A Questionnaire Based Assessment Method - Term Paper Example

? Questionnaire-based surveys Ahmed Aljohani, 3427842, Section of New Brunswick, Saint John MBA 7605 Kim Lemky November 5, Questionnaire Based Surveys Introduction to surveys Since the changes are happening at an accelerating rate worldwide in every aspect of life such as eating habits, lifestyle, product usage, service requirements, shopping patterns etc., there is a growing trend of conducting research on an ongoing basis so that the changes can be addressed immediately. In order to collect information about the changes or any affect of the change in business operations or environment, the researchers are conducting research at a much deeper level so that hidden and new information can be made apparent; the main aim of these research studies is to gather data about vital factors existing in the environment which can either enhance or hinder performance of the institutions or organizations so that an appropriate and timely action can be taken (Malhotra & Peterson, 2006). One of the most effective and popular ways of collecting any important data are the surveys; the primary objective of a survey is to gather data about various aspects of the individuals such as their beliefs, ideas, attitudes and perceptions. The survey is mainly used in the fields of psychology, marketing research, public administration, public health and communication studiesto study the participants involved in the data collection process (Yaoxiang, &Lihai, 2008). The survey can either focus on some factual information about the individuals or might collect opinion of the respondents. The questionnaire-based surveys are used especially by Marketing and Human Resource Departments as they comprise of the experts who want to gather detailed information about the perceptions of their stakeholders so that they can meet their requirements (DeMooji & Hoftsedd, 2010; Ferguson & Rio, 2010). These surveys are frequently used by them to provide in-depth information about the areas that should be focused on by a corporation so that it can implement appropriate procedures within the business operations for enhancing its productivity and performance. In questionnaire-based surveys, the candidates have to fill the questionnaire by themselves and have to interpret the questions’ meanings on their own. While, in interview based surveys, the researcher asks the questions to respondents so that more in-depth data can be collected. The data collected from the questionnaire-based surveys is quantitative that allows easy interpretation of information that is gathered. On the other hand, interview sessions are time-consuming and data collected will need more time for analysis; however, the information in interview surveys is of a higher quality (Brugger, 2010). Questionnaire-based surveys The questionnaire-based surveys involve the designing and development of a questionnaire that will ensure that assessment about the attitudes, opinions and perceptions of the respondents is done in an effective manner. The main element in this research method is the questionnaire as it is the key instrument for gathering information about any particular issue or factual knowledge of the participants (Kalpana&Jeyakumar, 2011). According to Fanning (2005), the questionnaire development is a critical aspect in questionnaire-based survey as the researchers have to ensure that it has all those questions stated that will help them in retrieving the required information effectively. Since questionnaires are self-administered, the sequencing of questions along with their wordings is important determinants of the data quality; therefore, an adequate amount of time should be spent on developing the questionnaire so that real and factual results can be drawn from the research (Lee, Benoit-Bryan & Johnson, 2010). The questionnaire-based surveys can take place in three ways i.e. online surveys, direct mail surveys and face-to-face surveys. The latest trend is of online surveys as it allows data to be collected quickly and analysis of the data can be done with the help of computer software at a faster rate (Hooper et al., 2007). Since questions are the key elements of a questionnaire-based survey, most of the respondents do a pilot test to ensure that the candidates can understand the questions and respond in an appropriate manner; any changes required are made in the initial testing phase so that the final data collected is genuine and error free (Morris, 2008). Areas in which questionnaire-based surveys are used In today’s research industry, questionnaire-based surveys are used more frequently than other survey methods as they allow the researchers to complete various projects in a timely manner. The primary reasons for conducting a questionnaire-based survey is that the entire process is fast, it is cost-effective, response rate is high and data analysis is easier and quicker; this method is suitable for business as they allow them to keep track of the satisfaction level of their employees and customers and assist them in making decisions quickly (Kalpana&Jeyakumar, 2011). The questionnaire-based surveys are used in various business contexts that range from internal environment analysis such as employees and processes (Branham, 2005; Wu, Boetang& Drury, 2007) to external environment analysis such as competitors and customers (Dumitrescu & Vinerean, 2010; Morris, 2008). The method is used in every industry operating in the business world such as manufacturing companies (Uvyar, 2010), financial institutions (Venter, Michayluk& Davey, 2011), educational institutions (Yaoxiang&Lihai, 2008), public sector organizations (Manolopolous, 2008), marketing departments (DeMooji & Hoftsedd, 2010; Wu, Boateng & Drury, 2007), travel and tour companies (Dumitrescu & Vinerean, 2010), financial institutions (Uyyar, 2010; Venter, Michayluk & Davey, 2011) and many more. As this survey method allows the researchers to understand the human factors at a much deeper level, it is used by companies to monitor the satisfaction level of every stakeholder and ensure that everyone is satisfied with their business operations (Munkacsi et al., 2012). With the help of these surveys, the organizations can ensure that they are meeting their target market’s needs and it also helps them in identifying any unmet need that can be incorporated in their new product or service offerings(Fanning, 2005). Since the surveys have proven to be beneficial for majority of the companies, these surveys are being used in the medical field to ensure that the patients are satisfied with the hospital industry and new medications and medical procedures can be effectively introduced in the market (Janahi, Awadh&Awadh, 2011). Factors that should be considered when designing questionnaires for the surveys When the questionnaire is designed for the survey, it is vital for the researchers to have clarification about the objectives that will be achieved by this research and how it will help them in making valuable contribution in their respective fields. Although the questionnaire development is a very critical part of the survey the foremost thing is the clarity about the research objectives as it will allow the researchers to ensure that the questions are framed in accordance to the information that needs to be retrieved from the survey (Malhotra& Peterson, 2006). Once the research objectives are set, the next thing is to determine the data that needs to be collected from the survey such as whether the respondent’s opinions should be gathered, attitudes towards a situation will be studied or perception about new development will be analyzed (Brugger, 2010). Likewise, an organization strives to maintain high satisfaction level of employees and customers and it is possible only when it conducts satisfaction surveys on a frequent basis. Suggestions can also be taken during this survey so that the required changes can be incorporated in the business operations. The organizations can also use this survey to get information about the competitors and factors that can affect its future business activities; with the help of these surveys, an organization can develop a proactive plan that will ensure that it is prepared to handle any kind of unforeseen situation. Conclusion The questionnaire-based surveys assist the organizations in monitoring their business performance and ensuring that they have a well-satisfied pool of stakeholders. However, there are some constraints about this survey that the questions might not be structured properly to provide in-depth information about the relevant study topic. Online surveys are considered to be ineffective when detailed data is required about new product or service development process. On the other hand, the data gathered from this method allows easy interpretation of information as the quantitative data can be analyzed at a fast pace and it can be represented in the form of graphs and charts. Since the visual presentation can be made from the data gathered, it is easier to understand the information that is collected and results of the survey can be easily interpreted by everyone. Hence, the method should be used only when opinion about the organization, product, service or system is required in a business; other types of research methods are best for gaining detailed information about other aspects of the organization. References Branham, L. (2005). The 7 hidden reasons employees leave: How to recognize the subtle signs and act before it’s too late. New York, NY: Amacom. Brugger, J. (2010). Importance of Interview and Survey Questions in Systems Analysis.Retrieved October 31, 2012 from http://www.umsl.edu/~sauterv/analysis/Fall2010Papers/Brugger/TermPaper_JeremyBrugger.pdf De Mooij, M., & Hoftsede, G. (2010). The Hofstede model: Applications to global branding and advertising strategy and research. International Journal of Advertising, 29(1), 85-110. Dumitrescu, L., & Vinerean, S. (2010). International Tourism Market Segmentation Based on Consumer Behavior. Review of International Comparative Management, 11(5), 757-763. Fanning, E. (2005). Formatting a paper-based survey questionnaire: Best Practices. Practical Assessment, Research and Evaluation, 10(12), 1-14. Ferguson, K.J., & Reio, T.G. (2010). Human resource management systems and firm performance. The Journal of Management Development, 29(5), 471-494. Hopper,T., Cleary, S., Oddson, B., Donnelly, M.J. & Elgar, S. (2007). Service delivery for older Canadians with dementia: A survey of speech-language pathologists. Canadian Journal of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, 31(3), 114-126. Janahi, E., Awadh, M. &Awadh, S. (2011). Public knowledge, risk perception, attitudes and practices in relation to the swine flu pandemic: A cross sectional questionnaire-based survey in Bahrain. International Journal of Collaborative Research on Internal Medicine & Public Health, 3(6), 451-464. Kalpana, A.M. &Jeyakumar, A.E. (2011). An Questionnaire Based Assessment Method for Process Improvement in Indian Small Scale Software Organizations. European Journal of Scientific Research, 60(3), 361-377. Lee, G., Benoit-Bryan, J. & Johnson, T.P. (2010). Survey Method in Public Administration Research: A Content Analysis of Journal Publications. Retrieved October 31, 2012 from http://www.uic.edu/orgs/stresearch/Documents/Symposium%2009/ST&E_Lee%20et%20al..pdf Malhotra, N.K. & Peterson, M. (2006). Basic Marketing Research: A decision making approach. 2nd ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. Manolopoulos, D. (2008). An evaluation of employee motivation in the extended public sector in Greece.Employee Relations, 30(1),63-85. Morris, M.L. (2008). Combating workplace stressors: Using work-life initiatives as an OD Intervention. Human Resource Development Quarterly, 19(2), 95-105. Munkacsi, I., Kalmar, Z., Hamar, P., Katona, Z. &Dancs, H. (2012). Role of motivation in artistic gymnastics by results of a questionnaire based international survey. Journal of Human Sport and exercise, 7(1), S91-S102. Uvyar, A. (2010). Cost and Management Accounting Practices: A Survey of Manufacturing Companies. Eurasian Journal of Business and Economics, 3(6), 113-125. Venter, G. Van de, Michayluk, D. & Davey, G. (2011).A longitudinal study of financial risk tolerance. Journal of Economic Psychology, 33(4), 794-800. Wu, J, Boateng, A. & Drury, C. (2007). An analysis of the adoption, perceived benefits, and expected future emphasis of western management accounting practices in Chinese SOEs and JVs. The International Journal of Accounting, 42(2), 171-185. Yaoxiang, L. &Lihai, W. (2008).Effectiveness and Problems of Bilingual Education in Higher Education Institute – A Survey. Retrieved October 31, 2012 from http://www.seiofbluemountain.com/upload/product/200909/2008jyhy01a39.pdf N a 1500 words of student writing Y literature review of where this research method is used in the academic literature and N where this research method has been used in a business context N how this research method has been used in a business context Y 10 academic and Y 5 others from government, business articles, news etc.). Read More