Survey Services and Facilitation Services
Under this SIN area, DPRA proposes two service offerings: Survey Services and Facilitation Services. The following is a brief description of each service and an explanation of how it supports Management, Organizational. and Business Improvement Services.
Surveys are a primary research methodology that involve the systematic collection of information from groups or individuals. Surveys can be administered through telephone interviews, questionnaire mailings, face-to-face interviews, focus groups, and electronic questionnaires posted on the Internet.
Survey design is guided by the methodology and supporting statistics that are used to address a research question, such as, “How has customer satisfaction changed since the organization redesigned its business process?”
DPRA has the necessary experience and qualifications to undertake comprehensive and reliable surveys on a national, state/provincial, or local scale.
In addition to in-house expertise, DPRA maintains close working relationships with a number of specialized firms who can complement our staff on assignments. DPRA’s survey research projects frequently address complex issues and provide input to feasibility studies, corporate strategic plans, private sector marketing initiatives, land use planning projects, or impact assessments.
In addition to the range of conventional survey techniques (i.e., questionnaires, telephone and face-to-face interviews, focus groups, intercept interviews, and workshops), DPRA has also developed particular techniques to reach special populations such as seniors, Aboriginals, street youth, recent immigrants and those with visual impairments.
Many of DPRA’s consulting projects have focused on the delivery of programs and services, whether private or public. We have been retained to advise on staffing and organizational structures, service standards, and alternative service delivery models, including public-private sector partnerships.
In order to maintain service levels in the face of recent budgetary constraints, many clients have called on DPRA to identify strategies that deliver services in a more cost-effective manner or in partnership with other providers.
Our clients for survey and market research include: Canadian Standards Association (CSA), City of London (Canada), Fred Deeley Imports Ltd. /Harley-Davidson Canada, General Chemical, IMC Global Ltd., City of Timmins, Tridel Development Corporation, Seaton Group, South Island Development Corporation and Greystone Corporation, Co Steel LASCO, Connaught Laboratories, National Forum on Health, Interim Waste Authority, and the Ontario Waste Management Corporation.
To facilitate means to “make easier.” Facilitation services provide organizations with outside assistance to solve problems, resolve competing issues, and bring divergent views to a common purpose.
These services are provided by individuals specifically trained to work with the diversity of interests in organizations to resolve issues and achieve project objectives.
Senior staff at DPRA have many years of experience in the facilitation of sometimes contentious decision-making processes. Our facilitators are trained to work with a diversity of interests to resolve issues and achieve project objectives.
Our facilitators guide the discussion, ensuring all points of view are expressed. We stimulate active discussions, encourage participants to express views in a constructive manner, and help people reach consensus. We can identify issues, recommend options for consideration, and assist clients in developing effective strategies.
DPRA’s facilitation services have been employed in a variety of settings: environmental planning and assessment processes, land use planning, social impact assessment, community consultation, negotiation/mediation, organizational analysis and reviews, management development, strategic planning, and community economic development.