Prospective Competence Analysis (ProCA) – a procedure for the assessment of future competence changes

Abstract

This paper in the journal Gruppe. Interaktion. Organisation. (GIO) presents the Prospective Competency Analysis (ProCA), which was developed with the aim of prospectively recording future competencies required for the successful accomplishment of occupational tasks and in order to be able to proactively include the effects of upcoming organizational changes in human resources development. For this purpose validated methods of competence assessment were combined and expanded to include a prospective part. This resulted in a comprehensive method that guarantees an evidence-based, theory-based approach. The Prospective Competency Analysis includes three phases. First, the currently required competencies are recorded and their importance assessed in order to obtain a basis for comparison. Then, using various techniques, a vision of the future situation is described prospectively in a vignette in order to assess which competencies will be needed in the future. Finally, the importance of current and future competencies are compared in order to derive appropriate measures for the qualification of employees. The Prospective Competence Analysis has been validated and tested in several practical projects. In addition to the theoretical basics and the quality criteria of Prospective Competence Analysis, this paper describes the process of the method and its practical uses.