Introduction: This section introduces the major sections of the report as well as the primary people involved in conducting the analysis and producing the report. The client is also clearly identified.
Background: This section describes any information which is needed to provide the reader with an understanding of the background for the analysis, e.g., who initiated it and why.
Purposes: This section describes the purpose(s) of the analysis. For example, a needs assessment might be done to detect training or education needs that aren't being met by existing programs. Or a needs assessment might be done to confirm the existence of needs or clarify the nature of needs that others have perceived. A job or task analysis might be undertaken to collect information directly related to the nature of the interactive multimedia product under development.
Limitations: This section spells out any limitations to the interpretation and generalizability of the analysis. It should also describe threats to the reliability and validity of the instruments (e.g., questionnaires, interview protocols, or focus group protocols) used in the analysis.
Questions: A key element of an effective analysis is careful specification of the questions to be addressed by the analysis methods. The clearer and more detailed these questions are, the more likely that you will be able to provide useful answers to them. It is usually a good idea to collect needs assessment data in several ways from several sources, especially in projects that are quite costly.
Methods: This section describes the analysis techniques used such as observations and surveys. Step-by-step descriptions of what was done should be provided.
Sample: This section describes the students, trainers, and other personnel included in the analysis.
Instrumentation: This section describes all the instruments and tools that were used during the analysis. Copies of the tools should be included in the Appendices.
Results: This section spells out the findings. Graphs and charts should be used wherever they are appropriate.
Recommendations: This section presents recommendations based upon the findings report in the previous section.
Summary: This section presents a brief "easy to digest" synopsis of the report.
References: This last section lists the sources reviewed or consulted during the analysis.
