Last month's column dealt with needs assessment as a tool for determining the nature and scope of a training program and for creating the necessary context for instructional systems design (ISD). ISD is a structured and systematic approach to designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating training based on an in-depth analysis of jobs and job tasks. Such an approach helps ensure that the training provided is efficient, effective, and maximizes the potential financial return on each training dollar spent. This month's column is the first in a two-part overview of a basic ISD model, beginning with job and task analysis and training program design.
The purpose of the analysis is to determine specific job-related training requirements based on what the job is, how the job is performed, and the desired standards of performance. A complete and thorough analysis is necessary to provide the information needed to design and develop a performance-oriented training program that supports O&M requirements. Gaps in the analysis cascade and multiply throughout the rest of the ISD process, sometimes resulting in significant omissions from the training program that could be costly to correct later.