The main producers of wealth have become information and knowledge...
Peter Drucker
Learning (Training) Needs Analysis
Why a Learning (Training) Needs Analysis?
A Learning Needs Analysis is designed to assess the training requirements as a result of specific changes within an organisation. Such changes could be as the result of:
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The introduction of a new organisational strategy (often developed following changes to the organisational design or as a direct response to transformation programmes)
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The introduction of new equipment (hardware or software based)
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Potential changes to skills sets following horizon scanning exercises
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Changes to organisational policies
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Changes to legislation
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Identification of potential issues with skills sets following customer feedback for example.
What is a Learning (Training) Needs Analysis?
A Learning Needs Analysis in essence seeks to:
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Identify the range and extent of the learning needs required
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Detailing the learning needs, as derived from task analysis, and articulated as learning outcomes
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Analysing the most cost effective approach to achieving the learning outcomes, based on an understanding of the organisation and any implied constraints
We tailor the learning needs analysis to meet specific organisational needs, so we can take in to account the type of capability required, the culture and structure of the organisation and the timescale required for delivery. We can conduct the Learning Needs Analysis by using our own framework or if you would prefer we can deliver against specified methodologies and templates utilised internally within organisations.
Articles and Advice
Here are some tips about carrying out Learning Needs Analysis, and some free advice on key aspects of needs analysis that we hope you find useful. Please feel free to use the information, but all we ask is that you credit DSG Consultancy Services authorship.
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MOD - JSP 822 Training Needs Analysis, Course Design
For clients who are in the Defence Sector application of the Defence Systems to Training (DSAT) JSP 822 methodology please click here for services and case studies. Read More
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Learning Versus Training?
This is a common question that can provoke lengthy discussions between capability specialists. It is therefore important at the outset that we articulate our views on the differences between the two and why we refer to learning needs analysis rather than training needs analysis... Read More
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How do you know if you need a learning needs analysis?
For many specialists the trigger for a learning needs analysis can come from a variety of sources. In our experience the needs analysis can be applied at different levels, and with different grades of complexity...Read More
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Specifying Learning Needs
One of the outcomes of the Learning Needs Analysis is the articulation of the learning needs. It is really important that as the client you are happy with how these are articulated... Read More
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Assessing the Learning Needs
Once the requirement for a learning needs analysis has been agreed it is important to understand how the need is to be assessed...Read More
