Laserfiche WebLink
II. RESEARCH METHODS <br /> Instrument Design <br /> The survey instrument that was used in conducting this research was designed <br /> by the President of JD Franz Research in consultation with the City's Economic <br /> Development Director and Economic Vitality Committee. In large measure, it <br /> was based on the instrument used in the first such business survey in 2012. <br /> A few questions from the 2012 survey were deleted as being no longer pertinent <br /> or particularly important, and a section on Internet and cell phone connectivity <br /> was added. A further question about the responding business' service area was <br /> also added. <br /> This design and redesign process took place over two meetings, numerous <br /> conversations, and several drafts in order to ensure that the information <br /> collected would be useful and actionable. Two focus groups with small and <br /> medium-sized businesses that were held prior to discussions about the survey <br /> also facilitated instrument design and revision. <br /> Sample Selection <br /> The sample for the survey, which was provided by the City, represented its in- <br /> town commercial business license file. Businesses selected for an interview were <br /> randomly sampled from this list. <br /> Interviewer Training <br /> All of the interviewers who conducted the survey had undergone intensive <br /> training and briefing prior to conducting any actual interviews. Training includes <br /> instruction in interviewing techniques, the mechanics of sample selection and <br /> recording, a systematic approach to answering respondents' inquiries, and use <br /> CITY OF PLEASANTON: 2015 SURVEY OF BUSINESS EXECUTIVES 3 <br />