Technology at Your Fingertips
Chapter 1: Knowing What to Do

Chapter 2: Knowing What You Need

What is a Needs Assesment?

Who Should Do Your Needs Assessment?

Who Should Participate in the Needs Assessment Process?

What are the Steps in the Needs Assessment Process?

Functional Needs

Technical Requirements

Security and Ethical Standards

Writing Your Statement of Needs

What Should Be Included in a Set of Functional Specifications?

Chapter 3: Knowing What You Have

Chapter 4: Knowing What to Get

Chapter 5: Knowing How to Implement Your Solution

Chapter 6: Knowing How to Train Users

Chapter 7: Knowing How to Support and Maintain Your Technology Solution
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Chapter 2:  Knowing What You Need


Writing Your Statement of Needs
Okay, you've defined and prioritized a set of functional needs and technical considerations. You've also given thought to security and ethical standards. Your next step involves translating these needs into a statement of what your technology solution should do. Now, try to produce a Needs Statement document that is thorough and self-explanatory, so your successor or others will have no trouble seeing what you've done and how you've reached your conclusions. The document should be written by the technology committee. The more people participate in these discussions and the development of these plans, the more they will 'buy-in" to the new technologies, and "buy-in" is critical.

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