| Management and Planning of Statistical Operations |
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- • Technical Assessment of Statistical Capacity
- IPC often conducts technical assessments of statistical organizations, their programs and policies. During these assessments experts from IPC work together with staff from the organization to uncover needs, generate written recommendations and facilitate resource allocations for statistical program technical assistance and training support. Assessments can be planned as part of a census or survey process or as a general review of the statistical organization or a department. Assessment topics can include; planning and preparation, development of tools, enumeration activities, data processing, data dissemination, sample and methodological design.
- • Census and Survey Planning
- Proper planning is the first defense against problems in any census. A detailed plan serves not only as a monitoring and evaluation management tool for ongoing census operations but also as a blueprint for future censuses. This seminar familiarizes principal statisticians with the census planning process. During the seminar, a detailed schedule of activities, cost estimates, equipment and personnel requirements is developed. If a product-oriented workshop is desired, then computers and appropriate scheduling/budgeting software (for example, Microsoft’s Project and Excel) should be available. Otherwise, the instructor will present examples.
- • Planning an Economic Census
- An economic Census is the data collection mechanism that profiles a nation’s economy from the national to the local level. It is the most detailed source of information about the economy and is therefore a crucial measure of progress and tool for planning. This workshop covers: principles, systems, methods, and procedures for conducting economic censuses; techniques for design, collection, processing, and dissemination of economic census results. Participants also discuss the goals and objectives of Economic Census Programs and the planning process.
- • Management of Statistical Operations
- This seminar is intended to build skills in the utilization of management techniques developed specifically for statistical operations. It covers general areas of management and gives professional staff the opportunity to exchange views and experiences.
An expert survey statistician covers techniques for setting program priorities and identifying project objectives; principles of project management, scheduling, budgeting, and operational control, different leadership styles, time management, interoffice communication and delegation of skills required to successfully implement a project.
- • Planning and Management of Household Survey Programs
- Sample surveys are an excellent way to collect a wealth of detailed information not available in censuses. This working seminar would prepare statistical office managers to understand, plan and manage a survey operation.
Participants will gain a better understanding of the processes involved in survey planning, methodology, implementation, and data release. A valuable component of this program focuses on strengthening the participant’s ability to advocate for survey programs and mobilize resources for such operations.
- • Pre-Census or Survey Publicity
- Research indicates that informing the public of census activities can help increase participation, promote accurate responses, and reduce non-response rates. This seminar would help statistical offices develop an effective publicity program, with the guidance of a census and survey communications expert.
The primary goal of the publicity campaign will be to inform all audiences of the objective and methods of the census or survey, and the importance of participation. Local situations are assessed to determine and develop a communications strategy that will reach different audiences. A detailed calendar of publicity activities is created together with the statistical agency participants.
- • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Statistical Applications
- The goal of this workshop is to provide the general skills and knowledge necessary to establish a GIS to assist in the collection and dissemination of census and survey operations. The workshop is intended for technical computer professionals who are responsible for the establishment of a GIS.
The class will focus on an introduction to GIS concepts and technology, database design and development, and basic implementation and management issues. Concepts will be reinforced through a series of hands-on computer exercises using ArcView III software. Time will be devoted to completion of a project using GIS to support base map production, census collection and/or statistical representation of the collected data.
- • Improving Data Quality
- The best way to improve quality is to prevent the introduction of error. The use of quality assurance systems in each step of the multiple, inter-related tasks associated with surveys and censuses, is a proactive way to prevent errors before they happen.
The Improving Data Quality workshop will help statistical office staff learn how to utilize different methods to produce quality data in a timely and efficient manner. Traditional topics of quality assurance and quality control are covered as well as current quality management philosophies. Course content includes classifications of errors, role of managers, basic quality concepts, quality assurance tools, budgeting, organizing field operations, and non-sampling error.
- • Public Outreach and Marketing of Statistical Services
- Statistical offices are faced with a growing need to market statistical services and goods to improve their image as the primary data source among competitors and to build a client base for their services and products. During this working seminar, a communications expert will cover public relations techniques to assist statistical offices in developing an advocacy strategy and materials. Key content and messages will be defined, as well as methods to build and sustain relationships with primary audiences, such as media, private sector, government officials, sponsors, and international organizations.
- • Quality Field Procedures
- The quality of a census is determined in the field during data collection. Therefore, efforts made to improve the quality of fieldwork have the greatest potential for cost reduction and data improvement. Emphasis is placed on designing quality assurance systems utilized during collection activities such as: operational and logistical support plans, maps for planning and monitoring, listing controls, security, confidentiality, communication, monitoring, and feedback.
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| Sampling |
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- • Sampling and Statistical Methods
- This workshop is designed to enhance the capabilities of staff that must create sample frames and statistically analyze the results of a survey. A good working knowledge of algebra is required. Previous sampling experience would be advantageous. The workshop will include presentations of the most important applied aspects of statistical methods, from point estimation to interval estimation, some statistical analysis of data, and the importance of the normal distribution and the Central Limit Theorem. It will also cover the major elements of sampling theory with a heavy focus on applications relevant to statisticians of national statistical offices.
The participants are introduced to Simple Random Sampling (SRS), which serves as a basis for all the other types of sample designs and sample selection (Cluster Sampling, Stratification, and Systematic Sampling). Subsequently, the participants will be introduced to CENVAR (the variance estimation module of IMPS) so they can calculate variances for surveys. Two case studies, one from the demographic area and one from the economic area, are presented to allow participants to see how an actual sample design is carried out and understand how variances are calculated for the different estimates.
- • Development of Master Sample Design
- Once census data is available; a statistical office should begin planning for future survey operations by developing a master sampling frame based on the census data. During this seminar, a mathematical statistician would provide guidelines for the development of a master sample design for intercensal household survey programs. The course will provide hands-on examples for participants to apply the concepts under supervision, with assistance. A good working knowledge of algebra is required and previous sampling experience would be advantageous.
- • Public Use Micro-Data Sample (PUMS) Selection
- Since censuses contain important basic demographic data down to small geographic area, many researchers are interested in obtaining samples of the raw data to use in research reports of various topics. This information can be useful for the country and the statistical agency. Usually a 10% sample of the data is made available to the public in what can be called a Public Use Micro-data Sample (PUMS). During this seminar, a mathematical statistician would teach statistical agency staff the complicated procedure of selecting a representative sample of census data - without revealing any personal identification details. Since this is a highly sensitive, yet useful, sample it is important that statistical agencies are fully versed in the best techniques for PUMS selection. A good working knowledge of algebra is required and previous sampling experience would be advantageous.
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| Development of Census and Survey Tools |
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- • Design of Tables and Questionnaire(s)
- Good questionnaire design facilitates the collection of data and is based on the intended data products or tables. This seminar covers the principles and techniques of table and questionnaire design to assist in the accurate capture of content. Emphasis will be placed on questionnaire items that will be critical for planning policies and programs in most countries. These items could include: name, age, sex, relationship, ethnic group, and place of current residence. Participants will learn about the impact of various form design issues and use computers to design draft questionnaires and accompanying enumeration forms.
- • Installation of an Integrated Geographic Information System (GIS)
- After a statistical office has completed the data collection phase of a census and the field maps have been returned to the central office with corrections, the long process of updating the statistical base maps for future surveys and censuses begins. One method of mapping that has become increasingly popular in countries where addresses are not well defined is Geographic Information Systems (GIS), which relies on digitized maps for easy, rapid reproduction and correction. During this seminar, a cartographer/GIS specialist would work with the cartographic staff of the statistical office to plan an integrated GIS for future statistical operations, and the production of thematic mapping products for censuses and surveys.
- • Development of Staff Training Programs
- With any census or survey operation, there is a large number of temporary staff to be recruited, hired and trained. The development of training programs is a proven method to improve employee performance. This hands-on working seminar emphasizes a systematic approach to developing training programs. The systematic approach provides guidelines to follow in order to design training that is task-oriented and cost-effective. During the seminar, participants will acquire the skills to perform task analysis, develop training objectives, prepare skills tests, develop course curriculum, prepare lesson plans, verbatim training guides, and related training aids.
- • Development of Manuals and Materials for Census and Survey Operations
- A critical element in the accurate and efficient execution of field operations is the proper training of field and office personnel. An essential part of the training program is the reference material that describes each operation in detail.
A survey statistician and communications expert facilitate this working seminar that is designed to train technical writers how to write reference materials that are clear, concise, descriptive, and complete. Operations involving large numbers of temporary staff will be addressed, including: listing, enumeration, field logistics, financial reporting systems, receipt and check-in of forms, manual editing, coding, and data entry.
- • Measuring Coverage Through a Post-Enumeration Survey (PES)
- Through lectures, discussions and practical exercises, this workshop deals with errors of coverage. Emphasis is placed on alternative methods to measure coverage errors, which occur during data collection efforts. The basic concepts of Post Enumeration Surveys are described including the drafting of the PES questionnaire, writing matching rules and procedures, and understanding the estimation associated with a PES. The workshop is designed for statisticians who are responsible for designing and implementing evaluation programs. Participant should have prior training in mathematical statistics.
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| Data Processing |
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- • Census and Survey Data Processing
- How many software packages are specifically developed for census and survey data entry, editing, and tabulation, extremely user-friendly, available free of charge, and provide free support? The U.S. Census Bureau’s CSPro software program is all this and more. It has been used in over 100 countries by national statistical agencies, academia, and private companies for census and survey data processing.
This seminar will teach how to design, develop, and implement the various data processing modules needed to create a complete system. In addition, procedural operations, editing concepts, management control systems, data manipulation tools, thematic maps, and data dissemination products will be discussed as desired.
- • Review of Editing and Tabulation Programs
- Once all of the first major geographic level data has been entered and edited, a thorough review of editing and tabulation programs needs to be performed by subject matter specialists and programming staff. A subject-matter specialist and a data processing specialist would train statistical agency staff how to set up a systematic review process to compare the unedited data to the edited data and report any noted inconsistencies or biases to the programming staff. These reports are used to revise the census editing specifications and tabulation programs before all data is processed, saving time and resources, as well as document the quality of the data for external users.
- • Preparation of Tabulation Programs
- After the data collection phase, the task of transforming the raw data into tables for publication begins. This requires programming and subject matter specialists to write programs, run tabulations, systematically review accuracy, correct inconsistencies, format tables, and conduct a final review.
During this workshop, a programmer and subject matter specialist will work together with the workshop participants to write tabulation program specifications, prepare edit specifications, and review methods for testing, correcting, and modifying these programs to achieve consistent, reliable data. For a country specific workshop dedicated to producing finished programs, we recommend three separate sessions to allow the staff time to incorporate topics covered in each seminar into their current work. This seminar is designed to facilitate the current tabulation work of the participants. Review and verification procedures are emphasized to ensure the production of quality tables.
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| Development and Distribution of Data Products |
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- • Production of Data Products
- After the tabulations have been programmed, corrected, formatted, reviewed and approved, the next step is to manage the production and publication of tables. An IPC data processor will provide tools and guidelines for the development of print and interactive electronic data dissemination products including tables and thematic maps. The seminar will also cover recommended content for various dissemination media and how to format tables for Internet distribution of results.
- • Development of Standardized Data Products, Disclosure Rules and Format
- Standardization of publication content and form is helpful for users who are attempting to locate and interpret data. To improve their data products and delivery systems, the statistical offices often develop standards about what information must be included in each data release, how the data must be presented, and what methodology and quality statements should be included in each release. An IPC survey statistician will cover international recommendations, guidelines, points for consideration, and examples of the development of organizational standards for the release of survey data.
- • Development of a Data Dissemination Plan
- Data that is not used or that is not valued has little worth. It is the role of the statistical agency to develop a survey-specific, as well as generalized, data dissemination plan to assess and address the needs of decision makers and potential users of statistical data. This seminar would assist statistical offices with the development of a data dissemination program and schedule of activities. The dissemination plan would emphasize the production of quality and timely data, tailored to user needs, and provide staff with training guidelines on how to be responsive to user requests, and emphasize the standardized production of text, table, and graphical statistical products, including thematic maps. Statistical staff could generalize the results of this workshop to produce a more generalized data dissemination plan for the statistical agency as a whole.
- • How to Write Statistical Reports
- Statistical agencies are burdened with not only the production of quality, timely, and accurate data but also the production of reports targeted to meet user’s needs. During this workshop, an IPC specialist would assist the statistical office in identifying what reports are available from which censuses and surveys, identify which target audiences are interested in which reports, and learn how to tailor different reports to different user’s needs. This workshop also provides an overview of the current international recommendations for various reports.
- • Web Site Development
- In today’s environment, statistical offices need to provide quality data to users via the Internet for a broader dissemination of statistical products. This web site development and management workshop includes topics such as: usability testing, current trends in web design, basic html programming/or composer training.
This seminar would be facilitated by a data processor experienced in web-development, and is designed for the unit responsible for designing and managing the Web site and departmental staff that submit content.
- • Developing a Data Release Strategy
- To ensure the proper use of statistics by user groups, it is important for statistical offices to equip their information officers with the best tools available to promote their data products and provide users with the skills and information needed to understand and properly use data products. IPC has experience assisting statistical offices with the development of user workshops designed to improve understanding and cooperation between statisticians and user groups such as media representatives, government ministries, international agencies, etc. During this working seminar, sample lectures and practical exercises for various user groups are presented for the statistical office to develop and adapt for their target user groups. The instructor would then assist the statistical office in techniques to generate interest among user groups in the workshops, increase participation rates, and design of a monitoring and evaluation system of the workshops and their impact.
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| Data Analysis, Projections, and Special Topics |
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- • Sub-National Population Projections
- Sub-national population projections are usually quite labor intensive and it can be difficult to find the best tools available to meet individual country needs. During this workshop, a demographer would review work that the statistical office staff has done in the past and would provide examples and guidelines of appropriate tools, as well as hands-on exercises to gain experience and comfort conducting sub-national projections.
- • Demographic Analysis
- This course will introduce participants to the Population Analysis Spreadsheets (PAS), to estimate mortality, fertility, migration, and geographic distribution of the population; and to the Rural Urban Projection (RUP) to generate population projections in urban and rural areas. Other topics covered will include: age and sex analysis, direct and indirect estimation of mortality, the construction and modeling of life tables, direct and indirect estimation of fertility, migration data, and population projections.
- • Population Projections Incorporating HIV Estimates
- This workshop would concentrate on the difficult tasks of sub national population projections and the incorporation of AIDS mortality data. This workshop is best conducted with two instructors, in order to provide hands-on assistance with practical exercises. This workshop is intended for analysts from statistical offices, implicated organizations and government ministries, and universities to teach the community of potential data users the latest techniques used to incorporate AIDS mortality data in population projections.
- • Gender Statistics
- Sex-disaggregated data is used to illustrate the differing realities of women and men in a society and provide the foundations for policies and programs that address the needs of women. The primary focus of this working seminar is the analysis and evaluation of gender statistics.
Staff from ministries of planning, statistics, health, labor, and women’s issues are the primary target audience. Participants of this seminar, will become familiar with the gender approach, and leave the workshop with a better understanding of the importance of producing sex-disaggregated data products. Through lectures and practical exercises of crosscutting gender issues, sources and quality of data, review and evaluation of data, presentation of data, and gender analysis are discussed. The final output of the workshop is the production of a gender report based on an individual country’s data.
- • Statistical Methods for Measuring Economic Growth and Development
- After specialized census and survey data is available, it is be possible to use mathematical methods to measure economic development. During this working seminar, economists and analysts from statistical offices and an IPC mathematical statistician study how economic indicators are formulated and what they imply about the economy of a region. This workshop covers methods of compiling, analyzing, and converting data into meaningful indicators.
- • Improving National Civil Registration Systems
- Each civil registration situation has special needs and requirements; therefore, before beginning work, it is important to conduct an assessment of the civil registration system in place. A scope of work would then be tailored for the country’s situation.
A workshop on vital registration could include a revision of reporting forms, legal recording systems, computer programming of reported births and deaths, computerizing registry of births and deaths, monthly reporting, and management of registry systems. The IPC has experience assisting countries with the establishment and reorganization of civil registration systems including: setting up office, provision of computers with software, development of verbatim training programs at different levels of supervision and geography, training of district registrars, and the training of trainers.
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