Developing automated e-survey and control tools: an application in industrial management

The application of the Internet to traditional business and administrative activities has introduced considerable digitisation and process automation. One key area of development from a research perspective is the use of electronic (e-) surveys, based on Internet technology. E-surveys can bring many benefits from a research perspective, including extremely low marginal costs, automation of processes, and the ability to collect and manage very large samples. However, experience in the use of e-surveys has found considerable challenges in achieving a quality sample frame and response rates. This paper explores the development of an e-survey tool for assessing information needs of growth enterprises in Brazil. A key learning from the use of the survey is the use of control methods for both improving the response rate, and, as a consequence, the sample frame.