A needs assessment identifies gaps and priorities within an organization to determine what areas are not operating efficiently. It develops a blueprint with objectives, sampling procedures, data collection methods, and how decisions will be made. Appreciative inquiry also assesses needs but focuses on a positive attitude by searching for the best in people and the organization. It follows four stages: discover, dream, design, and destiny. While both assess needs, appreciative inquiry has a more positive outlook focused on the future rather than current inefficiencies and uses interviews to efficiently utilize resources.

1. Needs AssessmentsBy: Dalton CokerDr. Eileen Newmark

2. A needs assessment identifies gaps in results, places them in order of priority, and selects the most important for closure or reduction.(Rothwell & Kazanas, 2004)In other words where are the gaps in production? What areas of the organization are not operating efficiently?What is a needs assessment?

3. A needs assessment plan is a blueprint for collecting information about instructional needs.Steps:ObjectivesTarget audienceSampling ProceduresData Collection MethodsSpecifications for Instruments and ProtocolsMethods of Data AnalysisDescriptions of how Decisions Will Be MadeNeeds Assessment Plan

4. “Apprecitaive Inquiry is about the coevolutionary change search for the best in people, their organizations, and the relevant world around them.” (Cooperrider& Whitney)Appreciative Inquiry focuses on approaching the needs assessment with a positive attitude.It also focuses on sustaining for the future.Appreciative Inquiry

5. Affirmitive Topic ChoiceIt is a word or phrase that acts as the focus of the needs assessment.The focus or foundation of the appreciative inquiry.An example would be empowerment, innovation, integrity, etc.Appreciative Inquiry

6. DiscoverDreamDesignDestinyAppreciative Inquiry

7. SimilaritiesThey both assess needs within the company.The sequence of events of the strategies.Interviews DifferencesEfficiencyFuture vs. NowAttitudeCompare and Contrast

8. Structure of the Appreciative InquiryPositive demeanor of the Appreciative InquiryEfficient use of the organizations resources from the traditional approachPersonal Needs Assessment

9. Questions???