(= the data you need)
during your Trial
practitioner coordinator
technical coordinatotr
trial owner
In a nutshell
What this step
is about
The data collection plan describes how all the data you need to answer your research question will be collected and measured, by whom and by which means during the trial. This structured plan is key to addressing the research questions.
In depth
All you need to know
about this step
The starting point to formulating a good data collection plan is the rationale behind it. Ask yourself why you need a specific set of data and for which purposes. The answers should be easily found in the trial objective(s) and in the research questions (“to answer this research question, I have to collect this set of data”). Please bear in mind that you only have to collect the data you really need (“what is needed to provide an answer?”); but also which you are capable of collecting (“how much time and resources are available?”). To do this, you have to identify appropriate KPIs in all three performance measurement dimensions (trial, CM, solutions). Have a look at the list of generic KPIs and complete it with trial-specific measures.
You then have to think about “who” will collect the data, “when” and “how”. You can collect data through the test-bed technical infrastructure and/or through observers during a specific session of the trial and in a given moment of the scenario. You can also collect data through surveys and focus groups. Ultimately, the data collection plan will serve the purpose of a roadmap. To get to your final destination, you have to map carefully all the information you need, bearing in mind the trial objective(s). Map out your plan using an Excel file to represent the directions you have to follow.
The list of generic KPIs is part of the trial guidance tool (see page 96).
Methods
Brainstorming, process modeling,
baseline, innovation line,
societal impact assessment,
research ethics, 3 dimensions & KPI’s
Tools
Excel, flow diagram, CM taxonomy,
trial guidance tool, observer support tool,
trial action plan, knowledge base,
after-action review tool, observer support tool,
extra developer tools
Checklist
- Determined what data is to be collected
- Determined measures and metrics (KPIs)
- Determined how data will be collected (e.g. self-report methods: questionnaire, interviews, observations).
- Data collection plan implemented in the observer support tool
- Data collection can concern ethical and legal issues. Consider this, and prepare the relevant documents, such as informed consent sheets and non-disclosure agreements.