The centrality of the definition of need as the major determinant of both substance and strategy in the conduct of needs assessment in a community is highlighted. A definition of need is proposed as a working definition for needs assessment undertakings, and consequently as a foundation for social practice. (Author)

Presents a model procedure for defining one's own computing needs and using that definition to compare the features of various microcomputers. (SJL)

Discusses four models of needs analysis: Kaufman's "Needs Assessment," Coffing's "Client Need Assessment," Lee's "Needs-Assessment," and Harless'"Front-End Analysis." A matrix comparing these models is included. (RAO)

Answers such questions as Why invest in training? Who should be responsible for it? When is training not the solution? How are training needs assessed? How should effective, low-cost programs be designed? and How should training programs be evaluated? (SK)

Discusses three reasons why conducting a training needs assessment is frustrating: (1) insufficient time; (2) lack of organizational support; and (3) inadequate expertise. Indicates that if trainers do not uphold criteria for what constitutes a good needs assessment, then they cannot expect support from management. (JOW)

Surveys assessing issues related to management training and education were completed by 611 companies with at least 1,000 employees per company. Findings revealed that less than one-third of companies surveyed conducted needs assessment to determine development needs of managers. Nonetheless, companies reported using formal training programs, task…

Compares machine-oriented and goal-oriented strategies for introducing computers into child- and youth-care agencies. Correlates agency needs with microcomputer applications. (SAK)

Market segmentation is a marketing strategy that helps identify and classify a camp's product or service and determine the needs of a targeted market for the purpose of allocating marketing resources. Offers strategies for defining a target market and discusses the benefits of direct mail, deriving a mailing list, and suggestions for using a…

Berry discusses the elements that go into a good icebreaker, gives advice on how to conduct one, and describes some activities. Kaufman identifies essential elements for a successful needs assessment and provides criteria to help develop and use one. (Author)

Outlines three phases of performance improvement: performance analysis, needs assessment, and support intervention. Provides an example of an application of performance technology through these phases to an electronics company's performance problem. (SK)

Discussion of the human performance technology process focuses on interacting with clients. Describes a seven-step process that includes assessment; a performance consulting guide that explains the leadership process used in interacting with clients; and how to ask the right questions in the right order. (LRW)

Discusses a model that enables systematic input from external sources during the interpretive planning process. Results indicate that the Ecotourist Needs Assessment (ETNA) is a feasible way to inform the planning process and better meet the needs of ecotourists. Contains 24 references. (DDR)

Describe the role of an expert panel in setting priorities for evaluative work. An expert panel with high credibility inside and outside the organization that is at arms length to both the organization and external stakeholders can bypass many communications filters and provide a distilled and clear reading of stakeholder concerns. (SLD)

This exploratory study inquires into the types of preservice and inservice preparation practicing elementary school general and special educators have received to facilitate the social functioning of students with and without disabilities. Sixty teachers serving students with learning disabilities who were educated in inclusive environments for at…

Examining how preservice teachers (PTs) perceive and implement assessment may provide clues as to how we can refocus the way future teachers use assessment. A conceptual framework addressing PT beliefs and how they change was applied in this study to examine PTs' (N = 17) beliefs and understanding of the role of assessment and evaluation on…