INTRODUCTION

Innovations in technology, broad use of electronic devices and the all-around generation of digital information brings fundamental changes to the availability of real-time information, such as data from GPS devices, from mobile phones or from social media. These high-volume and sometimes loosely structured data sources, commonly referred to as Big Data, are different from conventional data sources for official statistics, and have many challenges in their application. The business case still needs to be made for many statistical offices if, why and how Big Data are useful for official statistics.

The statistical community has recognized the potential use of big data for official statistics. The UN Statistical Commission therefore established in March 2014 a global working group mandated to provide strategic vision, direction and coordination of a global programme on Big Data for official statistics, to promote practical use of sources of Big Data for official statistics, while finding solutions for their challenges, and to promote capacity building and sharing of experiences in this respect.

Currently, mostly developed countries have started using various Big Data sources encountering a number of challenges. Mobile phone data, Traffic loop data, Twitter data and Satellite imagery have all been successfully used. Whereas national circumstances can be fairly unique, it is still intended to generalize the use of such Big Data sources to other countries, especially also in developing parts of the world.

DURATION

5 days

COURSE LEVEL: Intermediate

Course Outline

Big data and the international statistical community

Mobile phones, GPS and other tracking devices

1. What is the typology of the data source?
2. What are the challenges?

• Who are the partners?

Mobile phone devices and ICT indicators 

Traffic loop data for Transport Statistics

Exploring the Use of Big Data in Transport Statistics

Satelite imagery and other geo-spatial information

1. What is the typology of the data source?
2. What are the challenges?

• Who are the partners?

1. Example - Use of satellite images for measuring agricultural crop production

Use of satellite images for agricultural statistics

Use of Remote Sensing Technology and Information in Agricultural Statistics

Combining social, economic and environment statistics utilizing geo-spatial data

Twitter and other social media

1. What is the typology of the data source?
2. What are the challenges?

• Who are the partners?

Facebook and Twitter data for Consumer confidence index

• Use of social media data for official statistics
• Web scraping for Labor statistics 
• Online Price Data Capture
• Real Estate Price Forecasting on the Basis of Network Data Search

Commonalities on benefits and challenges of big data sources

1. Common methodological issues and quality concerns
2. Common privacy issues - Legal frameworks, ethical guidelines and trusted technology solutions to safeguard privacy
3. Common issues on partnerships – Data acquisition, Division of responsibilities
4. Common IT issues – Cloud computing

Introducing innovation, especially in developing country circumstances

• Big Data and development
• Big Data strategy
• Big Data in developing country circumstances

Course Administration Details:

REQUIREMENTS

Participants should be reasonably proficient in English. Applicants must live up to Indepth Research Institute (IRES) admission criteria.

METHODOLOGY

The instructor led trainings are delivered using a blended learning approach and comprises of presentations, guided sessions of practical exercise, web based tutorials and group work. Our facilitators are seasoned industry experts with years of experience, working as professional and trainers in these fields.

All facilitation and course materials will be offered in English. The participants should be reasonably proficient in English.

ACCREDITATION

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with an Indepth Research Services (IRES) certificate certified by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA).

TRAINING VENUE

The training will be held at IRES Training Centre. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments and lunch.

All participants will additionally cater for their, travel expenses, visa application, insurance, and other personal expenses.

ACCOMMODATION AND AIRPORT PICKUP

Accommodation and airport pickup are arranged upon request. For reservations contact the Training Officer.

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