The purpose of this assignment is to conduct internal and external research to determine viable solutions that could be implemented to solve an identified problem.

For this assignment, you will create an Excel spreadsheet that summarizes the data collection you have completed. The spreadsheet should indicate the date on which particular data were collected, the source of the data collected, the type of data (qualitative or quantitative), and a one- or two-sentence summary of the data findings. Name the Excel spreadsheet as follows: lastname.firstname.datacollection.xlsx.

Please note that as part of the research process, taking the initiative to speak with management and then requesting and reviewing business metrics and operations reports will allow you to find the data you need for the project while also showing your employer that you can be proactive and use critical thinking to solve problems within the organization.

Part 1:

The first step in data collection is to conduct research. You are looking for specific, measurable data (statistics and numbers) related to how the problem is affecting the organization. This information should be recorded in the form of a chart or graph that presents the data so key decision makers can see the “cost” of failing to address the problem. Use the study materials for assistance with creating Excel graphs and charts that can be used to illustrate your findings.

Part 2:

Next, conduct additional research to learn what has already been done to address this problem within the organization. Ask questions and interview individuals who assisted with the implementation of previous solutions used to address the problem. Prior to meeting with individuals, develop a list of questions about previous solutions. Consider factors such as customer importance, efficiency, quality, employee satisfaction, and cost effectiveness. You will want to make sure you ask questions that allow you to gather measurable data and include information about how successful previous solution options were in addressing each of the problems. When you have completed your research, the findings should be summarized in an illustration using at least one chart or graph that represents the data you have collected. Use the study materials for assistance with creating Excel graphs and charts that can be used to illustrate your findings.

Part 3:

The last step in determining potential solutions is to conduct external research. Using Internet and industry resources, research ways other companies have addressed this issue or one very similar to it. Look for specific information related to the customer response, efficiency, quality, employee satisfaction, and cost effectiveness of solutions others have implemented. Find at least five potential solutions you can consider for solving the problem you have identified. Your goal in conducting this research is to find practical examples and measurable data related to how other companies, and related industries, have resolved the same problem or one very similar to it. When you have completed your research, the findings should be summarized in an illustration using at least one chart or graph, representing the data you have collected. Use the study materials for assistance with creating Excel graphs and charts, as this will help illustrate your findings.

Submit the data collection Excel spreadsheet and the three data summary charts/graphs you have created from the research conducted to your instructor.

The three charts/graphs you create will be used again in your Business Proposal Presentation in Topic 7, as well as within the Final Business Proposal you will submit in Topic 8. Evidence of revision from instructor feedback will be assessed on the final business proposal.

General Requirements:

While APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and documentation of sources should be presented using APA formatting guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

Benchmark Information

This benchmark assignment assesses the following programmatic competencies:

BS Applied Management

2.1 Analyze qualitative and quantitative methods of research.

2.2 Develop data collection plans for action research in organizations.