Field Data Collection Automation Project - Essay Example

The correct field data provides huge relevant information about people that are used by the government to initiate developmental and operational activities across the nation. The allocation of funds is distributed as per the requirements provided by the census data of the region and used for activities for the wider welfare of society.   Answer 2 The major risks associated with FDCA projects were primarily linked to the incomplete or inaccurate information that was communicated to the central offices from the field. The lack of effective technology was one of the key elements of inaccuracy in the data collection. The slow speed of mobile devices, as well as their inability to handle large data, became critical reasons for inaccurate census data. Thus 2010 data was too unreliable to use.   Answer 3 The major problem that the Census Bureau faced in implementing its new wireless data collection system was using substandard and non-tested handheld mobile computing devices. These devices were intended to replace the manual filling of questionnaires that were not only time-consuming and costly but also difficult to organize. Many factors caused the problems.  The management lacked accountability and FDCA executives were ill-equipped to handle the challenges of technology. They were also not trained properly in using the technology or were made aware of the process of collecting important census data. The lack of effective communication within the organization also became a critical aspect of failure in generating quality databases. Last but not least important was the mobile devices that were bought at exorbitant prices but were not able to transmit large data with speed and accuracy.   Answer 4 The major steps that I would have taken to mitigate the risks in collecting data are as follows: 1. ensuring that executives and volunteers involved in data collection were trained in the process of using technology efficiently. They would also have been imparted training in dealing with the respondents and extracting relevant information with accuracy. 2. The wireless mobile devices would have been tested on a pilot project of census data collection so that any problems like slow speed, the inability of transmitting large data, etc. could have been identified and rectified for the final project. 3. Last but not least would have been the reward system for executives who show consistently high performance. This would have motivated the field workers to work diligently and help in collecting relevant and accurate census data.   Answer 5 Had I been in charge of managing this project, the foremost thing that I would have initiated was to create guidelines that would have made accountability a critical part of the job specifications of all employees working within the project. The hierarchy of officers involved with the FDCA would have been made accountable for lack of accuracy in data collection and transmission of the same within the prescribed time to the central data processing units. Field Data Collection Automation is a vital part of the US Census, the accuracy of information therefore becomes highly critical for developing welfare policies based on demographic information. Placing accountability on workers would not only promote better work ethics but also ensure that they work conscientiously to achieve team-based targets on time. Another important aspect that I would have focused on would have been the use of the latest technology, both for communication and for collecting important census data. Using state-of-the-art communication devices, malfunctioning mobile data collection devices would have been easily identified at an early stage. This could then be replaced with newer and more efficient ones so that work is not stopped and the deadline of the project is met. Read More