The initial sample for the Ballarat ICT Survey was drawn from a combination of sources. These included:

This resulted in the identification of 84 potential ICT firms. A list with the names of the firms was presented at the August 2005 meeting of the Ballarat ICT Steering Committee. Those present were asked to review the list and identify organisations that were no longer operating or to identify those not currently included on the list. The final sample frame comprised details of 112 organisations.

Each organisation contained within the sample frame was sent an e-mail inviting them to participate in the study. A thorough reminder program was also administered, in order to maximise response rates. This program involved follow-up telephone reminders, publicity within the local media and having steering committee members request that personal contacts complete the survey.

The final sample size for each component of the study was:

As demonstrated by Table 1, the response rate for the ICT firms survey was 30%. However, throughout the data collection period, it was realised that a number of firms within the sample frame were no longer operating either at all or within the Ballarat region. Such organisations could not be contacted via the details within the sample frame nor could updated details be found from alternative sources (e.g. websites, yellow pages). This process has enabled the project to refine the estimation of the number of ICT firms within the Ballarat region, with 98 firms being successfully contacted to participate in the study.

Table 1 - Response rate (Ballarat ICT Firms)