Training needs analysis
Overview
The aim of training needs analysis (TNA) can be crudely stated as the identification of the current competencies of people and any gap that may exist between current competencies and those required for work or personal performance needs. Limiting TNA or identification of learning gaps just to 'skills' is, however, far too narrow a basis for us to proceed from in this chapter.
Although gaining commitment to personal and organisational improvement is a vital first step in the learning process, direction is also required in order to channel this desire to learn in a way that will benefit both the individual and the organisation. TNA can establish a systematic set of priorities and planned learning interventions that can help individuals, teams, organisations and industries set out what it is that they need to learn.
This chapter will focus on establishing how to conduct a TNA that will prioritise the training, assessment and development of individuals while meeting the strategic needs of the operational area and the organisations.
Learning objectives
After completing the work for this chapter you should be able to:
- Undertake training needs analysis for a transport and logistics operational area
- ompare and contrast methods to assess training needs
- Discuss the different ways to describe performance and learning needs
- Establish the process for developing a learning plan for an individual and a team
- Develop and implement a learning plan
Select topics
- 8.1 Profiling individuals within organisations
- 8.2 Linking individual and organisational capabilities
- 8.3 Developing a learning plan using SWOT analysis
- 8.4 Implementing a learning plan
- 8.4.1 Step 1 Prepare a learning project brief
- 8.4.2 Step 2 Discuss your plan with training personnel
- 8.4.3 Step 3 Break down your learning plan into its basic elements .
- 8.4.4 Step 4 Provide costings for each element
- 8.4.5 Step 5 Provide a list of benefits derived from the learning intervention
- 8.4.6 Step 6 Discuss your findings with training personnel
- References