COURSE DESCRIPTION
“Needs Analysis & Problem Identification for High-Quality EU Projects” is an essential masterclass dedicated to the most decisive phase of any EU-funded initiative: correctly identifying the problem, analysing its causes, understanding the context, and demonstrating clear relevance to European policies and priorities.
In EU project development, the strongest proposals are not born from creative ideas alone — they are built on robust evidence, well-structured analysis, and a deep understanding of the real needs of learners, schools, organisations, or communities. This course provides a rigorous, practical and research-informed framework for conducting needs assessments that form the backbone of high-quality applications.
Participants explore how to gather and interpret data, analyse gaps, consult stakeholders, map local and European priorities, and articulate the rationale behind a project with precision and credibility. The programme combines methodologies from policy analysis, project management, education development, and organisational improvement to help participants understand not only what problem they want to address, but also why it matters and how it aligns with EU funding logic.
Through case studies, guided exercises, and structured analysis tools, educators and project developers gain the clarity, confidence and methodological competence needed to transform ideas into strong, relevant, EU-aligned project concepts. By mastering the foundational processes of needs identification and evidence-based justification, participants significantly increase the quality, relevance, and ultimately the success rate of their future project proposals.
MAIN AIMS
Participants will learn to:
• Identify real needs using structured methods
• Conduct stakeholder analysis
• Use evidence, data and research to support project rationale
• Apply tools (SWOT, PESTLE, problem tree, fishbone analysis)
• Align problems with EU priorities
• Build strong relevance sections
• Understand evaluator expectations regarding evidence
Who to attend?
- School principals & directors (primary & secondary)
- Teachers (primary & secondary)
- Academic staff (tertiary)
- Directors & personnel in International coordination offices (tertiary)
- Directors/managers (companies/NGOs)
- Personnel involved in research activities
- Business development managers
- Research staff (academic & administrative)
- Technical & financial personnel involved in drafting proposals for EU funding
- Consultants
- Anyone who must define project rationale
PROGRAMME OF THE TRAINING ACTIVITIES (DAY BY DAY)
DAY 1 – Understanding Needs in EU Projects
- The strategic importance of needs analysis in EU-funded initiatives
• Distinguishing evidence from assumptions in project planning
• Exploring EU priorities, policy frameworks and the rationale behind high-scoring proposals
• Mapping needs at institutional, local, national and European levels
DAY 2 – Tools for Problem Identification
- Structured analysis tools: problem tree, root-cause thinking and Ishikawa (fishbone) diagrams
• Conducting stakeholder analysis to reveal interests, needs and influence
• Understanding interlinked causes, effects and systemic challenges
• Applied case study: diagnosing a real or simulated project idea
DAY 3 – Data Collection & Evidence Building
- Primary data gathering: surveys, interviews, focus groups
• Using secondary sources effectively: EU reports, research studies, policy documents and statistical data
• Ensuring data validity, reliability and relevance
• Drafting clear, evidence-based problem statements grounded in real findings
DAY 4 – From Needs to Project Objectives
- Converting challenges into SMART, measurable and realistic project objectives
• Ensuring full coherence between needs, objectives, activities and outcomes
• Aligning project logic with European priorities and strategic frameworks
• Developing logic models that link problems to intended impact and sustainability
DAY 5 – Writing a Strong “Relevance” Section
- Transforming needs analysis into a compelling narrative for EU evaluators
• Structuring relevance arguments clearly and persuasively
• Avoiding common weaknesses in the relevance and rationale sections of proposals
• Group presentations of relevance statements with guided feedback
• Certificates and course closure
METHODOLOGY OF THE COURSE – ADDED VALUE
The course methodology will ensure the active involvement of the participants in all phases, that is, prior, during and after the delivery of the course. More specifically, upon confirmation that the course will take place, the participants will receive preparatory material (if needed), which will cover all important concepts to be presented during the delivery of the course. The participants will have the opportunity to exchange feedback with the organiser of the course, ShipCon, and the trainer as well as to request any clarification related to the content of the course.
The methodology of the training is based on a combination of three important elements:
- Provision of knowledge required (theory)
- Use of training tools, such as case studies, videos, games, animations & exercises (practice – hands on experience)
- Feedback/reflection (review)
During the delivery of the course, the participants will receive hard copy material, which will cover the content to be presented in all five (5) days of the seminar. The material will be presented in a form of Power Point (PPT) presentations, videos & animations. Moreover, the active involvement and hands on experience of the participants will be secured through various training tools, such as case studies, worksheets, scenarios & exercises. These training tools are necessary to ensure that the theoretical knowledge gained by the participants can be used in real life scenarios; an important aspect & added value for any training course.
At the final day of the course, the participants will have the opportunity to reflect on the information received and the experience gained in the specific field of study. Moreover, the participants and their institutions will be encouraged to be members of ShipCon ‘Network of Excellence’, an international hub and forum for entrepreneurs & innovators to exchange ideas, novel concepts/approaches & best practices in the area of environment and education.
BENEFITS TO PARTICIPANTS – SKILLS & COMPETENCES
Participants will:
- Build stronger, evidence-driven project foundations by mastering the analytical tools that ensure every project begins with a clear, well-defined problem and a justified need
- Avoid irrelevant, unfocused or poorly aligned project designs through systematic methods that reveal gaps, inconsistencies and hidden assumptions before writing begins
- Increase proposal quality significantly by grounding all sections in credible data, stakeholder input, policy alignment and clear logical structure
- Justify needs and priorities convincingly using persuasive, research-based argumentation that resonates with evaluators and strengthens the relevance section
- Understand evaluators’ expectations and scoring logic, enabling them to craft proposals that respond directly to assessment criteria and EU policy priorities
- Confidently articulate the “why” of their project — the underlying rationale, strategic importance and long-term value
- Strengthen decision-making and project planning capacity by identifying root causes rather than symptoms, ensuring that future interventions address the real issues
- Enhance institutional project competence by applying structured needs analysis methods that can be reused and adapted for multiple applications and funding calls
CERTIFICATIONS AWARDED
- Certificate of attendance & certificate of competence (skills & competences required – Europass CV)
- Europass mobility certificates – to be issued by the applicant’s National Authority (NA)
| LOCATION | DATES | STATUS | REGISTRATION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Limassol – Cyprus | 18.05.2026 – 22.05.2026 | CONFIRMED |  |
| Limassol – Cyprus | 18.05.2026 – 22.05.2026 | CONFIRMED | |
| Limassol – Cyprus | 18.05.2026 – 22.05.2026 | CONFIRMED | |