Examines the differences between needs assessment and needs analysis as part of the larger process of identifying and resolving problems and opportunities. Proactive and reactive planners are discussed, a system approach is compared with a systems approach, and steps in a systems approach are identified. (10 references) (LRW)

Discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of various approaches to needs assessment is followed by a description of the five phases of the flexible composite needs assessment approach, START (Systematic Technique for Assessing Resources and Training/Development) for developing training programs within various types of organizations. (EAO)

Argues that instructional development (ID) faculty in higher education settings should use a systematic approach grounded in ID principles to present the case for filling vacant positions in their field and provides guidelines for using message design techniques to develop a file to support the case. Eight references are listed. (MER)

A technique that consultants may use to help their clients define, value, and assess goals, the card sort may be used to establish goals for systematic designs addressing instructional, individual, or organizational problems. Examples illustrate its use and three references are listed. (Author/CHC)

Presents an activities assessment model based on Schumacher's concept of appropriate technology for assessing results of nonformal staff training activities. This model includes identifying training purposes, matching needs to capability levels, choosing source persons to judge student achievement, defining evidence and indicators, generating…

Instructional development projects in Medical Terminology and Orientation to Hearing Aids are reviewed to demonstrate the procedural steps used and the interactive dynamics employed by development teams at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf. Six references are provided. (MER)

Introduces a series of six installments on making the transition from a training/instructional design approach to human performance technology (HPT). The first installment topics include defining human performance technology; obstacles to effective HPT; and the necessary role characteristics for trainers performing HPT. (AEF)