ABSTRACT
Performance analysis, instructional needs assessment, and project planning are critical activities that should be initiated before an instructional designer or instructional design (ID) team enters into the ID process. This chapter provides information about each of these critical activities and what goes into planning for ID project. It introduces four system functions, including management, support, delivery, and evaluation, and provides guidance on how to plan for each of the four system functions. Performance analysis was developed to address organizational needs regarding inadequate performance of employees. The chapter offers guidance for addressing organizational needs and focuses on adaptations to address individual needs. Regardless of the kind of performance gap, the three major categories of causes of the gap are: organizational/environmental problems, motivational/attitude problems, and knowledge/skill deficits. Motivational programs or interventions can provide the initiative and lead to use our knowledge and skills to enhance our performance.
