Analysis of the need for change in work-based learning

Every organization which is open to change is likely to make an in-depth needs analysis in order to decide what kind of innovation can be delivered or transferred. By analysing the operational system of the organization -, both internal and external aspects can be identified.
Important aspects include:

Analysis of the operational system of the organization will include:

• In what state is the organization? What coinsides within organization?
• In what state are the people? How do the people react to the innovations?
• Is there scope and motivation for new innovations?
• What is the right time to introduce new innovations?
• Are there possible changes in the educational policy concerning WBL?

VET providers mostly collect feedback from their WBL practices. There may exist different needs as students’ learning needs, wants, wishes, desires, etc. The process also sometimes involves looking at the expectations and requirements of other interested parties such as companies, tutors, teachers, administrators, financial supporters, and other people who may be impacted by the WBL.

The process will start with an incentive to change WBL. VET providers/organizations have sought feedback from their customers (working life, students, teachers, stakeholders etc.) and noticed a need for change. The VET provider will analyze the feedback and results of internal and external analysis and evaluation in order to evaluate and compare those to the vision and objectives of their own WBL practices. A good way to do the analysis would be to use a SWOT (Strengths – Weaknesses – Opportunities – Threats) analysis (see section SWOT analysis).

A SWOT analysis is an important tool for analyzing the overall position of the WBL and its environment. The results of the SWOT analysis will help focus the process and find critical points of the implementation of the transfer of good WBL practices. More information about SWOT analysis .

The results of the analysis will lead to the decision made by the VET provider/organization:

• either to define in more detail the types of change needed OR
• to bypass the incentive.

When confirming the need for change, the VET provider/organization will start looking for good WBL practices in order to start the transfer of innovation (TOI) process. In order to achieve a positive decision and a successful transfer, the VET provider/organization needs to be open to new ideas.

On the basis of the description of the WBL process, the VET provider will start to look for and review good WBL practices suitable for their own operating systems and purposes.