What Are the Goals
of a Needs Assessment?
Now that you have seen a few definitions, lets look at what the goal
of a needs assessment is. Simply put, the goal of a needs assessment
is
to design an effective program, product, or service that addresses the group’s
needs and “wants.”
Too often people consider only one solution (a want) and discuss it
as a need, when in truth what they really need will not be addressed.
Effective questioning can reveal the need behind the want. However it
is important to remember that the “want” is often the best
solution. Two things to remember:
Needs are gaps – the space between what currently
exists and what should exist.
Wants are solutions – a proposed means to filling
the gap.
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