Some Methods of Data Collection

             

 Local and foreign investors are starting to consider Philippines as a prospective place to start a venture because of the country’s economic growth. But not all the people who decided to capitalized for a certain business model or enterprise became successful and/or achieves their long-term goals. One of the main reasons of corporate downfall is the weak business foundation that reflects non-prioritized initial studies and researches before having vital decision-making with regards to product development, business matching, marketing campaign implementation, and the likes.

                Research is research. Research will always be an important part of the success, of the victory, of the triumph, and of the accomplishment. There are times that even a simple action requires a narrow research and study to come up with data and information that will ensure that a particular action is on the right track and in line with company’s objectives. And with this, data collection is always part of a more complex and multifaceted process of research.

                One of the most important types of data collection that can elicit reliable and significant information for any business is a field research or fieldwork. Field research involves a range of well-defined, although variable, methods: informal interviews, direct observation, and participation in the life of the group, collective discussions, and types of analyses.

Here are some of the most common and relevant data collection methods and fieldworks.

1. Desk Research- This is one of the most widely used type of data gathering method, since the information are already provided in existing sources such as company records, published government reports, and information in newspapers, magazines, and on the internet.
2. Survey- This method is not easy as the desk research but it is known as an effective technique to elicit feedback and quantitative information about items in a population
3. Polls-In here, several people are asked a question or series of questions to be able to determine relevant information that can only be extracted through the respondents’ answers.
4. Location Hunt- Basically, this type of research will help those entrepreneurs to assess prospective locations where they can place their physical store. This research is essential in a sense that it will increase the chance that a particular business is in the right place where they can reach the right market.
5. Traffic Counting- Since a heavy foot traffic can translate to a more visible store and better exposure, there is also a type of research designated to determine the number of people who are roaming within a particular place that can serve as target market of a particular enterprise and business.
6. Database Collection-Databases are created to operate large quantities of information by inputting, storing, retrieving, and managing that information. Databases are set up so that one set of software programs provides all users with access to all the data. With this, it will be easier to proprietors and businessmen to determine relevant information of their market that will help them to reach them in an easier way.