Challenges in Dissemination of Statistical Data in Belize
Statistical Institute of Belize faces challenges in disseminating official statistics on economic, demographic, and social conditions to stakeholders. The Data Dissemination Department responds to requests, issues releases, prepares reports, maintains website content, and supports other departments in compiling statistics.
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Presentation Transcript
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, and a general mistrust of SIB s data
Addressing Our Challenges Timeliness: Increased coordination with other SIB departments to ensure that publication deadlines factor into their internal deadlines Creating a culture within the SIB that recognizes the importance of data dissemination
Addressing Our Challenges (cont.) Anticipating user needs: Has been slow to come about Presently takes the form of providing feedback to other SIB departments as to what users want Promoting internally culture of customer service Upcoming: Conduct a user satisfaction survey to attempt to quantify level of satisfaction and identify areas for improvement
Addressing Our Challenges (cont.) Website: Final phases of completing a new SIB website More user-friendly To contain more and updated time series of all major statistics Allows for users to request data via the website Next phase: include a facility by which users can create customized tables from existing databases
Addressing Our Challenges (cont.) Building public confidence in SIB: Ensure SIB has a greater public presence Quarterly press releases and/or press conferences on major economic statistics and other reports Reaching out to decision-makers to build awareness of data available from SIB Public appearances by managers and subject-area specialists
Addressing Our Challenges (cont.) Include metadata on new website Offer beginner-level statistics courses as a service to other government departments and in collaboration with University of Belize Further develop and promote Microdata Access Policy Recognizing data dissemination as an equally important function as production of statistics
