Marc Knowles

Instructional Systems Masters Comprehensive Examination: Competency Analysis Report and Print-Based Portfolio | Fall 2003

The competency analysis report and portfolio for master's students assesses the areas of analysis, design, development, implementation of media and technology, evaluation and research, management, and communication. A self-evaluation on these competencies and examples from products throughout the course work and internship are assessed by faculty members. The example of work that is shown in the portfolio sample (pdf) is a performance systems analysis (PSA) conducted in a real world scenario in the local business community. The process begins with meeting the client and determining their vision of the performance problem from the initial client interview. A proposal is designed and presented to the client. Organizational, gap, and cause analyses follow with data collection from various sources. The final product is recommending solutions to close the gap that has been identified by addressing the causes. The real world experience benefits the students for future endeavors and helps local organizations with quality consulting from up and coming professionals from a top-ranked program.

Resources

The Handbook of human performance technology, with sections regarding fundamentals, the general process, non-instructional and instructional solutions, professional practice, and future visions of HPT proved to be a very valuable resource in conducting a performance systems analysis. With over 40 chapters written by leaders in the field, a novice can get at least a base knowledge on nearly all issues throughout the process, and a professional has a good reference for future projects.

Harold D., Stolovitch, and Keeps Erica J. (1999)., ed. Handbook of human performance technology: improving individual and organizational performance worldwide. 2nd ed. San Francisco : Jossey-Bass/Pfeiffer.

Gilbert's Behavior Engineering Model was a great help in performing the cause analysis. The six cells helped to determine what questions needed to be asked to determine the cause of the previously identified gap. By narrowing the realm of possibilities to six possible categories, it helped tremendously in accomplishing our goal and deriving causes.

Roger Chevalier updated the Behavior Engineering Model (BEM) but held true to the roots that Gilbert laid. View the first and revised Behavior Engineering Model (BEM).

ePlan was another useful resource. ePlan is a prototype electronic performance support system developed by Learning Systems Institute, Florida State University, for the Navy. It helps individuals conduct a performance systems analysis, collect the data, make decisions, etc. With the tool, early in its development, my team used several of the features to a satisfactory end. The worksheets to match causes with solutions, and generate solution, and rate choices to come to a final decision, were a great driving force in the success of the project.