Answer:
It’s input into a computer and saved for future use
Explanation:
Step 1: Identify issues and/or opportunities for collecting data
The first step is to identify issues and/or opportunities for collecting data and to decide what next steps to take. To do this, it may be helpful to conduct an internal and external assessment to understand what is happening inside and outside of your organization.
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Step 2: Select issues and/or opportunities and set goals
The focus of Step 2 is choosing a priority issues and/or opportunities for collecting data, and then setting goals and objectives.
The organization reviews the issues and/or opportunities identified from the internal and external assessment done in Step 1, and picks one or more specific issues and/or opportunities for starting a data collection project from among the list of priorities. Some of the questions an organization can consider when deciding to prioritize an issue and/or opportunity for gathering data
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Step 3: Plan an approach and methods
In Step 3, organizations will make decisions about who will be surveyed, how data will be collected, the sources of data that will be used, and the duration of the data collection project, among other questions. These decisions may be made in consultation with an expert. The methods and approaches will flow from the goals set in Step 2, and will vary significantly depending on a number of factors, including the organization’s context, size, resources, and the purpose and complexity of the issue(s) or opportunity(ies) selected.
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Step 4: Collect data
When planning on how best to collect data in Step 4, it is important to be aware of the practical considerations and best practices for addressing logistical challenges organizations often face at this stage of the process. Implementing a data collection plan requires attention to matters such as:
- Getting buy-in from senior leadership and key stakeholders, in or outside of the organization. This group could include boards of directors, management committees, union representatives, employees, community groups, tenants, customers and service users.
- Establishing a steering committee or selecting a person(s) to be consulted and held accountable for all major decisions about the data collection process, such as design, logistics, communication management, coordination and finances.
- Determining who will collect the data (e.g., experts or trained employees).
- Identifying the logistics, resources, technology and people needed to develop and implement a data collection initiative.
- Anticipating and addressing key stakeholder concerns and questions about the project.
- Designing a communication and consultation strategy that will explain the data collection initiative and encourage the highest possible participation rate.
- Protecting privacy and personal information by using carefully controlled procedures for collecting, storing and accessing data that comply with privacy, human rights and other legislation. Dignity and confidentiality must be respected.
- Minimizing the impact and inconvenience for the people affected in the workplace or service environment, which includes choosing the best time to collect the data.
- Aiming for flexibility to allow for changes without great expense or inconvenience.
- Considering a test period or a pilot phase to allow you to improve and modify data collection methods, as may be needed.
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Step 5: Analyze and interpret data
Step 5 involves analyzing and interpreting the data collected. Whether quantitative and/or qualitative methods of gathering data are used, the analysis can be complex, or less so, depending on the methods used and the amount of data collected.
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Explaining the technical steps involved in analyzing and interpreting data is beyond the scope of this guide. An organization will have to determine whether it has the internal capacity and expertise to analyze and interpret data itself, or whether it will need the help of an external consultant.
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Step 6: Act on results
Once an organization has analyzed and interpreted the results of the data collected, it may decide to act on the data, collect more of the same type of data or modify its approach.
