Needs Assessment

Needs Assessment

When you are engaged in program planning, a needs assessment helps to determine the actuality and details of a specific problem. It also addresses how the target population views the problem—which is critical since their perspective and motivation to change are essential for the success of the program.

For this Discussion, you develop a framework for completing a needs assessment for your program. To do this effectively, it is essential to begin with the program and the population you have identified and then develop an appropriate approach for conducting a needs assessment. This also leads to consideration of the types of data needed and the data collection methods to be used.

To prepare:
Write under the following subheadings

• Consider aspects of your problem and population as you review the information on needs assessment presented in the Learning Resources.

• How would you conduct a needs assessment? What considerations would influence your decision making about this process?

• What would be the most efficient and effective methods for collecting data? What challenges could be encountered?

Suggested Resources:
Kettner, P. M., Moroney, R. M., & Martin, L. L. (2017). Designing and managing programs: An effectiveness-based approach (5th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.