Occupational Analysis

An introduction to the DACUM job

analysis interactive web site

DACUM
Developing
A
CurriculUM

HIGH
PERFORMING
INCUMBENT
WORKER

Walt Disney began by

animating and sequencing
Mickey Mouse on
storyboards.

Display Thinking:
People work more
effectively in groups/teams
when they can see the ideas
they generate.

DACUM

PANEL OF WORKERS
NEUTRAL FACILITATOR
RECORDERS
OBSERVERS

Occupational Analysis
Assumptions
1. Expert workers are the best source
for task analysis.
2. Any occupation can be effectively
described in terms of DUTIES,
TASKS, and KNOWLEDGE,
SKILLS, & TRAITS.

Method of Job and Task

Analysis
Small Group Method
This method requires a
minimum of three incumbent
workers to participate in
developing the job and task
analysis
.

Method of Job and Task

Analysis
Research Method
This method requires a
person trained in task
analysis to research
available resources.

Method of Job and Task

Analysis
Job Observation Method
This method requires a worker
who is performing the task and a
person trained in job and task
analysis to observe and
analyze the task.

Why use the DACUM Process

Cost effective
Involves workers in a participatory
process that honors their expertise

Why use the DACUM Process

Cost effective
Involves workers in a participatory
process that honors their expertise

Ask
Dont Tell

O/A Inverted Pyramid

Highest

Sub Task
(how)

Task
Analysis

Subsequent review Panels

&
Management Review

Validation

Tasks
(what)
Level of Detail

Duties
Table of
Organization
Job
Definition
Job
Title

Initial
DACUM
Panel

Lowest

Occupational Duties
Worksheet
Please identify the major (big) pieces of
your occupational pie:

3
4
5

8
7 6

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Other

Definition of Duty: General area of competence that successful workers

in the occupation must demonstrate or perform on an ongoing basis.

Task
A work activity that has a definite
beginning and ending, is
observable, consist of two or
more definite steps, and leads to a
product, service, or decision.

Maintain the Automobile

Tasks:
Wash the car exterior
Vacuum car interior
Wax the car
Check the car fluid levels
Check tire air pressure

MODEL

DUTY/TASK
CARD

VERB
MODIFIER
NOUN

TYPICAL CARDS
(V) Implement
(M) Training
(N) Program

Knowledge
An understanding
and familiarity with
facts and information.

Skills
The ability to perform
occupational tasks with
a high degree of
proficiency.

Traits
An innate or learned ability
or distinguishing quality that
allows an individual to
complete a job.

Editing & Prioritizing

The panelist are then led through a

series of exercises that help to both edit
the profile and identify priority duties
and tasks.

Criticality
A measure of job duties
and tasks that panelists
believe to be essential
and/or most important
components of a job.

Frequency
A measure of job tasks
that panelists believe to
require the largest time
commitments.

Training Needs
A measure of job tasks that
panelists believe should be
included in basic and
inservice training programs.

The job analysis

concludes with a
process evaluation
and the issuance
of training
certificates

"The road to success is always

under construction.
Lily Tomlin