Abstract
This paper discusses three articles on data collection and analysis tools and their applications. This includes data mining, data warehousing and software packages used in the collection. This paper also analyzes the needs of the business upon which the correct data collection and analysis tools are selected.

From the Paper
"Business today has more and more need for external consultants to use data collection and analysis tools in order to make assessment of business operations and processes. Many of the methods used today are computer-based, including software that does much of the job but still requires an able human operator to make decisions and input the correct information. Various analysts have made assessments of these methods to see how they are used and how effective they may be. Such tools are also used for analyzing performance in education, for assessing public programs, and for other tasks requiring a decision as to the value of a program or process. Bielski (2001) discusses the use of CRM, or Customer Resource Management system, which is used to track customer purchases while providing access to customer information using the computer. "

Tags:data, collection, analysis

Abstract
This ten page graduate paper examines the Fair Debt Collection Practice Act (FDCPA). The author notes that in examining the history of the FDCPA, it is evident that its impact on the consumer finance industry in the United States has been demonstrated in a variety of important ways. The writer points out that this act was written and passed into law in order to eliminate unfair practices and to ensure that debt collectors who refrain from using abusive, deceptive or unfair debt collection practices are not competitively disadvantaged.

From the Paper
"In examining the history of the Fair Debt Collection Practice Act, it is evident that its impact on the consumer finance industry in the United States has been demonstrated in a variety of important ways. This act was written and passed into law in order to eliminate unfair practices and to ensure that debt collectors who refrain from using abusive, deceptive or unfair debt collection practices are not competitively disadvantaged. In justifying their passage of the FDCPA, Congress cited the "abundant evidence of the use of abusive, deceptive, and unfair debt collection practices by many debt collectors. Abusive debt collection practices contribute to the number of personal bankruptcies, to marital instability, to the loss of jobs, and to invasions of individual privacy."

Tags:fair, debt, collection

Abstract
This paper uses social work data collection on the fictional Burnham family, from the film "American Beauty." The paper presents a Genogram for the Burnham family which shows Lester Burnham represented by a square box, with 42 in the middle, and a X crossed over the box to indicate his deceased status. Carolyn Burnham will be represented by a circle, with a 40 in the middle. A line will connect them. From this line, another line will descend to a circle with 16 in the middle, representing their daughter Jane.

From the Paper
"The Genogram for the Burnham family will have Lester Burnham represented by a square box, with 42 in the middle, and a X crossed over the box to indicate his deceased status. Carolyn Burnham will be represented by a circle, with a 40 in the middle. A line will connect them. From this line, another line will descend to a circle with 16 in the..."

Tags:data, collection, family

Abstract
This paper presents an overview of the trash collection and waste-hauling industry. The paper focuses on the niche available to 1-800-Got Junk within this industry.

Tags:Trash Collection and Waste-Hauling Services, industry analysis

Abstract
This paper first examines the improvement of pain management at WellStar Health System. The impact of the Joint Commission's standards on pain management is also explored. The paper also discusses tjr cultural factors that influence one's perception of pain, using Asians' reluctance to express pain in public as an example. The paper explores the topic of data collection to assess the quality of care in pain management. Lastly, this paper examines and describes the various assessment tools used for treatment of pain.

Table of Contents:
Data Collection: Pain Management
Process Improvement
Regulatory and Social Impact
- Agency Influence
- Social Influence
Data collection methods
Assessment Tools and Pain Management
Conclusion
References
Appendix A

From the Paper
"The topic of pain management in the healthcare setting is an important one when placing patient care as the most important goal in hospital management. The importance of pain management has reached the attention of the Joint Commission, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and state regulatory agencies. Other community stakeholders have a stake in this topic due to its importance in healthcare. Pain management from a regulatory and social point of view as well as a process improvement plan follows in the discussion. The data collection methodologies concerning pain management issues and the tools for audit provide the matrix for evaluation and the need for amending the change initiatives."

Tags:healthcare, pain, nursing, medicine, medicaid, treatment

Abstract
This paper examines how it has not been until recently that it is finally being pushed for states, including Pennsylvania, to start collecting DNA from criminals after committing a felony. This paper contends that the envelope needs to be pushed a little further to increase DNA collection and that for all criminals, despite the charge, DNA testing should be implemented, expanding to surpass just felony crimes. The paper also looks at current policy, as well as policy opportunities and recommendations.

Outline:
Issue Statement
Current Policy
Policy Opportunities
Policy Recommendations
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Eleven states require those who commit certain misdemeanors must provide a DNA sample. There are fifteen states which now include laws authorizing arrestee sampling. Tennessee however will only collect DNA from those who have been arrested of a violent felony in which probable cause was found. As of 2004 California requires a DNA sample from adults whom were arrested or charged with a felony sec offense, murder, voluntary manslaughter, or attempt of any of those crimes. As a result of the statute developed not only by Pennsylvania but adopted by many other states the CODIS, Combined DNA Index System, was established and funded by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. By using CODIS software it allows states to share and compare DNA. The National Institute of Justice funds states and units of local government to fund indentifying, reviewing, and investigation "violent crime cold cases."
"

Tags:criminals, fingerprints, felony, database

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
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
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 different approaches to collecting data for research purposes. It also attempts to evaluate whether these approaches are suitable to answer the stated research question, "do murderers choose the method of killing a victim according to their personality traits?." The paper establishes the differences between qualitative and quantitative research and then introduces the most common forms of data collection methods (interviews, focus groups, case studies, observations, documentary sources, questionnaires and experiments). The paper contains a bibliography, as well as a list of sources used.

Table of Contents:
Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research
Interviews
Focus Groups
Case Studies
Observations
Documentary sources
Questionnaires
Experiments
Conclusions

From the Paper
"Regarding the present research question, questionnaires are a suitable approach to determine murderers' personality traits. Already existing personality questionnaires, such as the Big Five Marker (Goldberg, 1992), the NEO-PI-R (Costa & McCrae, 1992) and the Big Five Inventory (John, Donahue & Kentle, 1991) could be used to determine the prisoners' personality traits, which show high reliability and validity rates. Generally, questionnaires seem to be appropriate because it allows for a large sample size. Furthermore, getting permission to post questionnaires to prisoners might be easier than getting the permission to administer questionnaires by hand or conduct interviews and focus groups in a prison setting. And not to forget the fact that sending out questionnaires is less time consuming and more cost effective than the other above mentioned data collection procedures."

Tags:sample, interviews, focus, observations, documentary, questionnaires, experiments