Needs assessment: constructing tacit knowledge from practice

This article brings together the research literature on needs assessment, the practical considerations of programmers, and the conceptual approaches which underlie programmers’ decisions. It offers two conceptual approaches ‐ the functional perspective (positivist) and the empowerment perspective (subjectivist). Current practice and the pertinent literature are discussed from both perspectives, while recognizing the pivotal role that programmers have in the process of determining programme needs. Since programmers have a central role in determining needs, this article constructs a description of the tacit decision process used by experienced programmers. The intent s to allow programmers to reflect on their approaches to needs assessment and to become more aware of how they exercise professional judgement.