Center for Business and Workforce Development · 1127 West Fourth Street, Williamsport, PA · (570) 327-4775 · Fax (570) 321-5546
Needs Assessment
Assessment helps organizations understand what is most valuable to their continued existence and growth.
While assessment is vital to organizational planning and development, not all assessment processes are the same. Some are quick; others are large and complex.
Needs assessment services available through WDCE use state-of-the art methods. Some providers use off-the-shelf processes; WDCE customizes the process to meet the client’s needs and provide greater performance.
Using action research (AR) or appreciative inquiry (AI) interventions, WDCE tailors strategies to help clients:
- Diagnose, understand, and addresses problems
- Focus on the positive by understanding strengths
- Recommend ways to enhance what is already being done well
These customized processes can improve the performance of:
- Individuals and small groups
- Systems and departments
- Entire organizations and companies
- Industry sectors and clusters (see examples)
Assessment Process
To collect relevant data, assessment may include interviews, focus groups, or survey instruments. Data is evaluated, quantified, analyzed, and reported in a meaningful manner. Formal recommendations may be prepared to help develop strategic objectives or goals, identify opportunities, determine skill or competency gaps, or implement change.
In some cases, WDCE may be able to provide funding assistance for assessment and training needs.
Also learn more about testing and accessing employee skills