Socio-economic Baseline Survey of Chittagong Hill Tracts - chtdf

HDRCSocio-economic Baseline Survey of Chittagong Hill Tracts26The field data collection process was done through administering questionnaire and guidelinesfor different measurement units. The phase aiming at major data collection activities for thesurvey was involved conducting interview with men and women. A total of 10 field teams with41 field investigators, 10 field supervisors and 5 quality control officers were deployed for aperiod of 35 days from January 08, 2008 to February 13, 2008. In order to ensure highestpossible quality of data collection, one Field supervisor (FS) was deployed for four (4) FIs. Allthe samples are clustered in three districts of CHT; and in its 13 Upazilas. These Upazilas weredivided into 5 clusters and one QCO was deployed in each cluster. Therefore, in order tosuccessfully conduct the data collection activities, a total of 56 field staff (41 FIs, 10 FSs, and 5QCOs) was deployed for more than one month (for details see Annex 4). The Quality ControlOfficers (QCOs) was deployed to ensure the quality of data for each of the quality controlclusters. A total of five QCOs were deployed for quality control clusters. To interview therequired number of samples in each of the areas one team consisting of four Field investigatorsand one Field Supervisor were deployed. Thus, for about 2 teams 1 QCO was deployed. Therewas variation in the number of Field Investigators actually deployed in a team depending uponthe actual workload and situation of the field. The FGD moderators, note takers and FGDassistants (local) were deployed for conducting FGD in 3 CHT districts. A total of 6 FGDswere conducted with men, women and leaders from customary or traditional institutions, andcommunity level opinion leaders’ groups. Each FGD was facilitated by one of the study teammembers.On completion of field data/information collection phase, it was decided by the Study Teamto organize a day long feedback session with field personnel to get some deeper insights oncertain issues, and to get some qualitative information which can substantiate quantitativedata/information on the basis of field level observation and experiences.2.6.6 Quality Assurance and Quality Control SystemThe highest possible care was taken in ensuring a high quality of collected data andinformation. A system of Total Quality Management (TQM) was instituted which comprisedof all systematic arrangements and activities directed towards safeguarding, maintenance andpromotion of quality throughout the study period.To ensure appropriate quality of the collected data/information, quality control wasmaintained in various steps in this study with quantitative and qualitative researchendeavours. Quality has been ensured in all three dimensions: (a) organization of the qualityresearch team, (b) operation/activity planning, and (c) data collection, compilation,triangulation, analysis and reporting. A sound quality control system was developed toadequately monitor the quality of data collection. For this purpose, six Quality ControlOfficers (QCOs) were deployed – one in each quality control cluster. They moved constantlyaround the sample spots; and ensured quality data through: (i) field checking, and (ii) datamonitoring. Field checking was undertaken in both ‘presence’ and ‘absence’ of the field teams.‘Checking in presence’ was done through verification of the work of a field team in a samplearea during the time of the questionnaire survey and qualitative studies. ‘Checking in absence’was done through verification of the work of a field team in a sample area after the team hadleft the site, having completed its assigned work in the area. During their field checking, theQuality Control Officers performed re-interviews, and checked the data accuracy. ‘Fieldchecking in presence’ was conducted for all field investigators/facilitators, while ‘fieldchecking in absence’ was done at randomly selected sites.