Task Analysis—Instructional Systems Development

Prioritizing and Classifying Tasks

Often direct observation or interviews yield long lists of tasks being performed. You need to prioritize or classify these tasks to facilitate moving to the next step of the process—whether it be training design or job redesign. Prioritizing tasks also helps to indicate if you have overlooked any tasks or if the list is incomplete. Use the following factors to prioritize tasks:

• time spent completing task

• frequency of task execution

• importance of task to overall process or job (also known as a task criticality rating)

Use task criticality ratings to accomplish the following items:

• Capture critical behaviors that are required to perform the task.

• Develop criteria for designing a training program.

• Determine the parts ...