Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved. Planning a Statistical Project Section B 1

Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved. Involving Data Users in the Planning Process Who are your data users? Why do you meet with your data users? When do you meet with your data users? What do you discuss with your data users? 2

Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved. Why Statistical projects depend upon the participation of many stakeholders and data users for success. Involving data users ensures that statistical work meets their needs. Clarification of user needs through meetings. The purpose of a statistical agency is to provide requested data, so a customer focus is important. 3

Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved. Census/Survey Stakeholders  Governmental agencies  Private sector companies  Academics  Libraries  Non-governmental organizations:  Media and the general public: 4

Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved. What is the main factor that determines a survey’s success? Achieving a high rate of respondent participation A good public opinion and high level of satisfaction with your data products will help you achieve high response rates. 5

Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved. Determination of Census/Survey Content Content must be revised periodically to address new data needs. Must consider legal requirements, alternative data sources, information need, respondents’ reaction, and costs involved. All new questions and changes must be tested to evaluate impact 6

Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved. Involvement of Stakeholders Ensure relevancy of data produced to current and emerging needs of data users through periodic consultation activities. Consultations may include federal and local governments, special topic advisory committees, international organizations, and other client groups. 7

Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved. Maintaining Relevance Client Liaison Program Review Priority Determination 8

Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved. Client Liaison A statistical agency requires mechanisms to stay aware of the current and future information needs of its main user communities. Mechanisms Include: National statistical council Professional advisory committees Liaison agreements with government ministries 9

Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved. Client Liaison Mechanisms (continued) Participation in policy and program discussions among ministers Regional consultative councils on statistical policies Meetings with industry and small business associations Agency wide client database Scheduled, documented, monitored communication with clients Feedback through individual users and user inquiries 10

Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved. Program Review In addition to Client Liaison mechanisms a periodic program review is also needed to assess whether existing programs are satisfying user needs in terms of topics addressed, accuracy, and timeliness. 11

Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved. Program Review Mechanisms Independent expert recommendations Program area gathers and assesses its feedback Program area compares new to current programs User satisfaction surveys Monitor sales and/or usage of statistical products 12

Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved. Priority Determination Uses outputs from program review Weighing the needs of different user groups Recognizing and pursuing opportunities for new financing Annual planning cycle during the fiscal year is the core of this process. Must balance between the need for change and the core program. 13

Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved. Monitoring Relevancy Are processes in place to ensure relevancy? Client liaison Program review Priority determination Are clients using the data? Sales/usage reports and internet hits Direct or indirect policy change Press coverage What program changes have been made in response to client needs? 14

Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved. When Consultative meetings started early to avoid changes Periodic meetings throughout the census/survey report any changes provide progress updates keep users informed Ensures data users are part of the program 15

Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved. What Identify current and emerging needs of data users. Use tabulations to discuss data needs with data users to avoid misunderstanding. 16

Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved. Advocacy Statistical agency outreach to stakeholders and data users Stakeholder support of statistical activities at national and regional levels Stakeholder assistance in dissemination 17

Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved. Managing Expectations Keep discussions focused Ask for data user needs, priorities and underlying rationale to provide solutions from entire statistical program Analyze data user requests and prioritize based on feasibility 18

Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved. Stakeholder Reporting Throughout program including any changes and progress Financial reporting as applicable Notify them of public events 19

Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved. Stakeholder Request Exercise The Ministry of Interior wants to know the population of the capitol city and they state that they need this data immediately so you must use available data sources, primarily the last population and housing census. What questions would you ask to clarify their data needs? 20

Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved. Exercise Answers 1.Never be shy to ask respectful questions when you receive a data request – explain that you wish to provide complete and accurate information. 2.Your data users may need to consider what they want before they can answer your questions and you may have further questions. 3.Start consultations early as this can be a long process 21