In the humanitarian field, collecting accurate data is essential for making informed decisions and providing effective assistance to those in need. However, collecting data in challenging environments can be a daunting task. This is where field surveys come in. Field surveys allow organizations to collect essential data in difficult-to-reach areas. In this blog post, we will explore how field surveys can maximize data collection in challenging environments and how our company can help you with your field survey needs.
Maximizing Data Collection in Challenging Environments: To maximize data collection in challenging environments, organizations need to follow these best practices:
- Plan ahead: Proper planning is crucial for the success of field surveys. Organizations need to identify the target population, determine the research objectives, and design the survey questionnaire before deploying the survey team. In our company, we have placed a workflow that maximizes efficiency and minimizes risk. Once we receive the project our Operations Manager, Project Manager, and Data Scientist review the project scope and transmit the needed information to the Talent Management team to recruit the needed workforce to proceed. After recruitment, training is done and a pilot project is launched. Once all the information and the survey is tested and ready to go the project is launched.
- Train the survey team: Field surveys require specialized skills, such as effective communication, data management, and cultural sensitivity. Organizations need to ensure that the survey team is trained in these skills before deploying them in the field. As mentioned in the point above, the workforce team dedicated to each project receives training and conducts a pilot test before going on the field and starting the data collection process.
- Use culturally appropriate methods: Field surveys require the use of culturally appropriate methods to ensure that the survey team can effectively communicate with the respondents. This includes using local languages, respecting cultural norms, and using appropriate survey methods. These methods are usually discussed in the training before our team heads to the field and starts the data collection process.
- Ensure respondent safety and confidentiality: Field surveys must prioritize respondent safety and confidentiality. Organizations need to ensure that the survey team is trained in these protocols and that respondents feel safe and confident in sharing their information. Our team signs NDAs with the field team and they are always accompanied by a project manager and/or a supervisor that knows the area and is fully trained on how to act in case of an emergency.
How Bridge. Outsource. Transform Can Help:
At Bridge. Outsource. Transform, we specialize in providing high-quality data collection services for clients in the humanitarian field. Our services include field surveys, remote surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. We have the expertise and experience to design and implement field surveys in challenging environments, ensuring that our clients receive accurate and reliable data.
Field surveys are an essential tool for collecting accurate data in challenging environments, such as remote areas.
By following best practices and working with an experienced data collection provider like B.O.T, organizations can maximize their data collection efforts and make informed decisions that positively impact those in need.
