Needs Assessment

1
Needs Assessment

• An integrated set of procedures that provide the
  basis for an action plan, whereby user needs can
  be efficiently addressed in a cost-effective
  manner consistent with organizational goals and
  objectives.

2
Interviews with Telecom Mgrs

• Generally reactive
• Little or no use of needs assessments
• Respond to user requests
• Rely on a major vendor for a solution
• Little attempt to anticipate future needs

3
Steps in a Needs Assessment

• Define objectives and scope of assessment
• Get management commitment
• Define assessment goals
• Determine priorities
• Identify expectations
• Identify users, products, and services to include
  in the assessment
• Identify data sources
• Use outside consultants

4
Further steps

• Determine user needs/requirements
• Interviews with users
• Review of job functions
• Use of questionnaires
• Group discussions
• Evaluate needs with respect to organizational
  goals
• Compare needs to strategic plan
• Determine available funding

5
More steps

• Measure current resource allocation to
  product/service delivery
• Assessment control and administration
• Technical audit
• Current results versus expectations
• Analyze data
• Use of hard data
• Compilation of data
• Positive return on investment

6
Final step

• Include key findings in the decision-making
  process
• Issuance of a formal report
• Continuous assessment cycle