A Needs Assessment Model - Literature review Example

The paper "A Needs Assessment Model" is an excellent example of a literature review on social science. Data collection and analysis is the focal part of any research. However, during a study, the participants may encounter several challenges that could affect the data collection and analysis. An analysis of Celine Mercier’s work on the multi-component program aimed at improving health and social services to the homeless several challenges manifested. First, the program was complex due to its magnitude. Finance also posed a serious challenge; the plan was forced to operate on a limited budget (Mercier 1997). Teams were required to produce reports regularly and on a timely basis. Additionally, in the data collection and analysis, the qualitative approach taken resulted in some level of anxiety, as it does not offer the participants any control over the information collected during the study (Mercier 1997). Many of the individuals involved in the evaluation steering committee did not take part in the actual evaluation. Resulting in a disconnect between planning and implementation. These challenges affected data collection and analysis. Finance could be a challenge to my study. To monitor and evaluate a child and family welfare would require constant data collection, storage, and evaluation. To tackle this challenge proposal for funding would be presented to the various child and family welfare organizations to help bridge any deficit in the budget.

Witken (1994) suggests that a need assessment should be done before the actual evaluation commences. Needs assessment will enable the identification of the study group as well as all the resources required to assess this population (Witken, 1994) Due to the difficulty in accessing finances, a needs assessment is necessary before the actual evaluation. Financial challenges in needs assessment have, however, reduced largely. Needs assessment targets a particular portion of any population, and there has been increased interest to fund studies on particular groups within the society. Nevertheless, there are still numerous challenges facing needs assessment. There exists no clear distinction between need and demands of the target population. Experts also tend to confuse primary and secondary needs. The research has thus over the years focused on second and third level needs while completely ignoring the primary needs. Written questionnaires followed by structured interviews are the methods used to conduct a needs assessment. However, scholars argue that the use of only these two methods does not represent the true picture since different methods are bound to produce varying lists of needs. These are some of the shortcomings of a needs assessment when compared to project evaluation.
A needs assessment model is necessary before an evaluation is done. Berberet (2006) proposes that an integrated needs assessment model should have various aspects. Firstly, the needs assessment should employ qualified personnel (Berberet, 2006) the qualified workforce will then be able to collect data, analyze the data and provide results. A good team should invest time, money and exercise perseverance. Data collection is considered the most important aspect of the needs assessment study. The data aids in the determination of the needs of the target population, the service provider can use the data to allocate resources appropriately and plan all activities in line with the data collected. Read More