Virtual Statistical System

Misha Belkindas

Development Data GroupWorld Bank

June 2008

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Overview

1. Background

2. Objectives

3. Proposed approach

4. Activities and responsibilities

5. Timeline

6. Resource requirement

7. Discussion points

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Background Modern technology, esp. internet and websites,

can play an important role in disseminating relevant knowledge for statistical development

World Bank originally proposed the development of a Virtual Statistical System

The word “virtual” refers to a situation where one can visit organizations and meet people – who are not real but displays the qualities of being real - who can provide relevant information

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Background – cont’d PARIS21 Task Team on the Virtual Statistical

System was formed for VSS development TT Comprises representatives of the Central

Statistical Office of India, the Development Gateway Foundation, the Federal Statistical Office Germany, EUROSTAT, Ghana Statistical Services, the International Monetary Fund, PARIS21, the United Nations Statistics Division, and the World Bank

TT held its first meeting in March 2008 in Washington, DC to prepare a project proposal

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Objectives WHAT: VSS will be a knowledge center that

takes into account the information needs of different user types and will focus on the development of statistical systems

WHY: VSS will be a tool that supports the preparation and implementation of NSDS and national efforts to design, build and maintain national statistical systems

HOW: VSS will be implemented through a user-friendly IT platform that provides standardized and structured information

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Proposed approach A portal will be created to serve as an entry

point for accessing VSS content VSS content will be categorized into:

Activities (based on processes of production, dissemination and use of statistics)

Themes (based on the perspectives of thematically oriented users)

The portal will be constructed based on a modular approach (a harmonized set of information)

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Proposed approach – cont’d User interface will include interactive

functions that will facilitate the retrieval of information

Language issues: English will be the primary language Reference materials will be available in the

original languages Content can optionally be translated into 6 UN

languages

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How will it look like?

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Activities and responsibilities

The project will be developed in three phases: Phase 1: Preparation of proposal Phase 2: Development of portal

Phase 2A: completion of website structure Phase 2B: development of websites Phase 2C: creation of pilot modules Phase 2D: provision of basic content Phase 2E: completion of modules

Phase 3: Maintenance of portal

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Activities and responsibilities

Activity Agency ResponsibilityPhase 1Proposal

TT Preparation of proposal

WB Convener

Phase 2Development

TT Oversight body

UNSD/WB Joint leadership

WB Convener

DGF Portal design

Partner agencies Information providers

Phase 3Maintenance

UNSD orPartner agencies

OwnershiporShared ownership

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TimelineYear Month Activity

2008 June P21 SC decisions

Sep—Oct Phase 2 starts

Oct—Dec Testing with potential users

2009 Jan Completion of web structure

Feb Completion of 4-5 pilot modules

July Release 1: 20% modules completed

Aug ISI presentation

2010 Feb Release 2: 60% modules completed

July Release 3: 100% modules completed

Nov Final version of portal completed

Dec Project completed

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Resource requirement

Human resources required: A project coordinator based at WB A consultant supporting the coordinator A web developer Content coordinators who will oversee the

content development of a specific domain A review group who will review the materials

developed for specific domains Content providers who will contribute to the

content

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Resource requirement

Financial resources required: The cost estimate is US$430,000, which

includes consultant fees for the website development, management, coordination, evaluation, and promotion and marketing

US$80,000 has already been made available for website testing with potential users

Additional US$350,000 will be required for the development phase

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Discussion points Does the Committee agree on the

proposed work plan of the Virtual Statistical System Task Team?

Does the Committee agree to allocate the required resources (US$350,000)?