Running head: DATA GATHERING AND ANALYSIS Data Gathering and Analysis Michelle Mc Donald- Upshaw MBA-FP6018 January 31, 2017 Professor: Jeffrey Edwards 1 DATA GATHERING AND ANALYSIS 2 Data Gathering and Analysis To: The organizations' leaders, Data gathering and analysis identify opportunities and issues that a company can use to make critical business decisions. This report outlines the changing relationship between the real estate agents and their clients. Besides, it will also provide recommendations for addressing the growing demands on the real estate agents. Qualitative data for analysis This research will use qualitative data as the primary form of data analysis. Qualitative data is reliable data and is more compelling compared to quantitative data (Polkinghome, 2005). It would provide a clear understanding of the changing relationship between the real estate agents and their clients. Quantitative data opposes clarity and openness while qualitative data is useful data that can describe behavior, characteristics, opinions, and reasons. Ethical considerations when collecting and analyzing qualitative data When conducting ethical research, there are key issues that can arise. These problems include interpretation of data, the disclosure of data, and internet information (Rogleberg, 2008). When disclosure is discussed, it pertains to researcher and observer relationships. This data could be altered if participants in the study change or disguise the research interests or results (Rogleberg, 2008). The internet on the other hand although the information contained can be limitless it carries significant risks. The risks in question are the compromising of participant's answers or the accessibility of the answers to a third party (Rogleberg, 2008). In conducting this research, the data interpretation should be honest and fair. One concern that must be considered when doing this research is the avoidance of disclosure of the respondent's information. According to Ritchie et al. (2013), disclosing of DATA GATHERING AND ANALYSIS 3 participants information by a researcher is unethical and can harm the respondents. To avoid this, strict privacy is paramount. One can even use fictitious names to refereeing to the participants involved to provide a level of confidence for the respondents. Uninformed consent is another consideration that can affect the ethical content of this research. This is inclusive of the lack of prior communication that speaks to the theme of the research by the researcher. It also includes deception and rudeness. A respondent should never feel deceived or disrespected. This ethical concern could be addressed by effective communication between the respondent and the researcher (Ritchie et al., 2013). Ethical guidelines must be an integral part of the research to avoid ethical violations. These ethical guidelines must include record maintenance, informed consent, and confidentiality. The integrity and confidentiality of the research have to be disclosed. The records also pertain to confidentiality and should be kept private. If a third party researcher is used a signed agreement enforcing the confidentiality of the research is critical and must be enforced. A strict code of conduct that relates to purchase and sale in good faith is eminent. This code of conduct will also keep the agents abreast of ethical rules and changes that affect ethical issues. Qualitative data will be used to support the context of data collected, and the context is primary in this method. In this research, a theory that outlines the changing relationship between agents and clients is necessary, qualitative data is needed. According to Graham Gibbs, qualitative data can be \"any form of human communication-written, audio or visual-behavior, symbolism or cultural artifacts\" (Gibbs, 2007). Research question hierarchy Six concepts will govern this research hierarchy question that will organize and access information on the company. The management dilemma is the changing relationship between the DATA GATHERING AND ANALYSIS 4 real estate agents and their clients and is the first concept in this research. The second concept is the ability to develop and coach to the change between the agents and clients. The third concept is the development of research questions such as what can be done to foster a positive attitude and behavior from the agents. The next concept will deal with investigative issues such as why is there a disconnection between the agents and clients from a managerial standpoint. The fifth concept is the development of measurement questions this will identify the boundaries of the agents. Finally, a management decision has to be enforced this will include the course of action that arise from this research (Shivakumar, n.d.). A few sample questions are; what services are expected from the agents? What sources were used when selecting a real estate company? What needs to be improved for a better relationship? A research questionnaire would be helpful; see Appendix attached. Qualitative data collection and analysis Interviews, self-reporting, online focus groups, case studies, research projects and observation are some qualitative data collection methods that can be used to determine the matter at hand (Polkinghorne, 2005). The easiest method for data in this research is a questionnaire. The clients can use numerical answers that will simplify the mathematical calculation. A controlled technique is needed to analyze data and draw conclusions. On completion, of the questionnaire the data has to be compiled. There are different methods in which to do so. The company may use any of the following, descriptive statistics, histograms, plot charts, ANOVA, and cross tabulations to name a few (Wisegeek, 2015). It is best to use graphical representation to display the results and make it easier to understand. Another method would be to collect data by interview. The researcher must ask unstructured and structured questions to groups and individuals. It is critical to listen to their DATA GATHERING AND ANALYSIS 5 remarks, views and inputs. Creating a focus group discussion is crucial to this type of research. It provides the researcher the opportunity to gather valuable opinions as well as diverse opinions. Comparison analysis can be used to analyze the collected data. According to Onwuegbuzie et al. (2012), this provides multiple insights to the researcher from the data collected. It provides a correlation between the variables compared. Therefore, the method will be suitable for the data collected from focus groups and or interviews. Conclusion To remain competitive and keep a competitive advantage over other real estate firms the procedures mentioned above that include ethical considerations, research hierarchy questions, and qualitative data must have been adhered too. By taking these steps, the company will have a better understanding of the changes regarding the relationships between the agents and clients. It is recommended that the questionnaire that is made part of this research be implemented to improve the services that this organization offers to clients. Respectfully, Manager References Gibbs, Graham R. (2007). Analyzing Qualitative Data Onwuegbuzie, A. J., Leech, N. L., & Collins, K. M. (2012). Qualitative analysis techniques for the review of the literature. The qualitative report, 17(28), 1. DATA GATHERING AND ANALYSIS 6 Polkinghorne, D. E. (2005). Language and meaning: Data collection in qualitative research. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 52(2), 137-145. Ritchie, J., Lewis, J., Nicholls, C. M., & Ormston, R. (Eds.). (2013). Qualitative research practice: A guide for social science students and researchers. Sage. Shivakumar, N. (n.d.). Research. Retrieved from https://www.scribd.com/doc/17057392/1/TheManagement-Research-Question-Hierarchy Wisegeek. (2015). What are the different data analysis techniques? Retrieved from http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-different-data-analysis-techniques.htm DATA GATHERING AND ANALYSIS 7 Appendix Directions: Please rate the level of agreement with these statements: 1 = Strongly Disagree 10 = Strongly Agree 1. My agent met my real estate needs. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 2. My agent had real estate knowledge that I was looking for. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 3. My agent was responsible in a timely manner. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 4. My agent listened to my needs. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 5. My agent handled the transaction professionally. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 6. Would you use this agent again? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 7. Would you recommend this agent to others? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Past Client 8. What sources did you use in choosing a real estate company? (Choose all that apply) 9. What sources did you find most helpful when choosing a real estate company? (Choose all that apply) 10. Do you have any improvement suggestions for the agent? Referral Internet Search Real Estate Ad Real Estate Sign Open House Social Media