New Approaches to Training in National Accounts: A role for e-

learning?

Graham EeleDevelopment Data Group

World Bank

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Overview

• Human resources and capacity building in statistics

• Training in national accounts• Using an e-learning approach• Some issues for discussion

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Human resources and statistical capacity

• In most statistical agencies human resources are the most important resource

• In developing countries staff costs typically represent more than 75 per cent of the budget

• Need to develop skills and ensure staff keep up with technical and other developments

• Skilled staff are often the scarcest resource

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Problems to be addressed

• Problems in attracting and retaining skilled staff

• Limited supply of skills • Diseconomies of scale, especially for

small countries• Imbalances between professional

and other staff in many statistical systems, but limited flexibility

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Training in national accounts

• Small numbers of staff in many countries

• Need for continuous training related to compilation, but also improving source data

• Limited training opportunities• High cost of training, particularly the

opportunity cost of staff being away from their posts

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E-learning

• Well developed training method, widely used, but less experience with use in statistics

• Form of distance learning, can be used alone or in combination with other methods

• Can be linked to formal assessments if needed

• WB developing an e-learning program on management of statistical capacity strengthening programs

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Advantages and disadvantages

• Advantages– Low delivery cost– Low marginal cost of adding additional learners– Flexibility and limited disruption to work

programs• Disadvantages

– High development cost– Lack of access to a trainer– Motivation of trainees– Need for access to computer facilities and the

Internet

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E-learning in national accounts

• Potentially useful technique, but requires careful planning and precise definition of training needs and objectives

• Modular approach likely to be effective• Need to make the course relevant to the

trainees – need for many case studies• Requires built-in assessment mechanisms• Importance of feedback from users and

extensive review of the material

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Some issues

• Development costs are not insubstantial; for the WB course one module involving enough material for about 60 to 90 minutes study requires:– Between 7 to 12 days for material

preparation ($5,000 to $8,000)– About three weeks to put the material into

an e-learning format, once the overall design is agreed, at a cost of around $12,000

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Potential for collaboration

• Developing the overall design• Sharing the cost• Preparing material• Identifying case study material• But who takes the lead?

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The World Bank e-learning course

1. Why statistics matter2. National statistical systems:

organization, activities and principles3. Assessing statistical systems: tools and

processes4. National strategies for the development

of statistics5. Managing NSDS preparation6. Strengthening coordination,

management and legislation

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Modules

7. Building statistical infrastructure8. Investing in data collection and

dissemination9. Improving administrative data systems10.Human resource development11.Costing and financing statistical

development12.Implementation of a capacity building

program

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Advice and comments very welcome