Needs Assessment: Collecting information, making decisions, and accomplishing results

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Needs Assessment Collecting information, making
decisions, and accomplishing results

• Ryan Watkins, Ph.D.George Washington University
• Maurya West MeiersWBI Evaluation Group

Presentation to the Knowledge and Learning
BoardDec. 11, 2007
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Needs Assessments Help Us

• Collect useful information that can inform our
  decisions
• Link the results we want to accomplish to our
  decisions about what to do
• Consider our alternatives and options
• Verify that our activities will lead to desired
  results
• Create consistency in decision making by
  implementing systematic processes

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Needs Assessments Help Us Avoid

• What we really need is training on XYZ.
• But that is the way we have always done it
  here.
• Training that isnt aligned with World Bank
  priorities
• Solutions in search of problems
• Answers that are simple, straightforward,
  acceptable, understandable and yet wrong

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Why Needs Assessment

• Provides a systematic process to guide decisions.
• Provides justification for decisions before they
  are made.
• It is scalable for any size project, time frame,
  or budget.
• Offers a replicable model that can be applied by
  novices or experts.
• Provides a systemic perspective for decision
  makers.
• Allows for interdisciplinary solutions for
  complex problems.

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Many Needs Assessments

• Disciplines
• Medical (Health) Needs Assessments
• Community Needs Assessments
• Organizational Needs Assessments
• Individual-Decision Needs Assessments

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Three Types of Organizational Needs Assessments

• Strategic Needs Assessment
• Focus on needs of those external to the
  organizational (e.g., clients, communities,
  countries)
• Alignment of societal goals with organizational
  objectives
• Tactical Needs Assessments
• Focus on organizational performance and
  contributions
• Alignment of organizational objectives with
  programs and projects
• Operational Needs Assessments
• Focus on individual or team performance
• Alignment of program and projects with individual
  or team performance objectives
• Guide the development of pragmatic learning plans

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Needs Assessments and Results Chains
Gap
Impacts
Impacts
Gap
Outcomes
Outcomes
Outputs
Outputs
Gap
Gap
Activities
Activities
Inputs
Inputs
Gap
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Needs Assessments and Results Chains
Impacts
Outcomes
Outputs
Activities
Inputs
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No more starting with

• We need to train them on
• You need to buy the latest release of
• We need a course on
• They need a new attitude about
• We really need do be doing

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Arent we already doing this?

• Maybe
• Example, My team should go to training X this
  year because they will have to be able to do Y
  next year.
• Systematic and consistent needs assessments are,
  nevertheless, better since they
• Systematically align desired results with plans
  and activities
• Use performance expectations to guide decisions
• Examine training and non-training alternatives
• Provide consistent processes from manager to
  manager

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Where to Begin

• Phases of Needs Assessment
• Pre-Assessment
• Planning for success
• Assessment
• Collecting data
• Turning data into information
• and knowledge
• Post-Assessment
• Making decisions

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Continuum of Assessments

• Not every needs assessment has to be complex
• Scope of the assessment should be based on the
  scope of the project

Small Project
Large Project
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Tools for Collecting Information and Making
Decisions

• Johari Window
• Concept mapping
• Fault Tree Diagrams
• Fishbone Diagrams
• Multi-attribute Utility Analysis
• Force Field Analysis
• Risk and Resilience Analysis
• Scenarios
• Systematic Document Review
• Performance Observation
• Guided Expert Review

• Focus Groups - DACUM
• Focus Groups - Delphi
• Focus Groups - Nominal
• Focus Groups Straw Votes
• Interviewing
• Task Analysis
• Cognitive Task Analysis
• Card Sorts
• Tabletop analysis
• SWOT Causal Utility
• Dual-response surveys

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Performance System
WHAT
WHAT
Required
Current
Results
Results
WHY
WHAT
HOW
Performance
Analysis
Examples Program, Project, Learning Plan,
Learning Activity, Mentor, Recruitment Plan
Objectives
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Needs Assessment Series Multi-Method Approach
Training Sessions Principles and Practice
Training Sessions Practical Application
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Training Sessions
Principles and Practice

• Basics of conducting needs assessment
• Framework for conducting a needs assessment
• Aligning needs assessment with program logic
• Managing the process of needs assessment
• Multiple strategies for using needs assessment to
  accomplish intended results

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Training Sessions
Practical Application

• Focus Practice with data collection and
  analytical tools for decision-making
• SWOT with Causal Utility Analysis
• Dual-Response Surveys
• JOHARI Window
• Task Analysis
• Qualitative Data Analysis

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Support for Implementation
Online Knowledge Base

• Materials posted for just-in-time learning
• Readings tools and techniques
• FAQ and Discussion Boards
• Coming attractions (e.g., sample surveys,
  question database, etc.)

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Support for Implementation
Consulting Services Team Support

• WBI Evaluation Group team, first stop for advice
• Consultant available for advisory services
• With HRSLB, support to teams on learning plans