ABSTRACT
The chapter identifies and describes the purpose of needs assessment at it relates to knowledge development, skills acquisition, ability development, and performance improvement. It defines and describes the usefulness of needs assessment required in designing a training program. The chapter identifies and discusses the goals of a needs assessment. It identifies and describes the different types of needs assessments. The chapter examines the range of uses and depth of coverage of a needs assessment. It compares the differences between a formal and informal needs assessment. The chapter explains the different types of methods for collecting information. It explores the different types of questions to ask in the needs assessment information gathering stage of the needs assessment process. The chapter demonstrates how to present the results of a needs assessment using a model report and a model presentation format.
