The impact of new processing techniques on the management of data processing in the United Kingdom Government Statistical Service
Article type: Research Article
Authors: Rose, D.P.1 | Cable, D.R.2 | Taylor, R.M.3 | Wallond, W.J.4 | Wake, P.A.5
Note: [1] Philip Rose joined the UK Civil Service in 1981 and is currently working in the Central Statistical Office Computing Liaison Unit. This unit provides a central point for information on statistical computing for the decentralised UK Government Statistical Service. He has previously worked for the Overseas Development Administration, and on social statistics in the Central Statistical Office.
Note: [2] David Cable joined the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys from university in 1971 and worked on the application of IT to social survey research data. In 1978/79, he was loaned to the UNECE Population Activities Unit to develop the computing system for the Second Comparative Fertility Study. Following a spell in the CSO, as head of the Computing Liaison Unit (1982–86), he was transferred to HM Treasury where he now works on UK Civil Service recruitment and personnel management policy. He is a member of the British Computer Society.
Note: [3] Rodney Taylor is currently a statistician with the Home Office providing computing support to other statisticians and their staff. He has worked for the Home Office for twelve years, mainly providing statistics on crime and criminals. He has previously worked at the Department of the Environment and the Electricity Council.
Note: [4] Bill Wallond joined the UK Civil Service from school in 1955 and served in a variety of administrative offices before entering a statistical division of what is now the Department of Trade and Industry, in 1966. He received training in statistics, computer programming and systems analysis and helped develop an integrated computer system on a Univac 1108 for the division's surveys. He moved to the BSO's Computer Branch in 1971, leading a number of application development projects on ICL 1900 and 2900 and has for some years now headed a section responsible for general software, data management and standards.
Note: [5] Philip Wake is currently working on automating administrative work for the staff development and standards branch of the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys. Amongst other projects, he has also worked on the pilot stages of the development of a transposed disk store for the 1991 population census.
Abstract: New processing techniques have greatly influenced the management and organisation of statistical data processing over the past few years. Two important developments have been the wider availability and reduction in price of microcomputers, and the development of new programming tools (including so-called 4th Generation Languages) and systems design methodologies. Important issues which have to be taken into account when implementing a microcomputer based data processing strategy have included the organisation of central computer support to service a new generation of informed and active microcomputer users. Attempting to control a proliferation of different types of hardware and software and the security and integrity of data are other issues which need to be addressed. The use of advanced tools for programming and systems design is one way of compensating for problems in recruiting and retaining suitably qualified staff. The adoption of these tools by the UK Government Statistical Service has provided a modern forward looking working environment for systems development staff and has achieved significant productivity gains.
DOI: 10.3233/SJU-1988-5401
Journal: Statistical Journal of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, vol. 5, no. 4, pp. 345-358, 1988
