Tools for data gathering and analysis in

Project Management

DR. UMA S AHA

Introduction

Data collection, management and analysis processes are integral to modern

business systems and workflows be it urban or rural projects. People use
different data collection methodologies and tools to gather and study data.
Learning about data collection processes and strategies can help rural
management professionals to find the right tools and resources required to
conduct customer studies, perform business research and create insightful
project reports or proposals.

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Types Of Data Collection Techniques

Data collection is primarily of two types, qualitative and quantitative.

Qualitative data is more difficult to measure as it typically contains

subjective and non-quantifiable responses, descriptions and opinions.
Some common methods to gather such information include interviews,
reviews, focus group discussions and observation.

Quantitative data involves numbers, values or quantities, and it is

usually easier to measure. Sampling, surveys, polls or forms and online
tracking are common ways to collect quantitative data. Data collection
techniques also depend on the type of data you wish to collect.

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 Primary data collection

Primary data refers to data collected directly from the source.

Results derived from primary data are usually more insightful than
other sources, as analysts and researchers directly implement data
collection techniques to gather accurate and reliable data. The
potential challenge of collecting primary data is that it is time-
consuming, needs human resource and expensive to gather.

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Ways in which researchers collect primary
data
Interviews: Interviews of a selected sample,
conducted in-person, over the phone or via email
can provide quick and reliable data. Researchers
use this method frequently, as it is relatively easier
and more consistent to execute.
Focus group discussions: Focus group discussions are
like interviews, but instead of specific questions, the
scope of discussion and feedback collection is broader.
Focus groups usually have fewer participants, provide
more qualitative data and take longer to conduct than
interviews.
Questionnaires and surveys: Questionnaires consist of
simple and direct questions, usually with fixed multi-
choice options as responses, although open-ended
questions are also common. Questionnaires and
surveys are great tools for collecting both qualitative
and quantitative data.
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Observation: Observation is when
researchers or data collectors gather
information by observing and recording data.
While this process can be costly and may
generate unreliable data due to biases, it is
relatively easy to implement.

Online tracking and analytics: Tracking

user behaviour and actions online can
help generate valuable primary data.
Many businesses collect this data and
use it for marketing purposes.

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Secondary data collection

Secondary data is data collected by someone else for

reporting, study or research purposes. Sources of secondary
data include newspapers, magazines, books, government
studies, public records, business reports, journals, research
papers and essays. Most researchers or data analysts that
collect secondary data derive new insights or trends from
the existing information. While gathering secondary data can
be relatively inexpensive, assessing the reliability of existing
data and interpreting it correctly can be challenging.

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 Data Collection Tools

1. Fulcrum

Fulcrum is a simple tool to collect data in different formats using

mobile devices. It can be helpful for people who want to access
key data points and analysis remotely. With custom forms, real-
time data updates, data location tracking and integration with
other popular software tools, such as navigation, you can use
Fulcrum to gain advanced data insights, share reports and store
information securely. You can also click photographs, record
audio files or create videos and save them securely using cloud
storage. Fulcrum requires no training to use, and you can collect
data in both online and offline modes.

2. GoSurvey

GoSurvey is a simple tool to collect data for market research,

customer surveys, lead generation and product feedback.
Suitable for field researchers and professionals, GoSurvey is
available on different devices and offers an offline mode to allow
data collection without an internet connection. You can safely
store all data online when you connect the device to the internet
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and review, analyze or download it in different formats.
 3. QuickTapSurvey
QuickTapSurvey can help you create customized
surveys and questionnaires. These questionnaires
are accessible even without an active internet
connection and can help collect essential personal
information from customers, such as their phone
numbers. QuickTapSurvey offers several
integrations with third-party marketing automation
tools, which simplifies collaboration and workflows.
Accessible through different devices, you can use
this tool to change the appearance and design of
surveys to align with your brand identity.
4. Kobo Toolbox
Kobo Toolbox is a free and open-source tool for
mobile data collection. Created by the Harvard
Humanitarian Initiative and maintained by Kobo, a
non-profit organization, this tool enables you to
collect data through a web browser or application. A
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community of expert professionals' help maintain
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5. Open Data Kit (ODK)
Open Data Kit, or ODK, is another open-source tool for collecting and managing
data. The tool allows the collection of data in different formats, and the user
interface is simple to learn. Usable across different devices, ODK is available in
several languages and also has an offline mode. ODK has two suites, one
containing simple tools for standard data collection purposes and the other for
more complex workflows and a higher degree of customization. An active
community of experts provide support, maintenance and ideas on how to use ODK
effectively.
6. Forms on Fire
Forms on Fire can be useful for teams of researchers and analysts as it can
convert data documents into digital formats. The tool has several ready-made
templates for you to enter data into, and you can easily share this with
colleagues, clients or team leaders. Accessible through different devices, you can
use Forms on Fire both online and offline. Other valuable features include audit
trail and management, real-time notifications, workflow creation and instant
report generation.
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7. GoSpotCheck
GoSpotCheck helps collect field data. The tool is compatible with different devices and
helps create real-time trends and analysis. Users can interpret the data they collect
using graphs and charts instantly. You can also change your collection strategy by
applying customized filters and emphasizing specific data points. Besides exporting the
collected data in diverse formats, GoSpotCheck also offers features to easily share data
and reports between colleagues through advanced access management. Several third-
party integrations offered by GoSpotCheck provide easier management of databases.
8. Zoho
Zoho Forms is a part of the Zoho suite and offers comprehensive data collection and
sharing features. You can choose between several themes and templates to create
customised surveys. With an easy-to-use interface, Zoho Forms provides integration
with other applications, can embed forms on websites or web pages and helps measure
the response rate and performance through advanced analytics. Besides creating
online and offline forms, you can set up conditional and automatic responses for
submissions.

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 THANK
YOU
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