Needs analysis for construction projects
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
A needs analysis is a systematic information gathering process carried out to determine whether or not something (such as a project) is justified. It may also be referred to as a needs assessment, situational analysis or organisational diagnosis.
The difference between a needs analysis and a feasibility study is minor but crucial. A needs analysis is primarily based on the needs or gaps in an organisation, while a feasibility study discounts the need and weighs both the strengths and weaknesses of an organisation or project to establish whether the project is viable. For building projects, a needs analysis occurs before feasibility studies take place.
A needs analysis can be formal or informal. The format and scope are often dependent on the scale of the project. If analysis justifies a specific course of action, it may be necessary to revisit the report if conditions change significantly. At this point a new assessment may be required to validate the continuation of the course of action. It may also dictate a change to the original plan of action and initiate a new needs analysis.
The analysis will establish what resources are available and determine how they can best be used. This information can help to support current and future activities and serve as the basis for assessing progress as an organisation moves towards its goal.
[edit] Components of a needs analysis
A needs analysis is typically made up of three phases:
- Gap analysis. This looks at the current state of an organisation and assesses where it hopes to be at a certain point in time.
- Priority setting. This organises goals into a practical list of key actions and determines the order of the goals based on realities and limitations.
- Plan completion. An integrated plan based on the information gathered that will result in a report setting out whether or not the business case for a project is justified.
[edit] Needs assessments and facilities management
Within facilities management departments, it can be useful to conduct needs assessments in conjunction with service management strategies - particularly in terms of soft facilities management. By conducting a facilities needs assessment, managers can feel more comfortable making decisions such as whether to outsource services that are not part of the organisation's core activities.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Quality Planning for Micro and Small to Medium Sized Enterprises
A CIOB Academy Technical Information sheet.
A briefing on fall protection systems for designers
A legal requirement and an ethical must.
CIOB Ireland launches manifesto for 2024 General Election
A vision for a sustainable, high-quality built environment that benefits all members of society.
Local leaders gain new powers to support local high streets
High Street Rental Auctions to be introduced from December.
Infrastructure sector posts second gain for October
With a boost for housebuilder and commercial developer contract awards.
Sustainable construction design teams survey
Shaping the Future of Sustainable Design: Your Voice Matters.
COP29; impacts of construction and updates
Amid criticism, open letters and calls for reform.
The properties of conservation rooflights
Things to consider when choosing the right product.
Adapting to meet changing needs.
London Build: A festival of construction
Co-located with the London Build Fire & Security Expo.
Tasked with locating groups of 10,000 homes with opportunity.
Delivering radical reform in the UK energy market
What are the benefits, barriers and underlying principles.
Information Management Initiative IMI
Building sector-transforming capabilities in emerging technologies.
Recent study of UK households reveals chilling home truths
Poor insulation, EPC knowledge and lack of understanding as to what retrofit might offer.
Embodied Carbon in the Built Environment
Overview, regulations, detail calculations and much more.
Why the construction sector must embrace workplace mental health support
Let’s talk; more importantly now, than ever.
Ensuring the trustworthiness of AI systems
A key growth area, including impacts for construction.