because
the available information already specifies what an organisation’s needs are. Furthermore, it was contested
that there is a lack of support for needs assessments as HRD professionals are unable to convince top
management of its necessity (Reid & Barrington, 1994; Wilson, 1999; McGoldrick, Stewart & Watson, 2002).
This view is criticised by Smith (1999) because most companies do not employ qualified HRD professionals
or trainers to manage their HRD functions, despite the fact that performing the complex task of analysing
needs can be difficult.