A "learning by doing" class was offered by the University of Minnesota to teach needs assessment concepts and approaches. The needs assessment was conducted at the Onan Corporation, which produces industrial engines and other equipment. The class was composed of nine graduate students in industrial or vocational education and was organized as a consulting group with the instructor as manager. After becoming familiar with the concept and methods of needs assessment, the students developed specific plans for the 11-week project: (1) interviews to determine the current usage and available hardware and software, (2) questionnaire development and administration, and (3) report preparation. The interviews with Onan employees, who were computer users or trainers, focused on: uses for personal computers and fourth-generation languages, current and desired competencies in computer technology, type of computer-related training that had been conducted at Onan, and type of training that was needed. The questionnaire obtained information on: employees, basic skills, computer access and usage, and future expectations. Six suggestions for planning and conducting this type of class project are offered, including: the class should be small, and the project should answer an immediate need for the company. (SW)