Industrial classification in the Canadian Census of Manufactures: Towards less art and more science

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Crysdale, John S.¹

Note: [1] John S. Crysdale graduated with an M.A. in economics from Carleton University in Ottawa and works at Statistics Canada in the Business Microdata Integration and Analysis Group. He developed the methodology described in this paper while in the Analysis and Development Section of Industry Division.

Abstract: Proper industrial classification of establishments is fundamental to the achievement of useful industry statistics. This paper describes an automated procedure used by Statistics Canada to verify industry coding in the Census of Manufactures. The edit is seen to have had a positive effect on measures of industrial homogeneity – although there does seem to be room for changing the timing of establishment transfer. As industrial classification becomes more of a science – and less of an art – it can also become increasingly automated.

DOI: 10.3233/SJU-1988-5403

Journal: Statistical Journal of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, vol. 5, no. 4, pp. 377-392, 1988