Surveys and questionnaires are effective facilitation techniques used in elicitation to gather information from a large group of stakeholders efficiently. They involve the systematic collection of data through structured sets of questions, allowing business analysts to quantify opinions, preference…Surveys and questionnaires are effective facilitation techniques used in elicitation to gather information from a large group of stakeholders efficiently. They involve the systematic collection of data through structured sets of questions, allowing business analysts to quantify opinions, preferences, and behaviors relevant to the project's objectives. Surveys can be distributed electronically or in paper form, and they are particularly useful when stakeholders are geographically dispersed or when time constraints limit face-to-face interactions.
One of the key advantages of surveys is their ability to reach a broad audience quickly, making them ideal for gathering statistical data and identifying trends or common concerns among stakeholders. This technique helps in capturing a wide range of insights that might not surface during individual interviews or group discussions. Surveys can include closed-ended questions, which are easier to analyze quantitatively, or open-ended questions, which provide qualitative insights into stakeholder perspectives.
Designing an effective survey requires careful consideration of the questions to ensure they are clear, unbiased, and aligned with the elicitation objectives. The questions should be structured to avoid ambiguity and to elicit responses that are useful for analysis. Additionally, it's important to consider the length of the survey to encourage completion and to provide instructions that facilitate accurate responses.
Analyzing survey data involves compiling the responses, identifying patterns, and interpreting the results to inform the business analysis process. The findings from surveys can highlight areas that require further investigation, validate assumptions, or reveal new requirements that stakeholders have not previously expressed. Surveys and questionnaires are valuable tools in the elicitation toolkit, complementing other techniques to provide a comprehensive understanding of stakeholder needs and expectations.
Surveys and Questionnaires: A Comprehensive Guide for PMI-PBA
Why Surveys and Questionnaires are Important
Surveys and questionnaires are critical tools in the business analyst's toolkit for several reasons:
1. Efficient data collection - They allow gathering information from large groups of stakeholders in a standardized format.
2. Quantifiable feedback - They provide measurable data that can be analyzed statistically.
3. Broad reach - They can access geographically dispersed stakeholders who might be difficult to interview individually.
4. Anonymity option - They can offer anonymity, encouraging honest feedback on sensitive topics.
5. Cost-effectiveness - They require fewer resources than conducting individual interviews with the same number of people.
What are Surveys and Questionnaires?
Surveys and questionnaires are structured methods of data collection that use a predefined set of questions to gather information from respondents. While often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences:
- A questionnaire is the actual document containing questions designed to gather specific information.
- A survey is the overall process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting the information gathered through questionnaires.
In the context of business analysis, surveys and questionnaires serve as elicitation techniques to gather requirements, feedback, preferences, and other valuable information from stakeholders.
How Surveys and Questionnaires Work
1. Planning and Design: - Define clear objectives for what information you need - Identify the target audience - Determine the appropriate survey method (online, paper, telephone) - Plan timing and resources
2. Question Development: - Create clear, unbiased questions - Use appropriate question types: • Closed-ended (multiple choice, rating scales, yes/no) • Open-ended (free text responses) • Likert scales (agreement levels) • Matrix questions (rating multiple items using the same scale)
3. Survey Administration: - Distribute the survey to the target audience - Monitor response rates - Send reminders if necessary
4. Data Collection and Analysis: - Gather responses - Clean and organize data - Analyze using appropriate statistical methods - Interpret findings in context of business needs
5. Reporting and Action: - Document findings - Make recommendations based on results - Incorporate insights into requirements
Best Practices for Surveys and Questionnaires
1. Keep it concise - Respect respondents' time by including only essential questions.
2. Use simple language - Avoid jargon, technical terms, or complex phrasing.
3. Avoid leading questions - Frame questions neutrally to prevent biasing responses.
4. Test before distribution - Pilot test with a small group to identify issues.
5. Provide clear instructions - Explain the purpose and how to complete the survey.
6. Consider the order of questions - Start with engaging questions and group related topics together.
7. Include an appropriate mix of question types - Balance closed and open-ended questions based on your objectives.
Advantages and Limitations
Advantages: - Consistent format for all respondents - Easy to analyze quantitative data - Can reach large, diverse audiences - Relatively low cost per respondent - Reduces interviewer bias
Limitations: - Cannot probe for additional information - No opportunity to clarify misunderstandings - May have low response rates - Self-selection bias (who chooses to respond) - Limited ability to capture context and nuance
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Surveys and Questionnaires
1. Understand the context - Pay attention to the scenario details when determining if surveys are appropriate.
2. Know when to use surveys - Recognize scenarios where surveys are most beneficial (large groups, geographically dispersed stakeholders, need for statistical data).
3. Recognize when NOT to use surveys - Identify situations where other elicitation techniques would be more effective (complex requirements, exploratory research, detailed processes).
4. Distinguish question types - Be able to identify and select the appropriate type of question for different information needs.
5. Address bias concerns - Look for questions that ask about reducing bias in survey design or administration.
6. Understand statistical concepts - Be familiar with basic statistical terms like sample size, margin of error, and response rate.
7. Connect to the BA process - Understand how survey results feed into requirements documentation and validation.
8. Recognize follow-up techniques - Know when additional elicitation techniques should complement survey findings.
9. Apply ethical considerations - Consider privacy, confidentiality, and informed consent when designing surveys.
10. Focus on response quality - Recognize strategies to improve response rates and data quality.
When answering PMI-PBA exam questions about surveys and questionnaires, always consider the stakeholder needs, project context, and what specific information is being sought. Remember that surveys are excellent for gathering broad input but may need to be supplemented with other techniques for deeper insights.