Question 1
Imagine you are an analyst for the U.S. Army and have been tasked with developing performance measures (as part of an overall performance measurement undertaking) associated with enlistment goals. Due to your expertise with research methods, you have been entrusted with setting the criteria for success! Address the following areas:
· The methods used to collect data and why they are appropriate for the undertaking, the organization (the Army), as well as for public administration in general.
· Key considerations that will need to be kept in mind when reviewing the data to ensure that it is appropriate for your analysis purposes.
· Processes and/or methods that would be utilized for analyzing the data.
· Rationale for the inclusion of the performance measures that will be used to assess the data.
· A working definition of each method listed in your response.
Your response must be at least 300 words in length.
Question 2
Compare and contrast qualitative and quantitative research methods as well as the tools associated with each approach. Provide examples of how these research methods may be used in the public sector.
Your response must be at least 150 words in length.
Question 3
During the term, you analyzed public administration program data for universities in Alabama. This time, you will be exploring universities in Mississippi. You do not need to locate the data this time (please find it below). Answer and calculate the following:
· Discuss the general significance of the terms range, mean, median, mode, and standard deviation
· Calculate range, mean, median, mode, and standard deviation for graduation rates at the included universities
· Discuss how any outliers that may be present could impact your results
Your written response must be at least 150 words in length.
University | Average Annual Cost | Graduation Rate | Salary After Attending |
Millsaps College | 22,292 | 69 | 48,100 |
University of Mississippi | 13,929 | 60 | 42,700 |
Mississippi State University | 16,192 | 59 | 38,300 |
Mississippi College | 16,693 | 59 | 38,300 |
Belhaven University | 17,761 | 43 | 37,300 |
University of Southern Mississippi | 13,178 | 46 | 36,400 |
Mississippi University for Women | 10,684 | 45 | 34,100 |
Delta State University | 12,809 | 37 | 33,700 |
Alcorn State University | 15,388 | 32 | 31,100 |
Jackson State University | 15,380 | 36 | 30,000 |
Rust College | 9,784 | 36 | 24,100 |
Mississippi Valley State University | 13,412 | 31 | 23,200 |