Needs Analysis, A Multinational Sample - 2021

 Needs Analysis, A Multinational Sample - 2021

Needs analysis is the first step of systematic training. Because needs analysis has critical importance in the development of training programs. The ratio of this importance is not only because it is ahead of the implementation steps and shapes the next steps; at the same time, it combines the necessities (needs) of living life with all (educational) actions to be taken in the context of the education program. If a training program is prepared without a need analysis, it may be regarded as unfounded and unnecessary if it is prepared without a needs analysis or training program. Therefore, a training program that will truly serve society should start with a needs analysis.

Needs analysis is crucial withs its roots. Program development is a "dynamic body of relationships". The step that gives dynamism to program development is largely the need analysis step. Because program development is an ongoing and continuous process. The continuous change/development function that brings the dynamism feature to the program is mostly provided by the needs analysis. As will be examined in detail in this study, a needs analysis should be done at the beginning as well as in the continuation of a training program. Oliva (1982) recommends a comprehensive needs analysis every five years, with minor updates available annually.

Needs analysis definition

Needs analysis can be defined as "the process of collecting information on the needs of the target audience in the field of education or industry in general". In other words, needs analysis is defined as "a descriptive process based on data collection, collaboration and negotiation to find and understand learning and performance gaps and to decide on future studies."

Needs analysis needs to be performed

It can be said that where there is a formal education activity and if it is desired to be successful, a needs analysis should be done before that training. This determination also applies to vocational training and police training.

EU Strategic Training Needs Assessment (EU-STNA)

To better understand the specific training needs in the area of EU internal security for the upcoming years, CEPOL (The European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training) has launched the EU Strategic Training Needs Assessment (EU-STNA) 2022-2025. This is an EU-wide exercise aiming at identifying EU-level training priorities to help build the necessary capacity of law enforcement officials in the area of internal security and serious and organized cross-border crime while seeking to avoid duplication of efforts between the Member States and the EU.

This comprehensive exercise is coordinated by CEPOL every four years. The research and analysis process runs for approximately 15 months and comprises six phases: Desk research, expert consultations, definition, prioritization, report and endorsement, and evaluation. CEPOL has now kicked-off this process. 

The outcome of the EU-STNA exercise is a report detailing multi-annual training needs in all identified areas. Law Enforcement training providers will be able to use from 2022 to 2025 the results of the EU-STNA exercise to align their respective training portfolios to the strategic priorities identified, thus ensuring qualitative and consistent training for law enforcement officials in Europe.

For more information and the previous "EU Strategic Training Needs Assessment Report" (2018-2021) and video, you can visit here.