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Syllabus
The information contained on this page is designed to give students a representative example of material covered in the course. Any information related to course assignments, dates, or course materials is illustrative only. For a definitive list of materials, please check the online catalog 3-4 weeks before the course start date.
WFED 573: Needs Assessment for Workforce Development Professionals
(3 credits) Acquire skills to identify training and development needs, distinguish problems with management versus training solutions, develop and evaluate training solutions.
Overview | Objectives | Materials | E-Reserves | Library Resources | Software | Technical Requirements | Expectations | Course Schedule | Grading | Assignments | Academic Integrity | Policies
Overview
WFED 573 is designed to familiarize you with the models, concepts, and techniques for designing, implementing, and analyzing the results of training needs assessments in organizations. After successfully completing this course, you will have the necessary skills and competencies to identify human performance problems, distinguish between training and non-training plans of action, and design and develop appropriate plans of action in response to human performance problems.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, you should be able to
- define and explain key concepts, models, and methods for designing, implementing, and analyzing the results of needs assessments in organizations;
- distinguish between training and non-training plans of action;
- demonstrate the competencies necessary to conduct needs analysis;
- develop proposals and plans of action to respond to human performance problems; and
- describe how to use the results of needs assessments to write instructional objectives and prepare instructional materials.
Required Course Materials
Most World Campus courses require that students purchase materials (e.g., textbooks, specific software, etc.). To learn about how to order materials, please see the Course Materials page. You should check LionPATH approximately 3–4 weeks before the course begins for a list of required materials.
Library Reserves (E-Reserves)
This course requires that you access Penn State library materials specifically reserved for this course. You can access these materials by selecting Library Resources in your course navigation, or by accessing the Library E-Reserves Search and search for your instructor's last name.
Library Resources
Many of the University Libraries resources can be utilized from a distance. Through the Libraries website, you can
- access magazine, journal, and newspaper articles online using library databases;
- borrow materials and have them delivered to your doorstep—or even your desktop;
- get research help via email, chat, or phone using the Ask a Librarian service; and
- much more.
You must have an active Penn State Access Account to take full advantage of the Libraries' resources and service. The Off-Campus Users page has additional information about these free services.
Software
One of the benefits of being a registered Penn State student is that you are eligible to receive educational discounts on many software titles. If you are interested in learning more about purchasing software through our affiliate vendor, please visit the Buying Software section of the Course Materials page.
Turnitin
Turnitin is a web-based writing assessment toolkit which allows instructors to provide feedback to students through markup tools, rubrics, proofing tools, and originality reports to detect plagiarism. Turnitin also provides a wide variety of peer review options.
Zoom
Zoom at Penn State is a web conferencing tool licensed at Penn State which you can use to record both your individual and group presentations. The recorded videos can then be embedded in a Canvas assignment or discussion.
Technical Requirements
| Operating System | Canvas, Penn State's Learning Management System (LMS), supports most recent versions of Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac operating systems. To determine if your operating system is supported, please review Canvas' computer specifications. |
|---|---|
| Browser | Canvas supports the last two versions of every major browser release. It is highly recommended that you update to the newest version of whatever browser you are using. Note: Cookies must be enabled, and pop-up blockers should be configured to permit new windows from Penn State websites. |
| Additional Canvas Requirements | For a list of software, hardware, and computer settings specifically required by the Canvas LMS, please review Canvas' computer specifications. |
| Additional Software | All Penn State students have access to Microsoft Office 365, including Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. |
| Hardware | Monitor: Monitor capable of at least 1024 x 768 resolution |
| Mobile Device (optional) | The Canvas mobile app is available for versions of iOS and Android. To determine if your device is capable of using the Canvas Mobile App, please review the Canvas Mobile App Requirements. |
Student Education Experience Questionnaire (SEEQ)
During the semester you will receive information for completing the Student Education Experience Questionnaire (SEEQ). Your participation is an opportunity to provide anonymous feedback on your learning experience. Your feedback is important because it allows us to understand your experience in this course and make changes to improve the learning experiences of future students. Please monitor email and course communications for links and availability dates.
If you need technical assistance at any point during the course, please contact the Service Desk.
For registration, advising, disability services, help with materials, exams, general problem solving, visit World Campus Student Services!
Expectations
Weekly Individual Assignments
Mandatory individual weekly assignments based on the required readings are designed to reinforce needs assessment concepts, help you to master and apply them, and support your continuing development. There are individual assignments for each lesson in the course. Individual assignments include introductory activities at the beginning of the course (required and ungraded) and a variety of activities, including an individual major needs assessment project due at the end of the course.
Self-Regulated Learning
You are expected to read the assigned readings, participate in discussions, finish assignments, and build up competency throughout this course. No late submissions are allowed, and passive participation is discouraged. Communication with your instructor and team members is the key to success in this class.
Individual vs. Group Assignments
There are 1,000 points allotted for the course assignments, of which approximately 90% are based on individual submissions and 10% on group submissions. For the 1,000 points, 50% of the points are earned through submission of completed activities, 25% for the major assessment project, and 25% for completion of two quizzes and an open-book final exam.
The section in the syllabus on Course Grades specifies the corresponding point values for individual assignments.
Specific Learning Outcomes
Specific learning outcomes are incorporated into the design of each lesson. However, the educational benefit of this course is to be gained through completion of assignments and reflection on how needs assessment concepts and techniques may be applied to your work environment and career goals.
Communication
There are two primary communication tools in this course. The course announcements and assignment feedback will be sent by the instructor through the course email system.
Response Time Policy
The instructor will respond to students' messages within 48 hours. Feedback on coursework (assignments, discussions, quizzes, etc.) will be provided within 7 days after the lesson's conclusion.
Penn State Educational Equity
Penn State is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by University policy or by state of federal authorities. Please see Penn State Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Course Schedule
Note: All due dates reflect North American eastern time (ET).
Activities are due by 11:59 p.m. (ET) Sunday of the week unless otherwise noted.
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Note: If you are planning to graduate this semester, please communicate your intent to graduate to your instructor. This will alert your instructor to the need to submit your final grade in time to meet the published graduation deadlines. For more information about graduation policies and deadlines, please go to the Graduation Information on the My Penn State Online Student Portal.
Formal instruction will end on the last day of class. Provided that you have an active Penn State Access Account user ID and password, you will continue to be able to access the course materials for one year, starting from the end date of the academic semester in which the course was offered (with the exception of library reserves and other external resources that may have a shorter archival period). After one year, you might be able to access the course based on the policies of the program or department offering the course material, up to a maximum of three years from the end date of the academic semester in which the course was offered. For more information, please review the University Course Archival Policy.
Grading
The World Campus follows the same grading system as the Penn State resident program. The grades of A, B, C, D, and F indicate the following qualities of academic performance:
- A = (Excellent) Indicates exceptional achievement
- B = (Good) Indicates extensive achievement
- C = (Satisfactory) Indicates acceptable achievement
- D = (Poor) Indicates only minimal achievement
| Lesson | Activity | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Introductory Course Prep. Assignments
| ungraded |
| 2 | Engage in Business Goals Discussion; Submit Individual Performance Goals; Work on Models and Practice (group and individual) | 50 |
| 3 | Work on Lesson 3 Article Review (including submitting an abstract to Lesson 3 Article Review and posting a short video with Assertion-Based Slide); submit a brief description to Lesson 3 Needs Assessment Project assignment; optional—complete IRB Basic Training on the Protection of Human Subjects (individual) | 50 |
| 4 | Submit a proposal to Lesson 4 Needs Assessment Proposal assignment; work on Ethics Scenario Activity (group and individual) | 50 |
| Quiz 1: Textbook Chapters 1, 2, 3, 9, 10, and 11 (individual) | 100 | |
| 5 | Work on the Interview Summary Report Assignment | 50 |
| 6 | Complete Job Analysis Questionnaire; prepare and submit a DACUM Chart (individual) | 50 |
| 7 | Complete Competency-Based Assessment Assignment | 50 |
| 8 | Complete Lesson 8 Strategic Needs Assessment Assignment; upload hour summary rating sheet to Lesson 8 Baldrige Self-Assessment Rating for an Organization (individual) | 50 |
| 9 | Work on Lesson 9 ROI Assignment (group) | 50 |
| Quiz 2 Textbook Chapters 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 (individual) | 100 | |
| 10 | Complete the Lesson 10 Case Study Assignment | 50 |
| 11 | Complete the Needs Assessment Project Report | 200 |
| 12 | Submit the Final Exam Paper (individual) | 100 |
| Blog Reflection (Lessons 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 12): The Blog Reflection activity may ask you to reflect on how the reading and assignments can be applied to your personal professional development. See How to Write a Blog Entry under the Learning Resources module. | 50 | |
| Course Total | 1,000 | |
| Needs Assessment Challenge (individual) | 50 bonus | |
| Grade | Minimum % | Points |
|---|---|---|
| A | 93 | 930–1,000 |
| A- | 90 | 900–929 |
| B+ | 88 | 880–899 |
| B | 82 | 820–879 |
| B- | 80 | 800–819 |
| C+ | 78 | 780–799 |
| C | 70 | 700–779 |
| D | 60 | 600–699 |
| F | < 60 | below 600 |
Please refer to the University Grading Policy for Graduate Courses for additional information about University grading policies.
If, for reasons beyond the student's control, a student is prevented from completing a course within the prescribed time, the grade in that course may be deferred with the concurrence of the instructor. The symbol DF appears on the student's transcript until the course has been completed. Non-emergency permission for filing a deferred grade must be requested by the student before the beginning of the final examination period. In an emergency situation, an instructor can approve a deferred grade after the final exam period has started. Under emergency conditions during which the instructor is unavailable, authorization is required from one of the following: the dean of the college in which the candidate is enrolled; the executive director of the Division of Undergraduate Studies if the student is enrolled in that division or is a provisional student; or the campus chancellor of the student's associated Penn State campus.
For additional information please refer to the Deferring a Grade page.
Assignments
Important: Note that in some lessons you may come upon assignments located within the lesson commentary. Be sure to complete the assignments as you come upon them, rather than waiting until the end. It's important to begin your lessons early in the week (Monday) in order to support dialogue in the discussion forums. Be sure to check back to add comments and read your classmates' posts throughout the week.
Article Review
Each student will prepare an abstract of a research article that is related to the focus of a particular type of needs assessment or identification of performance problems.
Needs Assessment Interview
Each student will select an organization that has conducted a formal or informal training needs assessment, contact the appropriate human resource development representative, and interview them by phone or personal visit. Assignment submission will be open to peer review.
Case Study Review Group Work
Students will team up (3–4 per team) to discuss the Case Study provided. Using Google Sheets, as a team, you'll complete the Data Collection and ROI Analysis Plans provided for the scenario described in your Case Study. Make sure each team member has a chance to contribute to each of the plans. Your instructor will send you a link to these worksheets.
Needs Assessment Project
The purpose of this assignment is to provide you with the opportunity to apply the principles learned in this course and participate in an actual needs assessment. You will select your topic early in the course, and in subsequent weeks, you will research your topic, create any survey instruments needed, conduct the needs assessment, analyze the results, and recommend solutions. For this assignment, you'll submit a Needs Assessment Project Paper.
To give you practice in presenting the results of a needs assessment, you'll create a brief PowerPoint slide presentation highlighting the major points in your paper and upload a 15- to 20-minute presentation for everyone in the class to view. Subsequently, to give you an appreciation for the diversity of needs assessment topics and their complexities, you will review at least three of your classmates’ presentations and offer comments.
Note: It is critical that you pay attention to the schedule for completing the Needs Assessment Project so that you have a chance to conduct the research, create the survey instruments needed, conduct the needs assessment, write the Project Paper, create the PowerPoint slide presentation, and conduct the presentation in the time frames specified. Follow the directions provided in the Syllabus and within the course lesson assignment pages carefully. Contact your instructor if you have questions or concerns. In order to succeed, plan to spend some time on this project each week.
Completion of Human Subjects Certification (Optional)
Included in the Lesson 3 commentary, you'll find a link to the IRB Basic Training on the Protection of Human Participants. You may complete the training and quizzes, but this is not part of the WFED 573 course requirements. It is ungraded, and no formal feedback from the instructor is provided. It is included within the course so that you may familiarize yourself with the regulations concerning research involving human subjects only if you have a personal interest in this area.
Final Examination
The Final Exam is open book, and you will have approximately 5 days to complete it.
Citation of Sources
The required style for all papers and sources is the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.), 2020, Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. Resources for APA guidelines are provided in the Course Resources page within the Learning Resources module.
Students please note: The Department of Labor Studies and Employment Relations does not view Wikipedia as a valid source for information cited in academic work. It can be a useful tool for quickly finding general information on subjects or as a starting point for research. However, students should not cite Wikipedia as a source in papers, reports, assignments, etc.
Some of your assignments will include group work. Please read this information on working in teams and groups. Note that members of the same team may receive different grades according to the level and quality of their participation.
Academic Integrity
According to Penn State policy G-9: Academic Integrity , an academic integrity violation is “an intentional, unintentional, or attempted violation of course or assessment policies to gain an academic advantage or to advantage or disadvantage another student academically.” Unless your instructor tells you otherwise, you must complete all course work entirely on your own, using only sources that have been permitted by your instructor, and you may not assist other students with papers, quizzes, exams, or other assessments. If your instructor allows you to use ideas, images, or word phrases created by another person (e.g., from Course Hero or Chegg) or by generative technology, such as ChatGPT, you must identify their source. You may not submit false or fabricated information, use the same academic work for credit in multiple courses, or share instructional content. Students with questions about academic integrity should ask their instructor before submitting work.
Students facing allegations of academic misconduct may not drop/withdraw from the affected course unless they are cleared of wrongdoing (see G-9: Academic Integrity ). Attempted drops will be prevented or reversed, and students will be expected to complete course work and meet course deadlines. Students who are found responsible for academic integrity violations face academic outcomes, which can be severe, and put themselves at jeopardy for other outcomes which may include ineligibility for Dean’s List, pass/fail elections, and grade forgiveness. Students may also face consequences from their home/major program and/or The Schreyer Honors College.
How Academic Integrity Violations Are Handled
World Campus students are expected to act with civility and
personal integrity; respect other students' dignity, rights, and
property; and help create and maintain an environment in which all
can succeed through the fruits of their own efforts. An environment
of academic integrity is requisite to respect for oneself and
others, as well as a civil community.
In cases where academic integrity is questioned, the Policy on Academic Integrity indicates that procedure requires an instructor to inform the student of the allegation. Procedures allow a student to accept or contest a charge. If a student chooses to contest a charge, the case will then be managed by the respective college or campus Academic Integrity Committee. If that committee recommends an administrative sanction (Formal Warning, Conduct Probation, Suspension, Expulsion), the claim will be referred to the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response.
All Penn State colleges abide by this Penn State policy, but review procedures may vary by college when academic dishonesty is suspected. Information about Penn State's academic integrity policy and college review procedures is included in the information that students receive upon enrolling in a course. To obtain that information in advance of enrolling in a course, please contact us by going to the Contacts & Help page .
University Policies
- Accommodating Disabilities:
Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University's educational programs. Every Penn State campus has resources for students with disabilities. The Student Disability Resources (SDR) website provides contacts for disability services at every Penn State campus. For further information, please visit the SDR website.
In order to apply for reasonable accommodations, you must contact the appropriate disability resources office at the campus where you are officially enrolled, participate in an intake interview, and provide documentation based on the documentation guidelines. If the documentation supports your request for reasonable accommodations, your campus's disability resources office will provide you with an accommodation letter. Please share this letter with your instructors and discuss the accommodations with them as early in your courses as possible. You must follow this process for every semester that you request accommodations.
- Counseling and Psychological Services:
If you have a crisis or safety concern, mental health services are available to you as a Penn State student. Crisis and emergency contacts are available, no matter where you are located:
- Anywhere in the United States: Call the Penn State Crisis Line at 1-877-229-6400 or text LIONS to 741741. You can also contact your local crisis services or hospital for emergencies.
- Outside the United States: Please contact emergency services in your current location. You can also use the International Crisis and Emergency Services listings.
- At University Park: Assistance is available at Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) locations on campus.
- At a Penn State branch campus: You can search for counseling information at your campus.
- Additional Policies:
For information about additional policies regarding Penn State Access Accounts; credit by examination; course tuition, fees, and refund schedules; and drops and withdrawals, please see the World Campus Student Center website.
- Military Students:
Veterans and currently serving military personnel and/or dependents with unique circumstances (e.g., upcoming deployments, drill/duty requirements, VA appointments, etc.) are welcome and encouraged to communicate these, in advance if possible, to the instructor in the case that special arrangements need to be made.
- Privacy Notice:
Please note that course access is limited to those individuals who have direct responsibility for the quality of your educational experience. The course instructor and any teaching assistant(s), of course, have access to the course throughout the semester. Each course offered via the World Campus has several instructional design staff members assigned to assist in managing course content and delivery. These instructional design staff members have access to the course throughout the semester for this purpose. Also, World Campus technical staff may be given access in order to resolve technical support issues. In addition, mentor, department head, or program chair may be provided with course access in order to ensure optimal faculty availability and access. Each of these individuals will keep confidential all student course and academic information.
- Student Responsibilities and Conduct:
- Students are responsible for online course content, taking notes, obtaining other materials provided by the instructor, taking tests (if applicable), and completing assignments as scheduled by the instructor. As a general rule, students should plan on logging into the course at least three times per week and spending at least three hours per course credit per week on the course, e.g., if the course is three credits, the student should plan on spending at least 9-12 hours per week on the course, just as they would in a residence course.
- Students are responsible for keeping track of changes in the course syllabus made by the instructor throughout the semester.
- Students are responsible for monitoring their grades.
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Students must contact their instructor (and teammates when working on any collaborative learning assignments) as soon as possible if they anticipate missing long periods of online time due to events such as chronic illnesses, death in the family, business travel, or other appropriate events. The instructor will determine the minimal log on time and participation required in order to meet course responsibilities. In the event of other unforeseen conflicts, the instructor and student will arrive at a solution together.
- Requests for taking exams or submitting assignments after the due dates require documentation of events such as illness, family emergency, or a business-sanctioned activity.
- Conflicts with dates on which examinations or assignments are scheduled must be discussed with the instructor or TA prior to the date of the examination or assignment.
- Students are responsible for following appropriate netiquette (network etiquette) when communicating with their instructor and classmates. For reference, see the Academic Success Kit.
- Behaviors that disrupt other students’ learning are not acceptable and will be addressed by the instructor.
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For severe and chronic problems with student disruptive behavior, the following will be applied for resolution:
- Senate Committee on Student Life policy on managing classroom disruptions: Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response.
- Penn State Principles
- Report Bias:
Penn State takes great pride to foster a diverse and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff. Acts of intolerance, discrimination, or harassment due to age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religious belief, sexual orientation, or veteran status are not tolerated and can be reported through Educational Equity via the Report Bias webpage.
Disclaimer
Please note that the specifics of this Course Syllabus are subject to change, and you will be responsible for abiding by any such changes. Your instructor will notify you of any changes.