Statistical Journal of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe - Volume 23, issue 4

Authors: Tam, S.M. | Kraayenbrink, Regina

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Results of a survey recently conducted by Statistics Canada suggest that many National Statistical Offices (NSOs) are in different stages of progress in migrating from a paper-based publishing regime to a web-based publishing regime. The common theme and challenges faced by NSOs today are focused on how to make the World Wide Web an effective medium for the on-line communication of statistics. Like many other NSOs, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is positioning itself to use the internet as the principal channel for data communication. There are a number of strategies in place to fulfil the ABS …goal of efficient and effective web publishing. These strategies are: – improving communication of statistics to facilitate user discovery of information, assessment of its fitness-for-purpose and understanding of the statistical messages in the data; – broadcasting and proactive dissemination of information such as through Real Simple Syndication and Email Notification; – improving self help; – writing once and publishing many times to improve the efficiency and consistency of released information; and – improving overall usability and accessibility of the web site. In this paper, the strategies and techniques used by the ABS to improve statistical communication are discussed. Show more

Keywords: Internet, web, publishing, dissemination, metadata, communication, cognitive methods

DOI: 10.3233/SJU-2006-23401

Citation: Statistical Journal of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, vol. 23, no. 4, pp. 229-247, 2006

Authors: Hansen, Carsten Boldsen

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: On the basis of the international Consumer Price Index Manual [4] the paper discusses the issue of price-updating of expenditure weights for the regular calculation of the consumer price index (CPI). The decision on how to calculate the CPI is considered as a three-step procedure: firstly, the purpose of the index is defined; secondly, an ideal index is chosen as a target and thirdly, the formula for the regular CPI calculation has to be decided upon. In practice most, if not all, countries calculate the ongoing CPI as an arithmetic expenditure weighted average of the elementary aggregate indices, applying …weights from a past reference period. In this context it is argued that the question of whether to price-update the expenditure weights or not is important for the interpretation of the CPI and may have significant influence on the measured rate of price change. The question of price-updating is discussed by use of the Lowe and Young indices introduced in the CPI Manual . The conclusion summarizes the main findings. Show more

Keywords: Consumer price index, price-updating, expenditure weights, Lowe index, Young index, bias

DOI: 10.3233/SJU-2006-23402

Citation: Statistical Journal of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, vol. 23, no. 4, pp. 249-261, 2006

Authors: von Oppeln-Bronikowski, Sibylle

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Public perception plays a major role in the successful communication of statistical results, a role which is broadly underestimated in official statistics. In the paper, the aspect of perception is examined using several examples from social statistics as well as price and income statistics. Furthermore, the author presents the results of a very challenging collaboration with Professor Brachinger from the University of Fribourg about the perception gap during the introduction period of the Euro currency in Germany. The paper concludes by describing the relationship between official statistics, the users and the media, and stresses the importance of good communication. Risk …management should be included in the communication strategy. The paper ends with a statement about quality and reliability which are highlighted as key factors for the reputation of official statistics. Show more

Keywords: Official statistics, perception, Euro, communication, media, risk management

DOI: 10.3233/SJU-2006-23403

Citation: Statistical Journal of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, vol. 23, no. 4, pp. 263-267, 2006

Authors: Østergaard, Leon

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The article argues that errors in statistical publications should not be seen solely as a threat to the credibility of the statistical institution, but that they could, with careful handling, actually contribute to public confidence in the institution. Hiding errors or disguising them as “revisions” puts credibility at risk. The author calls for a policy for dealing with errors in statistical institutions. Errors should be identified and corrected figures published loud and clear as soon as possible. The policy must include systematic collection of information on the occurrence, causes and consequences of errors. This information should be used internally to …prevent future errors, and published externally as part of the institutions quality declaration of statistics. Preliminary experience from Statistics Denmark seems to indicate that serious or minor errors occur in 1–2% of statistical publications. Show more

DOI: 10.3233/SJU-2006-23404

Citation: Statistical Journal of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, vol. 23, no. 4, pp. 269-275, 2006

Authors: Hamilton, Kirk | Ruta, Giovanni

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Samuelson [14] suggested that the best measure of social welfare would be a ‘wealth-like’ magnitude. This paper explains the approach to wealth measurement presented in Where is the Wealth of Nations? [18]. We show how deriving a ‘top-down’ estimate of total wealth and ‘bottom-up’ estimates of produced and natural capital can reveal the importance of natural assets as a source of social welfare in low income countries. By measuring the real change in asset values (‘genuine’ saving) we can determine whether social welfare is increasing or decreasing as a result of current policies. Negative genuine saving indicates that future …wellbeing will decline – i.e. that the economy is on an unsustainable path. We discuss the extensions to the System of National Accounts (SNA) inherent in this approach. Show more

Keywords: Social welfare, asset accounting, genuine saving, sustainable development

DOI: 10.3233/SJU-2006-23405

Citation: Statistical Journal of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, vol. 23, no. 4, pp. 277-288, 2006

Authors: Rand, Michael

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) is the primary source of information on the frequency, characteristics, and consequences of criminal victimization in the United States. The NCVS was initiated in 1972 because official sources of crime statistics were deemed inadequate to measure the extent and nature of the Nation's crime problem as it existed at the time. Since its inception, the survey has undergone almost constant change, including an extensive redesign implemented in 1992. This paper reviews the history and methodology of the NCVS, and discusses the changes made to the survey and their impact upon survey estimates.

DOI: 10.3233/SJU-2006-23406

Citation: Statistical Journal of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, vol. 23, no. 4, pp. 289-301, 2006

Authors: Gaucaite Wittich, Vitalija

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The UNECE Statistical Division has been conducting questionnaire surveys and collecting information on statistical business registers in the region on a regular basis since 1995. The paper describes the results of the last two questionnaire surveys (2004 and 2006) carried out among the CIS countries, focusing on the observed changes in the sources, the coverage of statistical units, the included variables, and in the usage of statistical business registers. The comparison of these countries' practices reveals important disparities in the status of the business register and its use for economic statistics. On the other hand, it demonstrates some convergence in …approaches to statistical business register and attempts to follow more closely the advanced practice of European Union and North American countries. Show more

Keywords: Statistical business register, sources for business register, statistical units, business register variables

DOI: 10.3233/SJU-2006-23407

Citation: Statistical Journal of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, vol. 23, no. 4, pp. 303-314, 2006

Authors: Wismer, Kirsten | Olsen, Annemette Lindhardt

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Discrimination is up for discussion in Europe. Directives on discrimination on the grounds of gender have been in force since 1957 and in 2000 two new acts were introduced to protect people from discrimination on the grounds of racial and ethnic origin and on the grounds of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. Identifying the persons or groups who are exposed to discrimination is a basic requirement for combating discrimination. On the basis of register-based statistics, we are able to shed light on objective discrimination, i.e. the unjustifiable differences in outcomes, also in a longitudinal perspective. …However, the existence of unjustifiable outcomes is not evidence that discrimination is taking place, but statistical analyses on outcomes can subsequently be used to conduct further studies, via surveys, as to why outcomes differ, as well as monitoring the level of differences in outcome nationally and internationally. In this paper, we will show some examples of statistics on access to the labor market for the elderly, for women of child-bearing age and for people of foreign origin and analyze the wage gap between men and women. Show more

Keywords: Discrimination, register-based statistical system, Statistics Denmark, gender, pay gap, employment rate, immigrants, length of stay, objective discrimination, minorities, risk groups

DOI: 10.3233/SJU-2006-23408

Citation: Statistical Journal of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, vol. 23, no. 4, pp. 315-327, 2006

Authors: Sabbadini, Linda Laura | Me, Angela

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The paper discusses some of the challenges which must currently be faced to improve the responsiveness of national statistical systems to emerging social behaviours. The focus is on the following areas: measurement of social outcomes, identification of new social actors such as new forms of families and households, measuring discrimination and extreme poverty. The paper advocates for a better understanding of how to define and measure social outcomes. It also highlights how new social behaviours and new policy requests are putting new demands on official statistics. For example, new information needs require the revision of the traditional concept of …family and household, and data to measure discrimination and redefine the concept of poverty. The recommendations of the paper focus on the need to initiate a discussion among official statisticians on these topics at regional and international level, with the objective of improving the responsiveness of national statistical systems to these emerging needs. Show more

DOI: 10.3233/SJU-2006-23409

Citation: Statistical Journal of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, vol. 23, no. 4, pp. 329-336, 2006

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/SJU-2006-23410

Citation: Statistical Journal of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, vol. 23, no. 4, pp. 337-340, 2006