Abstract
This paper attempts to define a series of system integration and process re-definition strategies to enable field notes obtained during land surveying to be electronically cataloged and automated for more efficient use. The paper addresses the reliability of the data itself, which is captured and noted in field notebooks. The paper focuses primarily on how to automate what is today a highly manual repository of data existing in the 200 field notebooks that comprise the accumulated data to this point.

Outline:
Executive Summary
Starting with Change Management Is Critical
From Data Repository to Enterprise Content Management System
Advantages of Creating a Land Surveying Content Management System
Disadvantages of Creating a Land Surveying Content Management System
Proposed Costs
Considerations of Change Management

From the Paper
"The disadvantages of implementing an automated system to better manage the land use notebooks center mainly on both the time needed during work hours to train users in new procedures for using the system, in addition to the costs of integration with other systems to keep the current one relevant over time."
"In the majority of instances there are many more costs associated with implementing a content management system than initially appear during the forecasting stage (Columbus and Murphy 2), and the level of integration with other systems continues to drive up the costs of these types of implementations. With all these shortcoming said however, the savings in efficiency and accuracy of queries does have a significant effect on the Return on Investment (ROI) of this type of program."

Tags:indicator, IT, initiatives, forecasting, workflow, Enterprise, Content, Management

Abstract
This report relates the steps and results of an exploratory study social research project, which asked the question: "Will a significant short-term increase in work-related stress and workload affect the subjects' attitude to accepting change in the workplace when there are long term benefits to be enjoyed?" Next, the author reviews the sampling, data collection, survey questionnaires, data analysis and limits and constraints of this research. The paper concludes that, although more research is required, this pilot research suggests that employees are likely to support the short-term inconvenience of increased work-hours in order to reap long term benefits. Several tables and appendices are included in this paper.

Table of Contents:
Table of Contents
Sampling
Conducting Data Collection
Survey Questionnaires
Interviews
Focus Groups
Data Analysis
Limitations and Constraints
Findings and Implications of Study
Appendix A - Survey Questionnaire
Appendix B - Interview Questions
Appendix C - Focus Group Themes

From the Paper
"From analysing the responses to the survey question regarding employees' perceptions of whether their weekly workload would increase in the next 3 months and the question regarding whether they see the load window proposal as being beneficial to them over the next 3 years, it seems apparent in retrospect that employees may have had different understandings of the question. The question did not specifically focus on the type of benefit being asked about and it is possible that employees interpreted the question more openly than intended. The intention was to probe the participants' feelings regarding whether their overall workload would decrease together with a decrease in weekly work hours as a result of the implementation of the load window. However it seems possible and justifiable taking into consideration the wording of the question, that some employees understood the question to relate to whether the load window project would be beneficial to their professional standing in the organisation in more general terms. Those employees who are expected to work on this important project may have felt that they stood to gain benefits in terms of prestige and recognition and this may have skewed the answers to this question."

Tags:non-probability, online survey, dichotomous questions, focus group, gender

Abstract
A 1999 article by James L. Pirkle and John T. Bernert, entitled "Evaluation of Four Maternal Smoking Questions," used a survey method for research. This paper examines this survey instrument with regards to its validity and reliability, as well as its appropriateness for the task at hand. The data collection method the authors used and the levels of data measurement for variables are also discussed in order to fully understand the research that was done and whether it was completed in such a way as to be statistically significant and valid.

From the Paper
"Analysis of the survey instrument would indicate that it is valid and reliable. There is always some question as to reliability in any given survey instrument, simply because there is no way to guarantee that the people answering the questions are telling the truth. Because of this, the final data could be affected, but the likelihood is that the lies told on the survey, if any, are of a small enough number not to be statistically significant."

Tags:valid, data

Abstract
This survey gathers both demographic data from the respondent and gathers data based on questions relating both specifically to the university and to a New Orleans oddity, the Mardi Gras Indian, none of whom are Native American. The paper explains that in studying the students' reaction to a certain passage regarding the Mardi Gras Indians and relating it to other Tulane policies, it may be possible to gain some insight on racism and stereotyping.

Tags:survey, sociology, racism

Abstract
The paper relates that the 2007 Houston Area Survey is the 26th annual survey of demographic, political, social, and economic conditions and sentiments in Houston and Harris County, Texas. The paper provides a comprehensive overview that examines these conditions and sentiments in extensive and very interesting detail. The paper reveals that the Survey (2007) presents data and opinions reflective of general conditions and prevailing opinions throughout the United States, but it is also surprising in a number of ways, especially regarding increasing public support for relatively balanced and more empathetic immigration policies.

From the Paper
"The 2007 Houston Area Survey is the 26th annual survey of demographic, political, social, and economic conditions and sentiments in Houston and Harris County, Texas and provides a comprehensive overview that examines these conditions and sentiments in extensive and very interesting detail. The Survey (2007) presents data and opinions reflective of general conditions and prevailing opinions throughout the United States, but it is also surprising in a number of ways, especially regarding increasing..."

Tags:houston, area, survey

Abstract
This paper summarizes the various date collection methods present for the outcome management in the Chronic Heart Failure (CHF) project. The author addresses the assessment method for each data collection instrument and describes the questions asked in each questionnaire.

Outline:
Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire
Chronic Heart Failure Questionnaire
Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire
Short Form 36
Short Form 12
Duke Health Profile
Primary Care Assessment Survey

From the Paper
"The questionnaire asks about frequent physical and psychological symptoms experienced by the CHF patient such as peripheral edema, insomnia, dyspnea, easy fatigability, depression and anxiety. Inquiries on the patient's social and physical functional capacities are also asked and rated by the patient. These include the patient's ability to walk at a certain distance, do household chores, effects of CHF on the patient's cognitive skills and travel habits. The patient is also asked to rate how his disease has affected his family. Pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments are also considered."

Tags:questionnaires, data management, heart and vascular diseases

Abstract
"This paper is a report on a Windshield Survey in Rock Hills, New York. The writer explains that the Windshield Survey for the Boyd Hill Community was conducted as a community health project intended to assess the community and identify any problems. The writer points out that a Windshield Survey can answer a number of questions about a community, and the survey discussed here addresses issues in the Rock Hill area. The nature of the survey and its results are discussed in this essay.

From the Paper
"The Windshield Survey is a program under the auspices of Habitat for Humanity that has as its purpose determining the number of substandard houses in a given community, with an eye to eliminating such housing in the long term. Such a survey tells the community how many people need to be helped and how many homes need to be replaced. "

Tags:windshield, survey, report

Abstract
This paper presents a survey that measures consumer acceptance of "premium wine in unbranded casks". The paper explains that the survey attemps to identify the target market, occasions when consumers would serve this product, and price consumers would pay. The paper aims to collect demographic parameters and specific attitudes, and the survey is designed to be used at liquor retailers for the patrons visiting the location.

From the Paper
"Ask respondent starting here: Good afternoon/evening, do you have a few minutes to answer some questions about wine consumption? I am not going to try to sell you anything or ask for a donation or a signature. I am only conducting a survey for research purposes. If response is "NO" then politely thank and discontinue..."

Tags:survey, analysis, statistical

Abstract
The paper looks at five effective problem identification methods and three data collection tools that can be used by consultants in an effective manner to identify, isolate, and solve problems faced by organizations. The problem identification methods examined are root cause analysis, brainstorming, Fishbone diagrams, flow charts, and post-its. The data collection tools examined are self-administered surveys, personal interviews, and focus groups.

From the Paper
"When consulting for a firm who is looking to improve or control the quality of their performance or to find and solve hindering problems, the consultant has a vital and varied bag of tricks from which to choose. Some of the methods and tools with which the consultant's client's problems may be realized and remedied include Problem Identification Methods and Data Collection Tools. This paper will identify some valuable Problem Identification Methods and Data Collection Tools and compare and contrast their use and value. The first Problem Identification Method that we will discuss is that of Root Cause Analysis. This is the most detailed and intricate of the methods at which we will be looking. If problem identification is necessary, it is a given that there is a problem in the system."

Tags:problem, data, consultation

Abstract
This paper discusses the issue of land degradation in the Arab region over the past 70 years. This paper reviews the various reasons and causes of this land degradation, focusing on the increase in population who require water for human consumption and agriculture, land for agriculture and land for their livestock.

From the Paper
"Land degradation in the Arab region is primarily the result of a surge in the population growth in the past several decades. As the population had increased within the Arab region the need for water for human consumption, grazing land, and agriculture has risen. In an area that was already dry and naturally scarce in water supplies this added requirement for water has led to severe issues concerning the natural water sources and their ability to sustain the Arab civilization over time. Furthermore, cultivation of marginal land, as well as deforestation has created a situation in which natural trees and foliage have been depleted from the land surface, adding to the landmasses that are dry. As these dry land masses, or deserts are increased in the Arab lands the water is absorbed into the ground and the loss of foliage eventually leads to a loss of water."

Tags:land, arab, region