What should guide the establishment of objectives for data collection?

The establishment of objectives for data collection should be guided by organizational goals and project needs. This approach ensures that the data collected is directly relevant to the purposes of the organization and the specific project at hand. It aligns the data collection process with the strategic objectives of the organization, allowing for informed decision-making and resource allocation.

When objectives are based on organizational goals, the data collected can provide insights that drive the organization towards achieving its targets, whether those targets involve improving efficiency, enhancing customer satisfaction, increasing market share, or any other strategic aim. This alignment guarantees that efforts in data collection are purposeful and justifiable.

In contrast, other options do not provide a solid foundation for establishing effective data collection objectives. Random sampling techniques and generic statistical methods serve as tools in the data collection and analysis process but do not determine what should be collected or why. Similarly, relying on personal opinions of the data analyst can introduce bias and subjective viewpoints that detract from the objectivity needed for successful data-driven decision-making. Thus, ensuring that clear objectives stem from organizational goals and project needs is crucial for effective data collection.