A Cloud without Rain: A Cutting Edge Data Gathering Sans Paper and PenRamil M. Perez, DBA; FBE Socrates O. Ballais, PhD; AFBE

BackgroundThe authors were commissioned by the GIZ to conduct the 2012 Follow up Value Chain Survey on tourism-related MSMEs in the Province of Leyte specifically the Northwest. This engagement is linked to the survey on value chain conducted in 2010.

BackgroundThe 2010 survey employed the usual data gathering protocol. The questionnaires were printed in hard copies. The interviews were done using the questionnairesSome questionnaires were nowhere to be found after giving them to the respondents.

BackgroundThe 2012 survey was a technological innovation. Utilizes smart phones and tabsQuestionnaires not printed Researchers used android-based smart phones and computer tablets

MethodologyTo offset the researchers inexperience series of self-learning was conducted by the team. During familiarity sessions, it took the researchers an average of 45 minutes to complete an interview. Through practice, time was reduced to 30 minutes.

MethodologyThe respondents of the study were 30 MSMEs [all tourism related establishments] spread across Northwest Leyte area particularly: Ormoc City, Baybay City, Isabel and Palompon.

Issues: paper and pen surveyProblems in 2010 pen and paper survey;Reproduction - some pages were unintentionally not included.Instruments - bulkyQuestionnaires often lostProcess completed in three weeks.

Survey flow using paper and pen

Survey flow using cloudDrastic changes in 2012 survey: both speed and accuracy. From 6 steps, it was reduced to 3.

ResultsCost effective less paper and printing requirements, no need for hard copy of questionnaires. Positively responsesrespondents may be requested to encode answers, can be done with picture taking.

ResultsData uploaded immediatelyreal time results, avoiding data losses caused by manual tabulation. Fabrication avoided the system detects the exact location of enumerator

Further FindingsSurvey process reduced by 50%.Old pen and paper survey expensive.Data can sent anywhere, anytime.Questionnaires can be accessed anywhere.

RecommendationIntroduce ODK to:Educators Researchers,EntrepreneursGraduate students

ODK

Recent applicationRapid economic appraisal of local economy in LeyteCebu tourism satisfaction surveyLeyte tourism satisfaction surveyHabitat post-disrtibution monitoring

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