Calvert Markham

process of data collection is in the following sequence:

1. Define the objectives of the project.

2. Determine the data required.

3. Develop and implement a plan for collecting the data.

4. Analyse the data.

5. Draw conclusions and make recommendations.

follow a series of iterations:

1. Definition of the project objectives beforehand.

2. Get to know the client.

3. New slants to the issues identified. Possibly project objectives are slightly shifted and initial hypotheses formed.

4. Crude data collection.

5. Items worth exploring identified in more detail.

6. Revise/substantiate hypotheses. … and so on.

METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION
There are essentially only three ways you can collect data:

• From observation;

• From dialogue with people;

• By examining documents or other material.

In consultancy, data is generated using investigative techniques, the most common of which are:

• the interview — a meeting with a single interviewee;

• the discussion group — a meeting with several people;

• the questionnaire — a way of creating documentary information.

Information on each of these, and the pros and cons of each, is given in Chapter 7.

There are also structured data collection tools available. The following analytical techniques are outlined in Chapter 7, together with their advantages and disadvantages and some practical hints for using them:

• Critical incident technique;

• Delphi technique;

• Stakeholder analysis;

• Power mapping;

• Repertory grid technique.