According to the Instructional Systems Design method, which of the following is the first step in the recommended training cycle?

• A. Analyze
• B. Design
• C. Develop
• D. Evaluate

Answer: (A)

In Instructional Systems Design, you begin by analyzing needs and context. This means identifying the exact performance gap, who needs training, what tasks they must perform, and what constraints (time, budget, tools, regulatory requirements) exist. The goal is to determine precisely what learners must be able to do and how success will be measured. This analysis clarifies learning objectives and the scope of the project, and it informs every later step. For example, in a healthcare IT setting you’d assess what data entry or privacy rules are not being followed, who performs the task, what tools they use, and what thresholds define acceptable performance. Once you’ve mapped these factors, you design the instructional plan, develop the materials, and set up evaluation to determine if the training actually improved performance.