How to Answer: HRM-635 Needs Assessment, Job Analysis & Job Description Assignment

HRM-635 Needs Assessment, Job Analysis & Job Description Assignment

During this course, you will develop materials that support the human resource process from acquiring, developing, and leveraging on employee strengths. This project is broken into four separate assignments due in Topics 2, 3, 5, and 7.

In this assignment, conduct a needs assessment and develop a job description for your current organization or a preapproved organization that you have access to interact with. If you are not currently in an organization, inform your instructor of the organization you will use to complete this project. The instructor must approve your selection before you begin your assignment and you must have the ability to observe employees and functions within that organization.

Part 1 – Needs Assessment and Job Analysis

Observe and assess the state of your current organization or another preselected organization. A needs assessment is necessary to identify areas for potential growth, both at the employee and organizational levels. If you are not in a position to look holistically at your organization, you can focus on a department or team within the organization. Use the “HRM-635 Needs Assessment and Job Analysis Matrices” template to complete this assignment. You are required to analyze required core functions, department or employment needs, jobs or tasks, and current/required trainings in order to complete these matrices and prepare for the next part of this assignment.

Part 2 – Job Description

Once your needs assessment is complete, you are required to select an existing position in your organization and develop a one-page, professionally formatted, and detailed job description for that position that is informed by the findings of the needs assessment. It is recommended that you take the time to conduct a job analysis and observe current employees in the selected positions to accurately depict the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics that must be incorporated into the job description.

If you are unable to observe, do your best to accurately depict the specific functions of the job. Incorporate any new job roles you feel should be added to the position based on your findings. Make sure the job description is based on the needs and available resources of the organization and that it adheres to all applicable labor laws.

• Cite and reference a minimum of two scholarly sources with one being the textbook.
• Submit the completed “HRM-635 Needs Assessment and Job Analysis Matrices” template and the one-page job description as two separate deliverables.
• APA style is not required, but solid academic writing is expected.
• This assignment uses a rubric. Review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
• You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite technical support articles is located in Class Resources if you need assistance.

Step-by-Step Guide: HRM-635 Needs Assessment, Job Analysis & Job Description Assignment

Step 1: Get Instructor Approval (If Needed)

• If you’re not currently employed, select an organization where you can observe employees in person — not just research online.
• Email your instructor with the organization name, your access level, and which department you plan to focus on.
• Do not begin until you receive written approval.

Step 2: Understand the Two-Part Deliverable

You will submit two separate documents:

1. The completed HRM-635 Needs Assessment and Job Analysis Matrices template
2. A one-page job description (professionally formatted)

Step 3: Conduct Organizational Observation

Before touching the template, spend time in your organization (or a specific department) doing the following:

• Shadow employees to see what tasks they actually perform day-to-day
• Interview managers or team leads about gaps, challenges, and goals
• Review any existing job descriptions, org charts, or performance reviews if accessible
• Note recurring problems such as turnover, skill gaps, unmet targets, or training deficiencies
• Focus on one department if a full organizational view isn’t possible

Step 4: Complete the Needs Assessment Matrix

Open the template and fill in the Needs Assessment Matrix with four columns:

• Department Core Function(s): What is the department’s main purpose? (e.g., Customer Service: handle client inquiries and resolve complaints)
• List of Jobs or Tasks of Department: Break down specific roles and the key tasks within them (e.g., Customer Service Rep: answer calls, log tickets, escalate issues)
• Current Department or Employee Needs: Based on your observation, what is missing? Think about skill gaps, staffing shortfalls, communication breakdowns, or process inefficiencies
• Current Trainings / Required Trainings to Meet Needs: What training currently exists? What new training would address the identified gaps? (e.g., conflict resolution training, software system onboarding)

Step 5: Complete the Job Analysis Matrix

The Job Analysis Matrix focuses on one specific position you’ll use for Part 2. Fill in three columns:

• List Tasks, Duties, and Responsibilities: Be specific. Use action verbs (e.g., “coordinates scheduling,” “analyzes data,” “supervises staff of 5”). Base this on your direct observation.
• List Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): What must someone know or be able to do to perform this role well? (e.g., proficiency in Excel, knowledge of HIPAA regulations, ability to multitask under pressure)
• Other Core Competencies and Education: Include soft skills (communication, leadership), certifications, and minimum education requirements (e.g., Bachelor’s in Business, 2+ years of experience)

The template notes say you can modify the categories — feel free to add rows or rename columns to better fit your organization.

Step 6: Select a Position for the Job Description

• Choose an existing position from the department you assessed
• Ideally, pick a role where you observed a clear gap or growth opportunity — this strengthens the connection between your needs assessment and the job description
• Consider adding new responsibilities to the position based on your findings

Step 7: Write the One-Page Job Description

Structure your job description professionally using these standard sections:

• Job Title and Department
• Job Summary (2–3 sentences on overall purpose of the role)
• Key Responsibilities (6–10 bullet points based on your job analysis matrix)
• Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (drawn directly from your matrix)
• Education and Experience Requirements
• Working Conditions / Physical Demands (if applicable)
• Compliance Note: Ensure the description aligns with labor laws — no discriminatory language, ADA-compliant language where needed, and FLSA classification (exempt vs. non-exempt) if relevant

Keep it to one page. Use clean formatting: consistent fonts, clear headings, and professional tone.

Step 8: Incorporate Scholarly Sources

• Cite a minimum of two scholarly sources — one must be your course textbook
• Sources should support your needs assessment methodology, job analysis approach, or KSA framework
• Use solid academic writing (APA style is not required, but proper grammar, structure, and attribution are expected)
• Weave citations into the body of your matrices template where relevant, not just as a reference list

Step 9: Review the Assignment Rubric

Before finalizing, check your work against the rubric:

• Is the needs assessment fully completed with all four matrix columns addressed?
• Does the job analysis clearly identify KSAs and competencies?
• Is the job description one page, professional, detailed, and connected to your findings?
• Are two scholarly sources cited, including the textbook?
• Is the writing clear, academic, and free of errors?

Step 10: Submit to LopesWrite + Course Portal

• Submit the two documents separately — do not combine them into one file
• Run both documents through LopesWrite for originality review before submitting
• Use the LopesWrite support articles in Class Resources if you run into technical issues

Quick Summary Checklist

✅ Instructor approval secured (if needed)

✅ Organization/department observed in person

✅ Needs Assessment Matrix completed (all 4 columns)

✅ Job Analysis Matrix completed (all 3 columns)

✅ One position selected with new roles incorporated if needed

✅ One-page job description written and formatted professionally

✅ Two scholarly sources cited (including textbook)

✅ Labor law compliance checked

✅ Rubric reviewed

✅ Both files submitted separately via LopesWrite

Dan Palmer

Dan Palmer is a dedicated academic writing specialist with extensive experience supporting nursing students throughout their educational journey. Understanding the unique challenges faced by nursing students who balance demanding clinical rotations, family responsibilities, and rigorous coursework, Dan provides professional assignment assistance that helps students maintain academic excellence without compromising their other commitments.

With a comprehensive understanding of nursing curriculum requirements and academic standards, Dan delivers high-quality, thoroughly researched assignments that serve as valuable learning resources. His expertise spans various nursing disciplines, including clinical practice, healthcare ethics, patient care management, and evidence-based research.

Dan’s approach combines meticulous attention to detail with a commitment to timely delivery, ensuring that busy nursing students receive the support they need when they need it most. His professional assistance has helped countless nursing students successfully navigate their academic programs while maintaining their professional and personal responsibilities.

Committed to academic integrity and excellence, Dan Palmer continues to be a trusted resource for nursing students seeking reliable, professional assignment support.