Once the data has been collected and the analysis has been completed, there is a natural tendency for you to think that the project is nearly finished, and that it is time to move on to something new. However, there are two major tasks still to be completed. First, the results of the survey must be communicated effectively to the sponsors and other interested parties. Obviously there is little point to conducting surveys if this task is not handled well. Second, there is a need for you to make sure that the data are stored in a manner which ensures easy retrieval by others. While you may not want to make further use of the data right now, it is most likely that either you, or more likely someone else, will want to use the data in the future; therefore it has to be easily accessible. This ease of accessibility covers both the physical media on which the data is stored (tapes, disks) plus documentation which will allow someone else to make sense of the contents of the data set.
This chapter will address the issues and methods involved in the presentation of the results of the survey, in the storage of the data, and in the documentation of the survey method.
11.1 PRESENTATION OF RESULTS
11.1.1 Avoid Distorted Graphics
11.1.2 Maximise the Data-Ink Ratio
11.1.3 Minimise Chart Junk
11.1.4 Shape and Orientation of Graphs
11.1.5 The Friendly Data Graphic
11.2 DOCUMENTATION OF SURVEY
11.3 TIDYING-UP