July 2023
This assignment demonstrates my ability to conduct a comprehensive needs analysis, a critical first step in the instructional design process. Faced with a hypothetical challenge at Company XYZ—an increasing trend of failed 3D prints due to irregular surface finishes—I led an analysis to identify the root causes of the problem and recommend effective solutions. This project was completed as part of my coursework for the 3442 - Foundations of Instructional Design course at the University of Toronto.
Skills
Demonstrated:
Needs Analysis
Data Collection
(Quantitative and Qualitative)Data Analysis and Interpretation
Problem-Solving
Problem-Solving
Critical Thinking
Report Writing
Stakeholder Communication
Needs Identification
To thoroughly understand the performance gap, I employed a mixed-methods approach:
The Quality Control (QC) department at Company XYZ identified an increasing trend of failed prints due to irregular surface finish. This discrepancy in surface finish quality impacted operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Analysis Approach
Quantitative Analysis:
Reviewed quality control reports to quantify the frequency and severity of failed prints. This data provided concrete evidence of the problem's scope.Qualitative Analysis:
Conducted surveys and in-depth interviews with operators, managers, and supervisors. These methods allowed me to gather diverse perspectives, uncover underlying issues, and understand the challenges faced by the team.Data Triangulation:
Combine the quantitative and qualitative data, validate the findings and develop a holistic understanding of the problem. This process ensured that the identified needs were accurate and well-supported.
Challenges and Solutions
One of the challenges was to differentiate between the various factors contributing to the problem, such as lack of knowledge/skills, lack of motivation, lack of resources and environmental conditions.
Solution: I addressed this by categorizing the probable causes and prioritizing those that could be resolved through instructional interventions, while also recommending non-instructional interventions to create a holistic solution.
Key Findings
The needs analysis revealed that the performance gap was primarily attributed to a lack of knowledge and skills among operators, particularly in advanced slicer settings, troubleshooting techniques, filament loading, nozzle calibration, and bed leveling. Additionally, there was a need to address motivation and provide coaching and mentorship for managers and supervisors. To address these findings, I recommended a combination of:
Instructional Interventions:
These include a comprehensive training program for operators and targeted modules on coaching and mentorship for managers and supervisors.Non-Instructional Interventions:
These include improving the availability of resources and enhancing the printing environment.
Results and Takeaways
Key takeaways from this project and how they’ve shaped my approach to needs analysis:
Methodical Analysis is Essential:
This project emphasized the importance of a systematic and thorough approach to needs analysis, demonstrating how diligence in this phase directly impacts the effectiveness of subsequent design efforts.Data Triangulation builds Confidence:
I learned the power of combining quantitative and qualitative data to validate findings, ensuring a more accurate and robust understanding of the problem and its underlying causes.Holistic Solutions Require Diverse Strategies:
The analysis highlighted the significance of considering both instructional and non-instructional interventions, reinforcing my belief that effective solutions often require a multi-faceted approach to address complex performance issues.
Skills Demonstrated
Needs Analysis
Data Collection (Quantitative and Qualitative)
Data Analysis and Interpretation
Problem-Solving
Critical Thinking
Report Writing
Stakeholder Communication