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db_reply.docxDB Reply Instructions: You will be required to reply to 1 other classmate's thread. Each reply must be 250–350 words and be supported by 1 other scholarly source in current APA formatting. All sources must be current, or published within the last 5 years. Do not use other textbooks aside from course materials and do not repeat sources used in the thread in your response.
Textbook: Noe, R. A. (2017). Employee training and development (7th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
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Student’s question: If you had to conduct a needs assessment for a new job at a new plant, describe the method you would use.
Student’s thread: Ayshea Haynes
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A needs assessment is a systematic process for determining and addressing needs, or "gaps" between current conditions and desired conditions or "wants". If I had to conduct a needs assessment for a new job at a new plant, I would most likely use the focus group method. A focus group is defined as "a method of interviewing a small group of people, who participate in a small pre-determined, focused discussion led by an experienced evaluator (University of Minnesota, 2017)." It is important to take the time to identify the strengths and weaknesses within an organization. There is always room for improvement. Determining what is going well and what could use more work depends on the feedback that you get from the employers and the population. "It is helpful when working to collect specific in-depth thoughts and opinions on a topic (University of Minnesota, 2017)." Creating focus groups helps you get honest feedback. When using these focus groups, it is important to break them down into small categories so that everyone is comfortable saying and stating what they honestly feel. If the focus group is too big some may not feel comfortable voicing concerns in front of others or it may create further conflict. " Most focus groups consist of five to 10 participants; all are expected to contribute, in a safe and nonthreatening environment, with a common focus on a defined area. Like any business meeting, a focus group has an objective, agenda, and next steps (Tartell 2015)." A huge factor that I would put into the focus groups is making sure to create unbiased beneficial questions. You have to make sure that the questions provide the information necessary for the needs analysis and are not just something that is "good to know". Tartell explains in his article that it is beneficial to use the "KISS" principle. "Keep it simple ans use language that participants will understand. Minimize jargon." You must also create short questions that contain one idea. Eliminate "or" and "and" in the question. This will enable participants to discuss a single are and will simplify data analysis. Being able to identify the needs and shortcomings of a new job or plant is crucial to the success of the job. Workers want to feel confident that if there is an issue or concern that there are things in place to help mitigate issues. If we conduct needs assessments quarterly it will help keep a positive balance in the workplace.
Resources:
Tartell, Ross, 2015 " How to: Use Focus Groups for Rapid Needs Analysis" Psychology and Education at Columbia University.
Regents of Minnesota, 2017 "Conducting a Needs Assessment"Bottom of Form
