The needs assessment is a key component of change management, whether planning change within a single corporate entity, or as part of a complex merger or acquisition process (see Strategic Services section). First, our team knows that factual information must serve as the basis of meaningful change, not some hearsay from a disgruntled employee. Second, to be successful, change must be planned and implemented with sensitivity to the concerns of stakeholders and customers alike, whenever possible.

HEI consultants begin the needs assessment process by first understanding the client's aims, goals and objectives, given its marketplace, product lines, distribution channels, and — most important — why the company's management believe that certain changes are desirable. Based on these understandings, a survey questionnaire is developed, to poll an entire company or just several specific employee groups. Key issues and process are included as well, to elicit staff opinions and suggestions as appropriate. Such a survey often reveals significant differences in needs and opinions among various staff groups. Occasionally, anomalous results or significant peripheral issues germane to the study are discovered as part of our early data review. Then, HEI carries out follow-up interviews with the appropriate staff group to gain additional insights into the matter.

HEI uses its own proprietary software to analyze the survey results and the information gathered as part of the corporate overview. This is the first step in identifying and assessing the most suitable alternatives for change and implementation, that best addresses a client's need. Following completion of our analysis, we prepare a report and present our findings to the client, together with change alternatives, expected benefits, outcomes and recommendations. We next prepare a change plan, setting out a schedule and methodology to implement and manage the new company direction, together with expense and capital costs or savings expected.

HEI understands that each client and each job is different, and we apply suitable information gathering and analysis process components to best meet each client's requirements, objectives and time lines.

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