Steps involved in data collection

Steps Involved In Data Collection The task of data collection is not as easy as it seems since businesses require lot of information in order to make an informed decision about how to proceed. The data or information is collected from multiple sources- mobile apps, surveys, online programs etc., and then processed in order to outline a complete picture of the future possibilities. Outsourcing data collection services help businesses to maintain research integrity, ensuring quality assurance and enhancing decisionmaking.

Here, we are outlining few essential steps data collection services includes for gathering and analyzing data to ensure the credibility and reliability of the data.

Identifying issues/opportunities for collecting data: The first and foremost step includes identification of the specific issues and/or opportunities for data collection. Certainly, conducting an analysis of internal and external processes is crucial to obtain a clear picture of what’s happening inside and outside of the organization.

Identifying particular issues to be explored and the process of data collection, provides flexibility to decide when and how to collect information. Design a questionnaire to measure potential solutions to your specific problem or opportunity.

Setting goals: After considering all the aforementioned questions, next comes goal-setting which is individualized for each issue depending on the data collection techniques and analysis.

In this step, all the issues and/or opportunities are reviewed from the internal and external assessment done earlier. Then, one particular issue is picked up to begin with data collection from the list of priorities. Few considerable questions while prioritizing an issue and/or opportunity for gathering data include:  Any specific reason or opportunity to collect data that can give rise to other issues and/or opportunities?  If the analysis of business’s internal and external processes done in step-1 revealed any critical gaps which are apparent in the organization, industry/sector or similar organizations?  Is any particular area had received any positive/negative media attention or been subject to multiple complaints, concerns or rumors?

 If there is any lack of diversity in an area as compared to others?

Collecting Data: After clearly defining all the questions and setting goals, it’s time for data collection with keeping all the practical considerations and best practices in mind. 

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Setting a committee and selecting particular persons who will be held accountable for all major decisions taken about the data collection process including designs, logistics, coordination and finances.

Determining the persons who will collect the data.

Identifying the appropriate technology, resources, logistics and people required for developing and implementing data collection.

Addressing key stakeholder prospective about the project.

Planning a strategy to explain data collection initiative properly in order to encourage the highest possible participation rate.

Determining security measures for protecting privacy and personal information by carefully collecting, storing and accessing data that comply with privacy, human rights and other legislation.

Providing flexibility for making amendments at lower cost.

A testing period for improving and modifying data collection methods.

Analyzing and interpreting data: This step involves data analysis and data interpretation of the data. Depending on the quantitative or qualitative methods of data gathering data, the analysis could be daunting sometimes. Companies should determine if they have internal capacity and expertise for interpreting data by own or require to hire any consultant? A start-up with basic data collection needs may rely on internal expertise in order to interpret data.