The application of a systems engineering model to survey research methodology

Abstract

Survey methodology is becoming an increasingly prevalent tool in the management of organizations. Many companies are expending considerable resources in seeking the opinions stakeholders (workers, customers, etc.). While surveys have been used for a long time in the social sciences, questions often arise in technical organizations related to the scientific nature and value of survey methodology. This paper describes a unique application of a systems engineering model (V model) to survey methodology. Examples are provided using data from the author's dissertation (1999) based survey research.