Challenges in the Dissemination of Statistical

Transcript:Challenges in the Dissemination of Statistical:
Challenges in the Dissemination of Statistical Data: The Statistical Institute of Belize Presenter: Diana Castillo Date: June 6, 2013 Introduction The Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) is a statutory body established in 2007 National statistical agency Primary functions: to collect, compile, extract, analyze and release official statistics on Belize Economic, demographic and social conditions Stakeholders: Government, international organizations, other NGOs, researchers, general public Human Resources Total staff of about 35 persons, including managers and administrative support staff Statistics produced by Economic Statistics and Census & Surveys departments Statistics disseminated to the public by the Data Dissemination department Data Dissemination Department Data dissemination function has existed at SIB since its establishment Has only recently (9 months) been formalized into a full department of the Institute Staffed by: 1 manager 2 Assistant Statisticians II 1 Desktop Publisher Functions of DD department Respond to requests for information from stakeholders Issue releases to the media and the public in keeping with Advance Release Calendar Prepare and/or format all releases Format SIB reports in preparation for printing Ensure the content on SIB’s website is current Functions of DD department (cont.) Prepare promotional and informational items for distribution to the public Facilitate access to microdata in keeping with SIB’s Microdata Access Policy Promote a positive public image of the SIB Provide ongoing support to Economic Statistics department in compilation of trade statistics and consumer price index Methods of Dissemination Documents posted to website Electronic release (via email) to media and subscribers Major releases also printed in newspapers Documents distributed on CDs Major reports (e.g. Census 2010 Report) printed by external printers Other public forums Limitations Human resources: Staff is small relative to the functions of the department Staff turnover, particularly in the key position of Marketing & Communications Officer Existing staff in need of training Financial resources: SIB’s limited budget does not allow much for public relations Challenges Timeliness: Difficulties in meeting stated release dates on Advance Release Calendar Anticipating user needs: At times falling into the trap of producing and releasing statistics according to what has been done in the past rather than according to evolving user needs. Outdated statistics: Some data not sufficiently current to satisfy users’ needs Challenges (cont.) Website not user-friendly: Current website is problematic for both users and the SIB Building public confidence: Lack of public awareness of the work done by SIB, public perception that statistics are controlled by government,