Completing the Project Plan - Consider first things first. The survey objectives and information needs should be the basis for selecting instrumentation, data collection, and processing methods.
- Value control very highly. The chance of catastrophic error increases dramatically with the number of people involved in survey data collection.
- Communicate with others. Maintain a dialogue with the sponsor and obtain comments from those who can assist.
- Evaluate options thoroughly. Questionnaire, data collection, and processing alternatives must all be identified and examined to make the best choice.
- Choose alternatives carefully. If there’s doubt about instrumentation, collection, or processing, turn to later chapters on these topics for direction.
- Place trust in sampling. Don’t use large samples when careful sampling design will obtain precise information from smaller numbers of people.
- Budget very carefully. Most things cost more than anticipated and the budget should have a safety factor to allow for error.
- Match costs and information value. Revise project tasks or increase the funds allocated so that there’s an adequate margin of safety between costs and benefits.
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