Needs assessment is an important step in the performance improvement business. It precedes the design and development of any human resource development (HRD) or human performance technology (HPT) initiative. Needs assessment is a process for examining and framing peoplerelated problems and performance improvement opportunities. It might be initiated in response to a problem or opportunity, or it might be used in ongoing learning or performance improvement efforts. Needs assessment can focus on one or more individuals, on people within units or teams, on people across job functions, or even on an entire organization. It can also focus on the people-related.
