MLL Data Collection Training Program
The purpose of the training program offered by Management Learning Laboratories (MLL, see www.m-l-l.org) is to offer an in-depth and hands-on discussion of the methods of collecting citizen input. After attending the training program the participants would be able to design and conduct a citizen data collection process that would elicit reliable data that could be used for long- and short-term planning. The participants will be able to select the correct methods of data collection and be able differentiate between “good” and “bad” data and thus would become more informed consumers of data.
The topics covered include:
1. Use of focus groups, public hearings and electronic town halls in the questionnaire construction
2. Constructing questionnaires using appropriate format and language with the help of MLL QuestionBank
3. Sample design and sample selection
4. Methods of mail, telephone, face-to-face, and electronic data collection with specific focus on mail data collection and Web-based data collection
5. Methods of data entry and data checking
6. Data analysis techniques using standard computer programs, examples with real data set
7. Translating data into action items
The training program is divided into three two-hour segments and concludes with a one-hour question and answer section that specifically focuses on the needs of the audience.
The key learning outcomes are:
1. How to conduct focus group meetings
2. How to design a questionnaire
3. How to select a sample
4. How to coordinate and manage a data collection effort
5. How to manage the data
6. How to analyze the data
The training program is concluded in a single day with two two-hour segments before a break, and the remaining segments are conducted after the break.
The participants each receive the following at the end of the session:
1. CD with MLL QuestionBank which is usually priced at $99
2. CD with instructions on every element covered in the training program
3. CD with examples of past questionnaires and other material like cover letters and reminder postcards
4. Discount voucher for future data collection study conducted by MLL
The training is based on numerous presentations at national and state conferences. The training is conducted by Professor Ananda Mitra (PhD, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) who is the lead author of Research Methods in Park, Recreation and Leisure Services (Sagamore Publishing, 2000) and the author of Needs Assessment: A Systematic Approach to Data Collection (Sagamore Publishing, 2011). He has presented papers and sessions of data collection at nearly 50 conferences nationally and internationally. He is the President of Management Learning Laboratories (MLL) which has conducted nearly 100 citizen data collection studies. Professor Mitra has conducted nearly 600 recreation-related focus group meetings and developed about 100 recreation study questionnaires and managed data collection from nearly 400,000 people over the 100 studies in as many communities. Professor Mitra brings his vast experience to the training program.
For more information please call MLL at 877-789-5247.