ABSTRACT
The first step—exploring the problem—is one of the most important in a consulting project, yet it is also one that the client often doesn’t think needs much discussion. This is because many people involved in a consulting project, including the client, often want to move to data collection and implementation as quickly as possible. After gathering the relevant data, the consultants concluded that the computer system used for tracking the children was flawed and was responsible for why children were being “lost.” Interviews are fairly time consuming; and because time is money, they can be somewhat costly. However, they are one of the best and most frequently used ways to gain information. Regardless of the organization or issue being investigated, developing a questionnaire that provides accurate and consistent results is a well-honed skill. Surveys can be administered on site, mailed to respondents, or given to respondents to take home and return or mail back.
