An empirical assessment of continuing-education needs

This paper presents the results of a survey conducted to determine the continuing-education needs assessment of selected firms. The organizational needs assessment approach was used in this paper. Six hypotheses were formulated and empirically tested. The empirical tests presented mixed results. With regard to H-1, there existed a moderately strong demand on the part of the firms surveyed for continuing-education offerings. H-2 was validated as the results show that interdisciplinary and cross-functional programs and subject areas were most preferred by the respondents. H-3 confirmed that majority of the respondents do not possess an in-house continuing-education program and that most firms do not prefer in-house continuing-education programs. H-4 was marginally invalidated as university faculty members ranked number two (were preferred by only 24% of the respondents) in terms of providing assistance in solving business-related problems. H-5 was largely invalidated because continuing-education cost was viewed by less than half of the respondents as the most significant factor that influences their decision as to whether or not to enroll. The course content and scheduling of educational offerings were by far the most critical factors. H-6 was generally validated because financial support and other incentives were available for employees.