At Preston Associates, we specialize in providing comprehensive data collection and analysis services tailored to suit the unique needs of our clients. Through our data-driven approach we empower organizations to make informed decisions, drive innovation, and achieve sustainable growth. We are committed to delivering accurate, reliable, and actionable data void of bias and incompleteness. We utilize a combination of traditional and innovative data collection methods and tools, including surveys and questionnaires, interviews and focus groups, web scraping and data mining and machine learning in the immediate future.
Our proprietary data collection platform, the Iwadii App, enables seamless integration and automation, ensuring efficiency and accuracy in data capturing. We also utilize popular software applications such as, Redcap, Survey CTO, KoboCollect, CSPro, ODK Collect and others.
To ensure data accuracy, completeness, and consistency, we employ robust validation checks and protocols, using software and back-end data validation techniques. In our data quality assurance process, we implement high-frequency checks, back-checks, and spot-checks which are used to detect programming errors, surveyor errors, data fabrication, poorly understood questions, and other issues. These checks specifically help us identify anomalous entries or submissions, ensure consistency across related variables, validate the survey program’s functionality, assess enumerator performance, and evaluate overall data quality metrics such as missing values, non-responses, timing, and dates. Drawing from our extensive experience in field and project management, we employ Computer Audio-Recorded Interviewing (CARI) techniques to maintain response integrity during data collection. These audio files are used solely for quality enhancement purposes. and are not retained after data quality checks are completed.
Data Governance, Compliance, Security and Privacy
At Preston Associates, safeguarding sensitive data and guaranteeing privacy are fundamental to our day-to-day operations. We are dedicated to managing sensitive, and personal data, and we are committed to maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of entrusted data throughout a range of project duties. Preston Associates ensures compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) by integrating robust data security protocols into her daily operational systems and projects. Our main goal is to establish strong data security and privacy controls to safeguard sensitive information from unauthorized access. We strive to uphold data privacy laws and industry standards while reducing the risk of security events through proactive measures like data classification and risk assessments.
Our data security approach includes encryption techniques to protect sensitive information during storage and transit, alongside role-based access controls to limit data exposure. We regularly train employees on security best practices, obtain explicit consent for data use, and comply with regulations like GDPR1, and HIPAA2. With established incident response protocols, we swiftly address breaches and monitor systems for threats. Continuous improvement is ensured through stakeholder feedback, audits, and transparent communication channels for reporting issues. Preston Associates stakes its reputation on the quality of data it generates. All our research operations from project design, tool development, data collection, collation, and analysis to reporting are conducted and quality-assured using the PRINCE2® framework for managing projects. More specifically, we strive to ensure accuracy, completeness, precision, timeliness, and integrity.