What is satisfaction? How do we ask questions about satisfaction? Is there a best approach? Here we present some tips and best practices for asking satisfaction questions in a survey. At Balcostics our mission is to empower leaders with the required data and information to make better decisions. Learn more about our full list of research…
Tag: Balcostics Reports
Qualitative & Quantitative Sampling Methods
Research is a systematic approach to collecting, entering and analyzing data. The process of data collection begins with determining which 'sampling method(s)' one will use - qualitative or quantitative. This slideshow provides a practical 'how-to guide' in sampling techniques, looking at the qualitative versus the quantitative approaches. At Balcostics our mission is to empower leaders…
Another look at Questionnaire Design
"It is not every question that deserves an answer." - Pubius Syrus Questionnaire design is imperative to the success of a research project. When all is said and done, the results of your research reflect the questions that were asked. This slide will highlight the following: What questions should be asked Best approaches in phrasing a…
Planning your research: The simple yet effective whiteboard
Before embarking on a new research project, the following are considered extremely important to the successful execution of same: Brainstorming: Planning should begin with the brainstorming phase, where the problems/ questions that need answering is verbally aired, reviewed and discussed. A white board is an excellent tool that can be used to capture the information…
Is there a methodology for collecting and analyzing big data?
Jahangir Mohammed provided the most detailed response to our question on Quora - September 2, 2012. We wanted to find out if there was a systematic process/ method involved in the analysis, collection and presentation of big data. Here is Jahangir's answer: "I am inclined to say the approach is definitely systematic, but there are lots of options and one…
Jamaica and ‘Big Data’: The Future of Research
The emergence of 'big data' - the wealth of information being collected daily on customer behaviour and attitude via websites such as Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin etc - will cause a change in research as we know it. Internationally, the 'big data' discourse have gone a far way, however no mention has been made regarding its…
Jamaica Olympics Medal Stats (1948 – 2012)
Jamaica is renown for it’s excellence in track & field. In this infographics, we highlight Jamaica’s performance at each Olympics from 1948 to 2012 London games. With Rio 2016 only a few months away, we pause to reflect on our past achievements. What’s your prediction for the total number of medals Jamaica will earn in Rio?
Drugs Free Olympics
This article seeks to examine the measures that have been put in place to identify and disqualify drug users at the Olympics in London 2012. Hugh Robertson - the UK Minister of Sports and Olympics - stated that "We cannot absolutely guarantee that these will be drug-free games, but we can guarantee that we have…
The Research Behind Eating Caribbean Fruits
We are often encouraged to eat foods with less fat and sodium, more fiber, more complex carbohydrates and lower in calories. [You can watch the animated video if you don't want to read] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xd47lton8OU The foods that are most promoted are usually the imported ones since more is known about them than about our local…
Top 10 Dancehall/Reggae Artistes on Social Media – V1.0
This updated version of our 'Top 10 dancehall/reggae artistes on social media', highlight the inclusion of Gyptian and Jah Cure to our list. Gyptian has entered our ranking in the #3 position and Jah Cure #6. This list is created via information gathered from the Facebook and Twitter accounts of Jamaican Artistes - rankings are based…
Conducting your own survey? Here is a quick guide
What is a survey? It is the systematic/structured gathering of information from a sample/ proportion of individuals for the main purpose of making conclusions/predictions about a larger population/group. Prior to starting a survey, one should... Define a clear purpose for the survey Create research objectives/research questions you intend to answer Decide on a methodology to…
Economics and the Caribbean Integration problem
There are four fundamental principles that governs the economics discipline. They are as follows: All economic behaviours can be grouped under one or more of these principles. In the case of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME), it could be viewed that opening one’s borders to free movement of people, goods and services should make…
Winning Schools: Champs Stats since 1910
How much do you really know about Jamaica's premier Schools Athletic Championship? Did you know that: Boys Champs begun in 1910 - Wolmers High School won Girls Champs begun in 1957 - St. Hilda's High School won Boys Champs was held separately from Girls Champs In 1999, Boys and Girls Champs were merged into one event There was…
The Telephone Interview Questionnaire
Be Prepared to Interview Be prepared, Be very prepared. It is one thing to gather the courage to walk up to a perfect stranger, put on your best smile and ask them to fill out a questionnaire. It is a completely different thing to make a phone call to a complete stranger and ask them…
Questions for the Questionnaire
The following represents questions one should ask when creating a questionnaire. What does the question contribute? Each question included in the questionnaire, should contribute significantly to acquiring relevant information for the researcher. The questionnaire should be assessed prior, so as to ensure that all the questions present are relevant and if not, irrelevant questions removed.…