ESA/STAT/AC.9/19
A Futuristic Model For Database
Management And
Transmission Of Data
For Demographic Yearbook
By
Swaraj K. Nath
India
Issues
 REPONSE pattern is poor
 Takes considerable time for its filling
up
 Release of DYB delayed
Factors Responsible
Country tabulations are not
synchronised with DYB questionnaires
Data compilation is a gigantic process
for the countries
Needs considerable time and energy for
its filling up
Compilation error can not be over
ruled
Electronic QUESTIONNNAIRE
-Does It Help ?
Workload for data supplying countries
get increased since they first put the
data on hard copies and transfer into
electronic sheet.
Other problems remain unchanged for
member countries
 UNSD saves time for data entry at their
end.
Way Out ?
 The UNSD need data from member
countries. Why to continue age old system of
questionnaire?
 Do these QUESTIONNIARES absolutely
needed if data in user friendly and
convertible mode can be supplied to UNSD?
 Why not use datasets from member
countries’ database as per structure of master
database of UNSD ?
Development Of A Harmonized
System
 This may be achieved through development
of uniform coding structures and uniform
database structures.
 For development of tables of DYB, UNSD
need datasets according to certain
classificatory variables with SECTORAL
break up, with sex break up etc.
Classifications And Database
Structure
Is it not possible to develop a classification of
integrated demographic and social indicators
and classificatory variables?
Is it not possible to provide with an uniform
structure of database for demographic and
social statistics?
Major Components Of Database
Structure
 Location fields
 Time fields
 Fields for classificatory variables
 Fields for social indicators
 Data fields
 Data category
Development Of Coding System:
How?
Country practices may be studied
Coding system of UNSD master
database may be the best guide
UNSD has to take lead role. Member
country may assist, if needed.
Advantages
 Subset of country’s database can be used for
DYB.
 Data validation at UNSD minimum.
 UNSD can take datasets through internet
using ftp mode.
 Zero time lag: the ultimate goal can be
achieved.
Thanks