Date

8-9-2026

ESRP 9000 Professor

Linda Gaughan, Ph.D.

ESRP 9001 Professor

Linda Gaughan, Ph.D.

Executive Summary

Addressing Workforce Training and Development Through a Needs Assessment Framework at a Caribbean Medical School. Alex Akkaoui, 2026: Strategic Research Project, Nova Southeastern University, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice. Keywords: accreditation, competitive advantage, higher education, mission, recruitment, schools of medicine, strategic alignment, training and development

The purpose of this strategic research project was to explore training practices within a Caribbean medical school and examine alternative strategies that can be used to improve the organization’s approach to workforce development. Through the analysis of strategic organizational assessments, the core problem of ineffective workforce development, including training, was identified. This problem was selected due to the limited training and development processes available at the institution, which weakens organizational performance and contributes to employee competency and proficiency gaps. After researching multiple possible solutions, the most viable one that emerged was the implementation of a systematic training needs assessment model. A multi-level, data-based training needs assessment framework was proposed as the most appropriate strategic approach because of leaders’ ability to examine the organization through multiple layers while identifying primary contributors to ineffective training designs.

A five-step strategic action plan was developed to guide the implementation of this framework. This plan was designed to focus on establishing the purpose, direction, and overall structure of the training needs assessment model; conducting a tri-level analysis at the organizational-, task- or operational-, and individual-levels; identifying relevant training needs and workforce competency gaps; developing targeted training programs; and assessing training effectiveness and promoting ongoing improvements. This practical roadmap can be used to achieve outcomes such as increased employee engagement, enhanced training effectiveness, and strengthened firm performance. If implemented, it is recommended that organizations institutionalize the training needs assessment framework, maintain stakeholder support, promote continuous employee participation, and use feedback to optimize and refine the framework over time to maximize its value.

Document Type

Strategic Research Project-NSU Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

College

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and the School of Criminal Justice

Concentration

Organizational Leadership

Language

English

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