SKILLS ANALYSIS

Skills analysis determines the skills required to achieve an acceptable standard of performance. It is mainly used for technical, craft, manual and office jobs to provide the basis for devising learning and training programmes. Skills analysis starts from a broad job analysis but goes into details of not only what job holders have to do but also the particular abilities and skills they need to do it. Skills analysis techniques are described below.

Job breakdown 

The job breakdown technique analyses a job into separate operations, processes, or tasks, which can be used as the elements of an instruction sequence. Ajob breakdown analysis is recorded in a standard format of three columns:

1. The stage column in which the different steps in the job are described – most semiskilled jobs can easily be broken down into their constituent parts. 

2. The instruction column in which a note is made against each step of how the task should be done. This, in effect, describes what has to be learnt by the trainee. 

3. The key points column in which any special points such as quality standards or safety instructions are noted against each step so that they can be emphasized to a trainee learning the job.

Manual skills analysis 

Manual skills analysis is a technique developed from work study. It isolates for instructional purposes the skills and knowledge employed by experienced workers in performing tasks that require manual dexterity. It is used to analyse short-cycle, repetitive operations such as assembly tasks and other similar factory work. 

The hand, finger and other body movements of experienced operatives are observed and recorded in detail as they carry out their work. The analysis concentrates on the tricky parts of the job which, while presenting no difficulty to the experienced operative, have to be analysed in depth before they can be taught to trainees. Not only are the hand movements recorded, but particulars are also noted of the cues (visual and other senses) that the operative absorbs when performing the tasks. Explanatory comments are added when necessary.

Task analysis 

Task analysis is a systematic analysis of the behaviour required to carry out a task with a view to identifying areas of difficulty and the appropriate training techniques and learning aids necessary for successful instruction. It can be used for all types of jobs but is specifically relevant to administrative tasks. 

The analytical approach used in task analysis is similar to those adopted in the job breakdown and manual skills analysis techniques. The results of the analysis are usually recorded in a standard format of four columns as follows:

1. Task – a brief description of each element. 

2. Level of importance – the relative significance of each task to the successful performance of the role.

3. Degree of difficulty – the level of skill or knowledge required to perform each task. 

4. Training method – the instructional techniques, practice and experience required.