Abstract The purpose of this research is to conduct a feasibility study for the establishment of a private investigation bureau in Barstow, California, a small town in California's Mojave Desert that sits just at the entrance to the Mojave National Preserve. Specifically, the study focuses on the selected site and analyzes it for sales potential using a demographic analysis of the area's general features and characteristics. The research begins with a literature review designed to provide context to the study by providing relevant information on the general nature of private investigation work; the daily routines of private investigators; the basic characteristics and skills needed by successful private investigators; the characteristics of clients and client groups using the services of private investigators; the types of services offered by private investigators; the general income and earnings of private investigators; the education and training of private investigators; the licensing requirements of private investigators; the general features of the private investigation firm and the expected changes in the field that will take place in the twenty-first century. The literature review is followed by a delineation and discussion of methods used in the collection of feasibility data. Following the delineation of methods, the next section of the study provides an analysis of collected data and interpretation of its meaning in determining the extent to which it may be feasible to open a private investigation bureau in Barstow. The final section of the thesis presents a summary of the major findings and conclusions of the research.
Paper Headings:
Executive Summary
Introduction
Literature Review
General Nature of the Work
Daily Routines
Characteristics of Successful Private Investigators
Client Characteristics
Types of Investigations Conducted by Private Investigation Bureaus
Location of Persons
Locating Assets
Background Investigation
Surveillance Investigation
Internal Business Theft and Sub-Rosa Investigations
Traffic Collision Investigations
Fire/Arson Investigations
Business Credit Investigations
Federal/Criminal Investigations
State and Federal Records Investigation
Education Verification
Employment Verification
Medical Licenses Verification
Income and Earnings
Training and Education
Licensing and Insurance
The Private Investigation Firm
Private Investigation in the Twenty-First Century
Methodology
Data Analysis
Economic Feasibility
Competition
Labor Force
Supplementary Considerations
Summary
Works Cited
From the Paper "According to Travers (1997), private investigation is a growing field with the employment of private detectives and investigators being expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations throughout the year 2005. In addition, Travers reports that job turnover will create many additional job openings, particularly among investigators who are wage and salary workers. Nevertheless, competition is expected to continually increase for the available openings because private detective and private investigator careers are attractive to many.
Travers (1997) also states that the increased demand for private detectives and investigators will be generated by increases in the size of the population, increased economic activity, and global and domestic competition. These forces are expected to produce increases in crime, litigation, and the need for confidential information of all kinds. As crime continues to increase, more firms will hire or contract for the service of private detectives."
Abstract This paper discusses the modern day issue of time management. According to the paper, most people struggle to create a balance between work time, other commitments and personal time. The paper then reviews the "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" by well-known business-consultant guru Stephen Covey. The paper concludes with a look at telecommuting via the Internet.
From the Paper "The hypotheses, tested by researchers Jeffrey Hill, Alan Hawkins, Maria Ferris and Michelle Weitzman, were: "Given the same workload, those with perceived job flexibility will have less difficulty with work-life conflicts, and will be able to work longer hours before having problems with work-family balance." Both hypotheses were found true. Of those working 40 to 50 hours per week, the 46 percent who were not allowed to either change their starting or ending times, work a compressed workweek or work from home had difficulty balancing work and personal life. This compared to only 28 percent of those working the same hours with flexibility."
