Six Sigma Tool Navigator: The Master Guide for Teams

2017-07-07 02:10:07

AKA

Needs Assessment

Classification

Analyzing/Trending (AT)

Tool description

The primary goal of a needs analysis is to determine what needs to be accomplished to close an existing gap between actual and desired performance. To adequately assess requirements, a systematic study of organizational processes, job performance tasks, and employee needs is performed to identify potential solutions and process improvements to close performance gaps.

Typical application

To assess and develop solutions to close identified performance gaps or discrepancies.

To analyze the needs of the organization.

To study the organization and its processes to determine what employees need to perform their jobs.

Problem-solving phase

	Select and define problem or opportunity
→	Identify and analyze causes or potential change
→	Develop and plan possible solutions or change
	Implement and evaluate solution or change
	Measure and report solution or change results
	Recognize and reward team efforts

Typically used by

1	Research/statistics
	Creativity/innovation
	Engineering
2	Project management
	Manufacturing
	Marketing/sales
3	Administration/documentation
	Servicing/support
	Customer/quality metrics
	Change management

links to other tools

before

Data Collection Strategy

Information Needs Analysis

Audience Analysis

Interview Technique

Surveying

after

Task Analysis

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Activity analysis

Circles of knowledge

Action and Effect Diagram (AED)

Notes and key points

Needs analyses are based on data collection. The basic procedure requires, as a minimum, information and statistical data on the following: people, processes, documentation, reporting relationships, organizational resources, performance goals and measurements, and performance plans and results.

Step-by-step procedure

STEP 1 The team establishes the goals for the needs analysis to be performed.

STEP 2 A plan is developed to acquire the data required to determine performance gaps and potential solutions. See example Employee Performance Improvement.

STEP 3 Team participants research, collect, and analyze the data. Alternative solutions and process improvements are finalized.

STEP 4 A list of resource requirements is compiled for the recommended gapclosing and process-improvement activities.

STEP 5 A proposal and action plan is developed and submitted to management.