Methods used to obtain high quality, timeliness and reliability of statistical information

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Salapa, Ilie¹

Note: [1] Ilie Salapa is Director-General of the Central Statistical Board of Romania.

Abstract: Experience shows that questions of the quality, timeliness and reliability of statistical data cannot be examined without regard to the cost of the system. However, the use of specific methods better adapted to the general characteristics of a system can given the same effect with little or not difference in cost. Measures to ensure the quality of statistical information aim at improving the quality of the data from the point of view of accuracy and suitablity for the requirements of users. Among the most important measures to ensure quality have been the organization of a unified system for improved professional training of statisticians, the provision of assistance to computer specialist training, preparation of the public and of non-specialist personnel participating in censuses and various sample surveys, the perfection of statistical methodology and of the system of indicators, the unification of classifications and nomenclatures, etc. Particular attention has been paid to the use of technology and specific automated processing techniques suitable for ensuring data quality. Since efficient management presupposes speedy decisions, a special system known as the ‘fast information system’ has been organized in Romania at all levels to collect, transmit and process data. The timeliness with which statistical information can be supplied has been influenced by the new technology used in transmission and processing, and also by the introduction of new methods of processing statistics: pre-printing of processing codes on input forms; input of data with the aid of ‘on-line’ display terminals; interactive correction of stored data; use of remote or decentralized data processing; standardization of software; development of specialized computer languages for processing statistics; introduction of appropriate data bases and registers. The measures taken to ensure the reliability of statistical data have aimed at (i) extending the period of usefulness of the data; (ii) ensuring the reliability of equipment used as well as some stability in the use of methodologies, definitions, classifications and nomenclatures, due regard being given to the flexibility of the system; and (iii) using particular methods of statistical mathematics to update aggregate data and of storing historical card indices in data bases which can be processed on demand.

DOI: 10.3233/SJU-1983-1305

Journal: Statistical Journal of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, vol. 1, no. 3, pp. 321-329, 1983