Most evaluators know of Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) but may not have much familiarity with what it is and its key features. FTA is used in needs assessment in two ways. The first, after needs have been prioritized, is to help to pinpoint what causes them in order to design solution strategies with greater likelihood of success. The focus is on paths of failure and critical path elements to be eliminated or reduced in their causal power. The second is when the question is asked "How might an already structured solution strategy fail?" The workshop begins with an overview of needs assessment which highlights where FTA and causal analysis fit in and are used. Causal techniques will be overviewed followed by an emphasis on FTA, a hands-on exercise, and participant discussion/comment. #FaultTreeAnalysis #NeedsAssessment #HowTo #2011Conference #needs assessment