Benchmark data collection – lost revenue due to failure of

The  purpose of this assignment is to conduct internal and external research  to determine viable solutions that could be implemented to solve an  identified problem.

For this assignment, you will create an Excel  spreadsheet that summarizes the data collection you have completed. The  spreadsheet should indicate the date on which particular data were  collected, the source of the data collected, the type of data  (qualitative or quantitative), and a one- or two-sentence summary of the  data findings. Name the Excel spreadsheet as follows:  lastname.firstname.datacollection.xlsx.

Please note that as part  of the research process, taking the initiative to speak with management  and then requesting and reviewing business metrics and operations  reports will allow you to find the data you need for the project while  also showing your employer that you can be proactive and use critical  thinking to solve problems within the organization.

Part 1:

The  first step in data collection is to conduct research. You are looking  for specific, measurable data (statistics and numbers) related to how  the problem is affecting the organization. This information should be  recorded in the form of a chart or graph that presents the data so key  decision makers can see the “cost” of failing to address the problem.  Use the study materials for assistance with creating Excel graphs and  charts that can be used to illustrate your findings.

Part 2:

Next,  conduct additional research to learn what has already been done to  address this problem within the organization. Ask questions and  interview individuals who assisted with the implementation of previous  solutions used to address the problem. Prior to meeting with  individuals, develop a list of questions about previous solutions.  Consider factors such as customer importance, efficiency, quality,  employee satisfaction, and cost effectiveness. You will want to make  sure you ask questions that allow you to gather measurable data and  include information about how successful previous solution options were  in addressing each of the problems. When you have completed your  research, the findings should be summarized in an illustration using at  least one chart or graph that represents the data you have collected.  Use the study materials for assistance with creating Excel graphs and  charts that can be used to illustrate your findings.

Part 3:

The  last step in determining potential solutions is to conduct external  research. Using Internet and industry resources, research ways other  companies have addressed this issue or one very similar to it. Look for  specific information related to the customer response, efficiency,  quality, employee satisfaction, and cost effectiveness of solutions  others have implemented. Find at least five potential solutions you can  consider for solving the problem you have identified. Your goal in  conducting this research is to find practical examples and measurable  data related to how other companies, and related industries, have  resolved the same problem or one very similar to it. When you have  completed your research, the findings should be summarized in an  illustration using at least one chart or graph, representing the data  you have collected. Use the study materials for assistance with creating  Excel graphs and charts, as this will help illustrate your findings.

Submit  the data collection Excel spreadsheet and the three data summary  charts/graphs you have created from the research conducted to your  instructor.

The three charts/graphs you create will be used again  in your Business Proposal Presentation in Topic 7, as well as within the  Final Business Proposal you will submit in Topic 8. Evidence of  revision from instructor feedback will be assessed on the final business  proposal.

General Requirements:

While  APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid  academic writing is expected, and documentation of sources should be  presented using APA formatting guidelines, which can be found in the APA  Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

This  assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning  the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful  completion.

You are not required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite.

Benchmark Information

This benchmark assignment assesses the following programmatic competencies:

BS Applied Management 

2.1 Analyze qualitative and quantitative methods of research.

2.2 Develop data collection plans for action research in organizations.