Introduction

ECCL has been exposed to International Finance Corporation, Performance Standards, International Best Practice, highest level industry standards in environmental impact assessments/ audits and occupational health and safety management/ audit and research. 

Methodology

The company uses both primary data and secondary data to collect, analyze and write the final report for specifically commissioned studies on various projects/ assignments. ECCL uses both quantitative and qualitative approaches to various studies. The scope and the research tools are always dependent on the nature of assignments been undertaken.

1. Quantitative Parameters for Primary Data Collection

Quantitative data is usually captured using various sampling methods, which includes simple random, purposive sampling using scientifically representative sample. A target random sample is used to arrive at the representative samples drawn from the population. A compressive list of all the population is used as a guide to maximize the efficiency of reaching the intended sample target size.

2. Qualitative Design (Primary Data Collection)

Eccl applies an in-depth interview procedure for primary data collection to get a clear understanding of finer issues regarding the study at hand, which may not be captured in by the conventional quantitative design. However, other approaches including focused group discussions may be applied whenever necessary.

 

3. Literature Review (Secondary Data)

Apart from the field based questionnaire administration and interviews, focused group discussions, ECCL usually proposes to obtain more information for the final report from literature reviews from relevant sources. Literature is used as an inference or as a baseline in interpretation of primary data that will have been collected.

4. Field Supervision and Quality Control

ECCL has field supervisors who are charged with the responsibility of ensuring that fieldwork is undertaken as provided for in the project guidelines. The supervisor is usually a person with in depth and clear understanding and knowledge of the assignment been undertaken. He/she is in charge of communicating with the office on the progress of the project they are overseeing at the field. The Team leader will assist them in managing fieldwork. Up to 5-10% of all interviews conducted by each field assistant will be back-checked by the supervisor/s. The supervisor/s will make direct contact with the field assistants to ascertain that the interview was done as per plan.

5. Filed Work Executions

An average of 5-10% sample of all interviews conducted by research assistants is accompanied in the study by the supervisor. The purpose of this exercise is to ensure that the field assistants follows all instructions and procedures in the sample specifications in the questionnaire, and conducts the interview according to standards specified.

6. Questionnaire Checking

Project supervisors checks all questionnaires that have been administered to ascertain their accuracy and eliminate errors before data analysis is done. This is usually made to ensure that the level of significance of accuracy generates reliable estimates for report writing.

7. Communication with the Office

The supervisor and associate lead experts are under strict professional instructions to update ECCL office regularly through periodic reports and updates on the progress of fieldwork activities. This information informs the office of their whereabouts. The office usually dedicates two full time associates for the fieldwork in abet to ensure proper coordination of all tasks at hand and efficiency in undertaking of all assignments.