SURVEYS

Capabilities

Surveys, one of the most common types of quantitative research, are ubiquitous, and there is no shortage of people who can perform them. However, the key to a successful survey is collecting valid and reliable information. Wording and organizing questions, developing a sound sampling plan, and achieving a reasonable response rate are critical components of a survey that, if ignored, are potential sources of errors that can lead to embarrassing or costly results.

As we enter our second decade of conducting survey research, what makes LMI unique in this domain is our ability to augment core survey specialists with our 700-person staff, bringing functional, technical, and data management expertise to any project. Also, as an independent third party, LMI is well positioned to encourage frank feedback from those reticent to respond in their local environment.

We work with our government clients to cost-effectively design, develop, and conduct surveys that generate the accurate, high-quality information they need to carry out meaningful action. Our surveys have practical results and embody a full spectrum of survey types, including identifying the operational areas that need improvement most; gathering data on the impact of programs; gauging customer satisfaction; assessing the quality of work life; evaluating human resource, health-related, A-76, and workload alternatives; assisting with strategic planning; and performing economic analyses.

Our web-based surveys, which employ the LMI-designed Survey Tracking Tool, automatically accumulate data when responses are submitted and send out reminder messages only to those who have not responded. We also conduct mail surveys, less common but sometimes appropriate for reaching certain groups, without which the results would be biased.

We routinely use statistically accurate sampling designs to avoid the cost and burden of surveying a large portion of the population, while providing results that can be generalized. For small populations, we can include everyone in the survey—a census. We use a variety of statistical tools to analyze the results of survey responses and to distinguish the significance of one subgroup’s answers from those of another. And we specialize in reporting survey results in an easily understood, graphical format.

CLIENTS AND SOLUTIONS

Department of State—Gauging HR Customer Satisfaction and Employee Quality of Life

LMI has worked closely with the DOS Bureau of Human Resources to develop key accountability metrics and to identify employee measures linked to the department’s Human Capital Results-Oriented Management System (HCROMS). Two surveys were used to obtain measures for HCROMS: an employee quality of work life survey and a human resources customer satisfaction survey. We helped DOS form the survey questions, test the surveys, and develop a sampling plan. After survey execution, we analyzed, interpreted, and presented the results to senior leadership. DOS is now working to make improvements and communicating the results and an action plan to all stakeholders.