Bus 642 Case Assignment Week 4

Running Head: Case Assignment Week 4

Jada T. Smith

BUS 642: Business Research Methods & Tools

Instructor Donna Wall

August 28, 2012

1. Advantages/disadvantages of survey and observations can be seen in data collection. In a survey specific question direct the data collection efforts. In observation studies the data collation is not guided. Observation can be very useful in the right situations though. Oppose to surveys, observational methods can take advantage of sensory means (sight, hearing, smell, and touch) during collection of data. In survey’s respondents can be widely dispersed, and usually more inclined to participation because they remain in their own comfort settings. In observations data is more narrowly based, and respondents may be faster to opt-out due to less control of their settings. There is also timing to consider in observations, and variation in time restraints (whether information is needed hastily or not, and time of observations) is of concern too. I would think that an observation study could be used in a business environment to gauge teamwork. By first observing how employees work together without control or inducement. Then once enough data is collect put all employees through an extensive teamwork/team building course. Afterwards perform the same observation to reveal changes in teamwork behavior.

2. Any observations that involve individuals who are unaware present ethical concerns. Individuals in observation studies that use unobtrusive measures can be sneaky. Meaning the study can be concealed from those involved without their approval. For example, studies that make use of one way mirrors, hidden cameras, hidden microphones, etc.

3. At my last job observation study could have been used. There was a vending area in our break room, but no refrigerator for storing lunches brought from home. First an observation would need to record those who use the break room and bought from the vending machines. Then once...