In response to specific client needs, AOC uses a multi-step survey design process.  First, we critically review the task to understand the purpose of the survey, prepare a clearly defined statement of purpose, and a well-structured action-based use scenario to guide survey design elements and insure actionable data will be collected.  Next we carefully define potential respondent pool for the survey.  This audience assessment allows us to prepare a more “palatable” survey, insuring validity of the desired data sets.

 

AOC then determines what information is appropriate for collection and what timeline applies to the effort.  Key here is to determine if this is a single administration or will the survey data be collected a number of times over time among the same audience.  Then we examine resources to determine whether the survey will be web-based, sent via email, or reside on an Intranet server.  This may be impacted by the pool of respondents, the organizational culture, or the extent to which our client wants to be involved in the effort. 


AOC  pre-tests each  survey prior to launch to insure instructions, questions and rating scales are understood, as well as determining how long it will take to complete the survey.  This emphasis on planning and design of our surveys ensures a useful, best-value survey providing exactly the data our customers seek.


AOC’s customizable online survey tool collects data electronically via email or weblink. Surveys can also be launched through our client organization’s Intranet.  All surveys and responses are encrypted using 128 bit, Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) that was developed for transmitting private documents or information via the Internet. It essentially works through a cryptographic system that secures a connection between a client and a server.  Survey designs meet all current US Federal Section 508 certification guidelines.