1. Graham Eele Development Data Group World Bank
New Approaches to Training in National Accounts: A role for e-learning?
Graham Eele
Development Data Group
World Bank

2. Overview Human resources and capacity building in statistics
Training in national accounts
Using an e-learning approach
Some issues for discussion

3. Human resources and statistical capacity
In most statistical agencies human resources are the most important resource
In developing countries staff costs typically represent more than 75 per cent of the budget
Need to develop skills and ensure staff keep up with technical and other developments
Skilled staff are often the scarcest resource

4. Problems to be addressed
Problems in attracting and retaining skilled staff
Limited supply of skills
Diseconomies of scale, especially for small countries
Imbalances between professional and other staff in many statistical systems, but limited flexibility

5. Training in national accounts
Small numbers of staff in many countries
Need for continuous training related to compilation, but also improving source data
Limited training opportunities
High cost of training, particularly the opportunity cost of staff being away from their posts

6. E-learning
Well developed training method, widely used, but less experience with use in statistics
Form of distance learning, can be used alone or in combination with other methods
Can be linked to formal assessments if needed
WB developing an e-learning program on management of statistical capacity strengthening programs

7. Advantages and disadvantages
Low delivery cost
Low marginal cost of adding additional learners
Flexibility and limited disruption to work programs
Disadvantages
High development cost
Lack of access to a trainer
Motivation of trainees
Need for access to computer facilities and the Internet

8. E-learning in national accounts
Potentially useful technique, but requires careful planning and precise definition of training needs and objectives
Modular approach likely to be effective
Need to make the course relevant to the trainees – need for many case studies
Requires built-in assessment mechanisms
Importance of feedback from users and extensive review of the material

9. Some issues
Development costs are not insubstantial; for the WB course one module involving enough material for about 60 to 90 minutes study requires:
Between 7 to 12 days for material preparation ($5,000 to $8,000)
About three weeks to put the material into an e-learning format, once the overall design is agreed, at a cost of around $12,000

10. Potential for collaboration
Developing the overall design
Sharing the cost
Preparing material
Identifying case study material
But who takes the lead?

11. The World Bank e-learning course
Why statistics matter
National statistical systems: organization, activities and principles
Assessing statistical systems: tools and processes
National strategies for the development of statistics
Managing NSDS preparation
Strengthening coordination, management and legislation

12. Modules
Building statistical infrastructure
Investing in data collection and dissemination
Improving administrative data systems
Human resource development
Costing and financing statistical development
Implementation of a capacity building program

16. Advice and comments very welcome