Needs Assessments Evaluate
• The capacity of services in the community in relation to the expectations
• The appropriate mix of services required to respond to the diverse needs associated with the existing problems
• The co-ordination of services within a system.
Aims of Need Assessment
The main aims of a needs assessment could be:
• Offering the needed foundation (information basis) for development or improvement of an educational or social program.
• Restructuring of an organization for improving the performances in relation with the established goals.
• Setting up criteria for contracted services of human resources training and development
• Identification of a solution for a complex problem or issue.
Characteristics of a Good Needs Analysis
The characteristics of a good needs analysis (assessment) are the following:
· It focuses on the results that should be obtained and not on the means for obtaining them;
· Provides an objective basis for decision-making;
· Contributes to the establishment of common goals and action areas at organization/ project level;
· Involves all stakeholders in establishing priorities;
· Is a cyclic process that integrates within the larger scope of strategic planning activities of an organization or of a community?
