, programing languages, and computer-assisted instruction. (LRW)