Data Collection: Planning for and Collecting All Types of Data

Data Collection is the second of six books in the Measurement and Evaluation Series from Pfeiffer. The proven ROI Methodology—developed by the ROI Institute—provides a practical system for evaluation planning, data collection, data analysis, and reporting. All six books in the series offer the latest tools, most current research, and practical advice for measuring ROI in a variety of settings.

Data Collection offers an effective process for collecting data that is essential to the implementation of the ROI Methodology. The authors outline the techniques, processes, and critical issues involved in successful data collection. The book examines the various methods of data collection, including questionnaires, interviews, focus groups, observation, action plans, performance contracts, and monitoring records. Written for evaluators, facilitators, analysts, designers, coordinators, and managers, Data Collection is a valuable guide for collecting data that are adequate in quantity and quality to produce a complete and credible analysis.

About the Authors

Patricia Pulliam Phillips is an internationally recognized author, consultant, and president and CEO of the ROI Institute, Inc. Phillips provides consulting services to organizations worldwide. She helps organizations build capacity in the ROI Methodology by facilitating the ROI certification process and teaching the ROI Methodology through workshops and graduate-level courses.

Cathy A. Stawarski is program manager of the Strategic Performance Improvement and Evaluation program at the Human Resources Research Organization (HumRRO) in Alexandria, Virginia. She has more than twenty-five years of experience in research, training and development, and program evaluation. Throughout her nearly twenty years at HumRRO, she has worked primarily with clients in the federal sector. Her work includes leading and conducting the evaluation of leadership and human capital initiatives as well as assisting organizations in developing comprehensive evaluation strategies.