Data Collection Plans (4 points)(the company we choose MR FIELDS)

Provide a detailed timeline, plan, and sample interview guide that will be used by your team to collect additional data for the project (see sample interview questions that can help your team create this guide). The purpose of the data collection is to help your team: (1) quantify the current output problem occurring in the organization; (2) understand the reasons why the output problem is occurring as linked to our course (management skills) content; and (3) understand how the output problem might be resolved. The timeline and plan should be included in the paper, while the sample questions should be included in a section titled "Appendix" at the end of the assignment and will not count towards the page limit. Please note the additional details below as well.

• Your team is required to engage in at least two forms of data collection: (1) interviews, (2) secondary data research and (3) follow up interviews or surveys. Interviews should be conducted first, and then information gathered from the interviews and secondary data research should be used to conduct your follow-up interviews or surveys.
• To help inform your interviews and provide context on the organization and the industry in which it operates, it is beneficial to conduct secondary data research. Primary data research is data that your team collects directly from the organization via interviews, surveys, and/or observations. Secondary data research is a method of research that involves using already existing data. Examples of existing data include market research reports, government statistics, company data, and trade publications. You can find such data by accessing company websites, government websites such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov), trade websites (e.g., IBISWorld), other sources such as Gallup polls gallup.com(Links to an external site.). Additional data can also be found in newspapers, periodicals, databases, and other info at https://www.libraries.rutgers.edu/(Links to an external site.)
• The data collection process should involve multiple individuals across the organizational hierarchy (that is, both employees and managers, not just employees OR managers). Your team should plan to collect data multiple times from the organization (e.g., begin with broad-based interview questions with managers and employees and then attempt to follow up with additional interviews and/or surveys).

Since an effective case analysis hinges on the quality and analysis of the interviews, we highly recommend that, to the extent possible, all team members participate in the interviews. It is recommended that team members take on different roles (e.g., having two different students each asking half the questions, having one student ask questions and others do deeper probes, others taking notes, observing body language, etc.). Since interviews most likely will be conducted virtually and/or over the phone, thorough preparation and participation by all team members will be necessary to ensure success.

Appendix - Contact Log

Throughout the semester, you will be interacting with your point of contact and members of the organization that you are studying. To keep track of these various interactions (e.g., phone calls, interviews, etc.), as well as to serve as proof that these interactions in fact occurred, you must maintain a "contact log." This log should consist of the following types of information:

1. Time of the phone meeting (e.g., phone, video call, etc.)
2. Hours/duration of meeting
3. Participants (both from your team and the company)
4. Tasks carried out/what was accomplished
5. Artifacts from the meeting (e.g., student notes)

This information can be captured in a word or excel document and should be maintained throughout the semester. Updated logs must be included in the T4 and T6 assignments as well. Failure to include a Contact Log will result in a reduction in this assignment's grade.