Needs Assessment/Needs Analysis
method for obtaining the information necesary to make decisions that will best accomplish an organization’s goals.
Steps for Needs Analysis
gap analysis
Compares the objective to the current situation and results in a list of people, actions, or items needed to attain the objective. Gather as much info as possible about gaps and identify any constraints that may inhibit efforts to close gaps.
third-party contract
some part of a contractual obligation is performed by an entity other than those who have signed a contract (such as an agreement with a temp agency in which the company is paying the temp agency for services provided by an employee of the agency)
request for proposal (RFP)
Often handled by purchasing. Serves as the bases on which a product or service is obtained, guides the delivery to meet the organizational requirements, and serves as a means of evaluation at the end of the project.
Steps for Handling RFPs
scoping a project
Part of the needs-assessment process. Client may conduct informal pre-proposal meetings with possible vendors. Useful when clients have little direct experience with projects or want to learn more about the product or service to describe it more clearly in the RFP.
Format of RFP
Proposal Formats (in response to RFP)
Top Down Communication
Communication from management directed at employees. Ex - intranet, PA system, mass emails, bulletin boards, newsletters, individual letters to employees
Bottom Up Communication
chance for employees to talk to management. Ex - open-door policy; staff meetings, one-on-ones, emails, webcasts. Help employees feel that their concerns are heard and addressed.
Steps for Documenting Performance Issues
Verbal Warning
(requires a written record be maintained). Includes specific examples of the unacceptable performance or behavior and notice of the consequence if it doesn’t change (“further disciplinary action, up to and including termination.”) Record can be as simple as a note by supervisor that describes date and time of the warning, employee involved, what was discussed, and any agreements that were made about futrue changes in behavior or performance.
First Written Warning
Includes memo to employee with steps that have already been taken, exactly what the performance problem is, steps that need to be taken to avoid future consequences, and any agreements that have been made about performance changes. Should be signed by the employee. Signing doesn’t indicate agreement, merely that the warning has been discussed.
Final Written Warning
Similar to First Written Warning with addition of a statement advising the employee that a continued inability or refusal to make necessary performance changes will result in termination of employment.
Decision-Making Day
Some companies send employees home, with pay, and ask them to think about whether they’re willing ot make the changes to keep their jobs. If they are, they return to work the next day and make a commitment to make the necessary changes. It is made clear to employees that if the changes aren’t made, immediate termination will result without additional disciplinary steps. If they aren’t willing to conform, they’re terminated without further action.
Suspension
Some companies suspend employees for varying periods of time depending on the seriousness of the offense and other considerations. Accompanied with a written document spelling out all the steps previously taken to resolve the issue, the reason for the suspension, and a statement that continued nonconformance may result in a termination.
andragogy
How adults learn. Based on work of Lindemann and Knowles. Most effective learning for adults takes place in small groups where knowledge can be shared based on life experience of participants; Means education in which learner participates in decisions about what will be taught and how it will be delivered.
5 Characteristics of Andragogy
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (1954)
Skinner and Operant Conditioning (1954)
behavioral reinforcement/behavior modification. behavior can be changed through the use of four intervention strategies: positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, punishment, and extinction.
Positive Reinforcement
encourages continuation of the behavior by providing a pleasant response when behavior occurs (push lever, get a treat).
Negative Reinforcement
Avoid negative consequences. Encourages continuation of the behavior by REMOVING an unpleasant response to a behavior (push lever to make floor stop shocking you)
Punishment
discourages future occurrence of the behavior by providing unpleasant response when the behavior occurs (push lever, get shocked)