Identify the objective of the survey. For example, 'To gain ideas for a new machine shop layout'. This can be helped by determining what decisions or actions might occur as result of the survey. It can also be useful for identifying non-objectives, such as 'Not to select machines'. Also ensure objectives are not ambiguous. For example, if investigating employee satisfaction, be clear about the meaning of both 'employee' (All employees? Including managers?) and 'satisfaction' (What does it mean? What does it not mean?).
Identify the target group of people to be surveyed. This will be one or more groups of people who have information or opinions which will contribute to achieving the survey objective. Note that sometimes it is polite or politic to survey people who will not directly contribute.