A company has three sales departments (local, regional, and national) at each of several locations across the United States. Each local sales department has 120 employees. The company wants to survey its employees to determine the most effective sales method. Which sample should the company use to arrive at the most reliable conclusion?
I think it is d
D should be it
To arrive at the most reliable conclusion regarding the most effective sales method, the company should use a representative sample that ensures all sales departments and locations are proportionately represented. This will help provide a comprehensive understanding of the preferences and opinions across the company.
Given that there are three sales departments (local, regional, and national) at several locations across the United States, the company should consider using a stratified random sampling method. This approach involves dividing the population into subgroups, or strata, based on key characteristics (in this case, sales departments and locations) and then randomly selecting a sample from each stratum.
To determine the sample size needed, the company may use statistical techniques such as determining the confidence level and margin of error. These factors depend on the desired level of precision and the variability within the population. Generally, a larger sample size leads to a more reliable conclusion.
Once the sample size is determined, the company can randomly select employees from each sales department and location in proportion to their representation in the population. For example, if there are 10 locations and each has the same number of employees, the company might randomly select employees from each location proportionate to 1/10th of the total sample size.
By using a stratified random sample, the company can ensure that all sales departments and locations are adequately represented in the survey, resulting in a more reliable conclusion about the most effective sales method.