What type of analysis is used to compare the current skill levels of a target group to the desired skill levels?

A needs analysis, often called a training needs analysis or gap analysis, is the systematic process used to determine and address needs or "gaps" between a current condition and a desired condition. In the context of human resources and training, its specific purpose is to compare the current competencies and skill levels of employees (or a target group) against the skills required for their roles or for future organizational objectives. The output of this analysis directly informs the development of targeted training and development programs to close the identified skill gaps.

A. A SWOT analysis is a strategic planning tool for evaluating an organization's Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats, not for individual skill assessment.
B. A trade-off analysis is a decision-making tool used to compare the pros and cons of different choices, not to assess skill levels.
D. A cost-benefit analysis is a financial tool used to weigh the monetary costs of an action against its potential financial benefits.

1. ASQ. (2024). Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence Body of Knowledge (BoK). Part II.C.3. "Training and development," covers the assessment of training needs to ensure workforce capability.

2. Goldstein, I. L., & Ford, J. K. (2002). Training in Organizations: Needs Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (4th ed.). Wadsworth. Chapter 4, "Assessing Training Needs," defines the process as a systematic analysis of organizational, task, and person-level factors to determine if a training need exists (pp. 97-100).

3. Brown, J. (2002). Training needs assessment: A must for developing an effective training program. Public Personnel Management, 31(4), 569-578. https://doi.org/10.1177/009102600203100412. This article details the process of needs assessment for identifying performance gaps.