For the past 15 years, global competition has spurred U.S. companies to downsize, streamline, and cut costs through outsourcing and the use of temporary employees. In fact, the number of temporary employees has increased by more than 250% during the 1990s. The Institute of Managcmcnt and Office Angels-the United Kingdom's secretarial recruitment agency--conducted a survey to study the temporary employment market.

They mailed a questionnaire to a random sample of 4,000 Institute of Management members and received 684 replies. One question asked: "Do you expect an increase, no change, or decrease in the number of temporary employees in your organization by 2002?" 43%

indicated the number of temporary employees would increase. (Management Services, Sept. 1999)

a. Identify the data collection method used by the researchers.

b. Identify the population sampled by the researchers.

c. Based on the question posed by the researchers, what is the variable of interest?

d. Is the variable quantitative or qualitative? Explain.

e. What inference can be made from the results of the study?