Mobile Data Collection Systems

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Mobile Data Collection Systems

Web-based Data Collection

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Mobile Data Collection Systems

Photo: Man working on a laptop Macro pioneered Web-based data collection in support of program monitoring and program evaluation activities at a variety of government agencies and departments. Web-based data collection, as implemented by Macro, provides several key advantages:

All entered data are stored in and retrieved directly from centrally located database records. Respondents can provide requested data over a number of sessions and, at the beginning of each session, find their submissions exactly as they were at the end of the previous session. Data that are available prior to collection can be preloaded; the individual respondents do not have to re-enter them each year.
All data are immediately validated for completeness and consistency as they are entered. Such data quality control measures are far more effective when done during data entry and result in much higher quality data. Easy-to-understand symbols and messages help the user ensure that each response is complete and accurate.
The status of the data collection effort can be monitored in real time. At any point during data collection, Macro and the client can check how many respondents are in the process of completing the questionnaires and how many have completed their responses. Preliminary summaries of provided data can be produced well before the data collection due date. Such “distance monitoring” is invaluable in ensuring timely and accurate data collection.
Data analysis can begin immediately after survey closeout. Reports on key indicators can be produced while the survey is in the field so that preliminary data analysis can begin at any time during data collection.

The benefits of Web surveys go beyond data entry. Web system features permit tracking data, response progress, and trends. Each Web survey we develop includes a monitoring system for use by survey managers, survey project officers, and survey contractors. This system includes monitoring, administrative, and reporting functionality. Any function of the monitoring system can be reached by clicking on the appropriate link.

Woman using computer NAIS StatsOnline
Macro designed and implemented a statistical application for the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) members-only Web site. StatsOnline, a Web-based data collection and online statistical and reporting tool, allows authenticated users to enter and retrieve data and create custom statistical reports through a Web browser. The system also allows NAIS administrators to manage surveys and users, providing sophisticated reporting and querying tools. StatsOnline was developed to work with SPSS and was programmed in Macromedia ColdFusion MX with a Microsoft SQL Server 2000 database backend.

Scientist with computer in the background Cancer Registries
The population-based system of cancer registries that we developed and operate for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a landmark in the history of cancer surveillance. Established in 1992 by the Cancer Registries Amendment Act, this national cancer surveillance system covers 96 percent of the U.S. population. We developed an automated system in a LAN/IT environment that is compatible with CDC's system. This cancer registry system collects, processes, and controls the quality of data and reports on data quality, case completeness, and cancer incidence and mortality rates for the Nation, regions, and States. We coordinate with CDC and other participating parties for cancer data submission, quality control, data management, and statistical analysis. Data is submitted by 45 States, the District of Columbia, and three U.S. territories. In 2003, we processed more than 7 million cancer records for patients diagnosed between 1995 and 2000.

Man using a laptop National Science Foundation (NSF)-National Institutes of Health Survey of Graduate Students and Post Doctorates in Science and Engineering
Macro has conducted, processed, and tabulated this survey since 1984. We designed the survey's original Web site, and we designed and developed a Web-based data collection interface to enable online data collection, monitoring, and processing. The Web interface, which automates and simplifies many tasks, reduces the need for paper survey forms, provides detailed instructions and online help for survey items, eliminates the redundancy of entering survey data twice (by respondents and by our staff), and provides a better way for institutions and NSF to manage data collection. Currently, we are involved in a major redesign of the data collection instruments.

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