FOR MADAM PROFESSOR

create a plan for data processing. After students have collected the data for the RfG project, it will be necessary to identify what data processing steps will be used to process that data. Students will explain why they are using the chosen system and how each step is relevant to the research objectives. Students will also need to explain how to ensure the integrity of the data during each step of the data processing, as well as identify any limitations or regulations that may be encountered when manipulating the data. The data processing steps chosen should support the research objectives and ultimately meet the client’s needs.

The Scenario: Running for Glory (RfG) is a one-site running-centric fitness store in Seattle, WA. Seattle has been a center of running enthusiasts for over 40 years, with many stores catering to a wide variety of customers. However, in the past 20 years, most of the stores have expanded to include other sports and have lost their focus on the running trade. Running for Glory has stayed true to its running history and has developed an extremely loyal, almost fanatical customer base. However, the company has not kept abreast of the advances in technology, so it does not know much about its customers other than what its cash registers tell. It can produce basic sales data from its cash register systems, and it can manage inventory records with the help of its suppliers, but RfG cannot analyze trends in customer demographics, develop strategic plans for expansion, or engage in serious discussion with its suppliers concerning the viability of sourcing new products or eliminating any existing ones.

One of the Running for Glory partners is convinced that the company should expand to the farther suburbs, where many younger people are locating. This partner believes that RfG’s future lies in attracting new, younger customers in these farther suburbs, but without any demographic data, the four partners have only their instincts to use in making any decisions.

RfG management, including executive partners, has decided to hire a consulting company to analyze the company’s situation and develop a report. You have been selected as a consultant for this project.

Assignment

Write a 2–3-page data processing plan. Within this plan, include a graphical representation of your data processing steps. Be creative with this figure; it could be a flowchart or some other graphic that clearly shows your steps. Answer the following questions to address the critical elements of this project milestone.

• Data Process Steps
  • What steps will you use to process that data?
  • Why will you use the system you identified?
• Relevance
  • Why is each step important?
  • How will the process you use allow the data to be used to answer the research questions and meet the client needs?
• Integrity
  • How will you ensure the integrity of the data as you process it?
• Limitations
  • Are there regulations that limit your usage and manipulations?