Six steps to successful needs analysis are (1) collect information about the organization, (2) identify potential training opportunities, (3) conduct a performance audit, (4) select and test content areas, (5) determine the required skills, knowledge, and abilities, and (6) verify this information against the organization's issues and goals. (SK)

A step-by-step method can determine whether training programs match the training needs as expressed by rated objectives. Trainers calculate the time devoted to each objective while the program users rate the importance of each objective. The match between importance and time is a measure of program efficiency. (LRA)

The purpose of this document is to share various approaches used by federal agencies to assess needs and measure training effectiveness. The emphasis in the descriptions is on the evaluation process rather than on the results. One program was evaluated by employing return-on-investment (ROI) data and using volunteer line personnel who conducted…

A systems approach to effective instructional design that is equally applicable to educational and organizational settings includes six components: (1) needs assessment, (2) systems design, (3) curriculum development, (4) organizational development, (5) feedback and evaluation, and (6) outcomes. The last component, outcomes, provides a context and…

This report examines the need for and resources available to environmental and conservation groups to develop skills in raising money and recruiting new members, managing an organization, communicating with the press, and analyzing policy issues. Data were obtained from 225 questionnaires returned by representative groups (411 were mailed), an…

This book, which is intended for individuals who are directly or indirectly involved in human resources development, is based on the premise that today's training professionals must become "performance consultants" and shift their focus from training delivery to the performance of the company and its individual contributors. The book is…

This report presents samples of models and strategies for determining professional development needs of special education personnel. The following areas are covered: definitions of needs and the needs assessment process; personnel needs assessment regulations under the Comprehensive System of Personnel Development, the Individuals with…

In order to further existing knowledge about classroom testing practices, this study surveyed Ohio supervisors' and principals' perceptions of beginning teachers' needs for and proficiency in selected testing and evaluation competencies. Respondents considered typical beginning elementary and secondary teachers, rather than teachers of special…

This handbook, which presents a design-based approach to training, leads training professionals through a process for developing employee training programs based on a behavioral digital approach. (The design approach is a scientific methodology built on three principles: the systematization, behaviorism, and quantification of training.) The…

This handbook is intended to assist trainers, design specialists, training managers, technical trainers, and other members of the public sector who conduct training on an occasional basis. The following topics are covered: understanding human resource development (HRD) and its role in the public sector--expanding the scope and significance of HRD…

Designed for front-line training professionals, this book addresses the most pressing issues in the training and development field (T&D). "Introduction" (Lisa A. Burke) discusses the importance of viewing training as a subsystem of human resources, training as a systematic process, and indicators of high impact training.…

This book, which is designed to be used either as a tool for improving one-on-one on-the-job training (OJT) conducted by supervisors or as a reference guide for performance specialists and instructional designers, explains how to establish and operate a comprehensive OJT program. The following topics are covered in the book's 11 chapters: reaping…

A technical note based on the Indonesian Nonformal Education Project discusses use of Q-sort, originally a research technique for studying small groups or individuals, as a needs assessment method. The background of Q-sort, designed to take subjective factors into account, is covered, and its use in needs assessment described: cards, each of which…

A 13-day workshop was conducted in Nigeria to train 60 community development workers in the educational use of popular theater for community-based adult education. Key goals were conscientization (a gradual learning process in which people look critically at their social situation to gain deeper understanding of the root causes of their problems)…

This training journal, a product of the Career Information Delivery Systems (CIDS) Project, is designed to provide trainers with the necessary training delivery skills needed to create effective adult learning experiences. Addressed in the individual units of the journal are the following topics: basic elements of training experiences (content and…