In the ideal world we would use all six types of training needs analysis to collect data. This would give confidence that the training needs analysis process was contributing best value to the decision making process. For one thing is clear and that is the breadth of training needs analysis information collected is directly proportional to the number of training needs analysis methods used. Why limit ourselves to competency studies when we can also collect data on why (context training needs analysis), what (content training needs analysis), and who (user training needs analysis), as well as the suitability of training and the ROI of the proposed learning programme? If cost is a main concern, one can possibly scale down the resources expended in a competency study and redirect them into the five other types of training needs analysis which should not compromise quality of training needs analysis outcomes. However whilst a balance can be sought between learning methods of varying costs compared to benefit and effectiveness care must be taken not to denude expertise from learning design, delivery and application on the basis of cost justification else benefits may not materialise which could discredit the whole change and development initiative. The whole point of training needs analysis is therefore to ensure that best value is realised for the resources deployed.

When given a mandate to conduct a competency study, it is possible for a designer to incorporate elements of the additional training needs analysis processes. For example, while gathering data from a group about tasks, competencies and performances, one can also collect information about the context, users and perhaps other training needs analysis areas. By keeping the six training needs analysis methods in mind, one will find opportunities to weave them into an overall training needs analysis approach that is thought a good balance for your organisation and its culture, stage of systems evolution, values and beliefs etc.

The following checklist will help sort through the selection of analyses you can use in a particular training needs analysis exercise.