Training

See also: Coastal Training Network, Sustainable Human Systems

Here are materials and presentations on niche assessment (aka market analysis) and needs assessment.  

Needs Assessment

Definition:

A needs assessment is a systematic investigation of an audience(s) to identify aspects of individual knowledge, skill, interest, attitude and/or abilities relevant to a particular issue, organizational goal, or objective. 

Purpose: 

The goal of a needs assessment is to design an effective program, product, or service that addresses the group’s needs and “wants.”

Market Analysis

Definition:

Market Analysis is a term with a broad scope and includes all aspects of a business or service environment. It asks questions about competitors (in our case other groups who provide similar information, products, or services), market structure, regulations or other restrictions, economic trends, technological advances, and numerous other factors that make up the business environment. Typically a market analysis consists of the following phases:

• Inventory
• Literature and Other Research
• Analysis of Inventory

Purpose:

The results of a market research provide a context to determine an organizational or product niche and identify target audiences.