Training Needs Analysis: A Resource for Analysing Training Needs, Selecting Training Strategies and Developing Training Plans

The second edition of this manual is designed to help the reader match their training activity with the needs of their organization and the people in it. It contains 22 re-usable instruments on relevant issues. The first part of the book looks at what is involved in identifying and analyzing training needs. It reviews the different types of information the instruments will generate and provides guidance on deciding how training needs can best be met. Part 2 contains the instruments themselves - they cover organizational development. organizational climate, managing resources and job skills. A range of methods are discussed including card sorts, questionnaires, profiles and grids. Each section begins with an introduction which defines the area, describes the instruments and indicates the target groups. It also explains what preparations one will have to make.

Table of Contents:
Introduction; Part 1 Analysing Training Needs: Why Analyse Training Needs?; Starting your analysis; Using the instruments; Type of information gathered; Analysing results; How to identify training needs; Training strategies; Training plans; Summary; Table pro-formas. Part 2 The Instruments: I - Developing the organization; Focus on perceptions; Measures of success; Organization profile; Defining excellence; Customer satisfaction; II - Organization climate; Communications; Work fulfilment ; What drives this organization?; Evidence of quality; Is this a learning organization?; III - Managing resources; Personal assessment; Management match; Managing time; Managing people; Managing expenditure; How others see me; How do I see my managers?; IV - Job skills; Analysing jobs; Training needs survey; Task competences; Working with others; Skills audit.

About the Author :
Sharon Bartram and Brenda Gibson are joint principals of training consultancy SBG Associates and co-authors of 50 Activities for Developing Training Skills, also published by Gower. Sharon Bartram has been active in the HRD field for more than 20 years and is a Member of the Institute of Personnel and Development. From 1974 to 1986 Brenda Gibson taught in an inner London borough. She later became a manager with a national charity and since 1988 has worked in training and development.

Review :
'If you are involved in training or related organizational development activities then this manual is for you.' In Practice '... an excellent source of ideas to assist the trainer; particularly in situations where they know broadly what sort of information they want but are uncertain how to proceed with the actual data collection.' Education and Training '... an excellent guide to facilitate a worthwhile training needs analysis.' Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education '... a useful addition to the library of any trainer looking for practical help and ideas.' Industrial and Commercial Training 'The book is packed with checklists, guidance notes, etc, and is well recommended whether you have a copy of the first edition or not.' Executive Development 'Trainers will find this a useful text.' Economic Outlook, March/April 2001