Information Gathering

1
Information Gathering

• Unobtrusive methods (insufficient by itself)
• Sampling
• Investigation
• Observation
• Observing a decision makers behavior
• Observing the physical environment

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I. Sampling

• The Need for sampling
• Sampling Design
• Sample Size decision

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The Need for Sampling

• Reasons
• Containing Cost
• Speeding up the data gathering
• Improving Effectiveness
• Reducing Bias

4
Sampling Design

• Design Steps
• Determine the data to be collected
• Determine the population to be sampled
• Choose the type of sample
• Decide on the sample size

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Sample Data

• What to do with the collected data?
• Identify
• Variables
• Attributes
• Associated data items

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Sample Population

• Time? (last two months or whole year?)
• Whom?
• one level or all the levels?
• customers?
• vendors?
• suppliers?
• competitors?

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Sample Type

• Chose one of the four main types
• Convenience
• Purposive
• simple
• Complex

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Sample Size

• Seven steps
• Determine attribute
• Locate database or reports
• Estimate the proportion of the population
• Estimate the acceptable interval i
• Choose confidence level, confidence coefficient
  z
• Calculate standard error d i/z
• Determine sample size n p(1 - p) / (d d) 1

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II. Investigation

• The act of
• discovery of data
• analysis of data
• Analyzing Quantitative Documents
• Analyzing Qualitative Documents

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Analyzing Quantitative Documents

• Reports for Decision Making
• Performance Reports
• Records
• Data Capture Forms

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Reports for Decision Making

• Could include graphical output
• Sales Report
• amount sold
• type of sales
• Production Report
• recent costs
• current inventory
• recent labor
• plant information

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Performance Reports

• Analyze on (Could include graphical output )
• Intended
• Actual
• Estimate the size of the gap

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Analyzing Qualitative Documents

• Memos
• Signs or Posters on
• bulletin
• in work areas
• Corporate Websites
• Manuals
• Policy Handbook

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III. Observation

• Observing decision-making
• Observing physical environment

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Decision Makers Behavior

• Observing decision-making
• activities

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Physical Environment

• STRuctured OBservation of the Environment
  (STROBE) seven elements
• Office location
• Desk placement
• Stationary office equipment
• Props (Properties)
• small equipment to process information
• External information sources
• Office lighting and color
• Clothing worn by decision makers