The IMF experience with
quality assurance
framework
April, 27, 2006
Conference on Data Quality for International
Organizations
(Committee for the Coordination of Statistical Activities)
Lucie Laliberté
The IMF Data Quality Program
The IMF introduced its DQAF-based
Data Quality Program for
integrating:
– its data initiatives with member
countries and
– its own statistical activities
Lucie Laliberte, IMFStatistics
Department
2
DQAF with IMF member countries
The DQAF structure underpins the IMF
main data quality initiatives with member
countries:
– The SDDS/GDDS
– ROSC Data module
– Technical assistance reports
Lucie Laliberte, IMFStatistics
Department
3
What is the experience of the IMF?
While initially focused on its member
countries, the DQAF-centred DQP
now increasingly covers the IMF
statistical operations that were
previously conducted by statistical
domain specific divisions.
Lucie Laliberte, IMFStatistics
Department
4
Reorganization to enhance data
management
In 2005, STA created the Statistical Information Management
Section (SIMS) to:
(i) provide central leadership to ensure the use of cost effective
and best work practices in data management;
(ii) provide data collection and client services for STA;
(iii) provide central leadership for STA in the use of information
technology (IT) and managing IT development and production
projects; and
(iv) manage STA’s publications and electronic dissemination
through, for example, a statistics portal.
.
Lucie Laliberte, IMFStatistics
Department
5
Gradual approach
The strategy consists in taking a staggered
approach reflecting resource constraints and the
need to develop new work processes related to
data collection and processing, IT, and data
dissemination.
As efficiencies from data production are
effected, resources are freed for developmental
work such as designing, testing, and
implementing a more unified approach to data
collection.
Lucie Laliberte, IMFStatistics
Department
6
Data and metadata for own operations

As DQAF metadata become available in sufficient quantity, the
resulting Metadata Repository will be used as a source for series and
table notes in publications such as International Financial Statistics, the
various Yearbooks, and the online databases.

The Repository is expected to play an important documentation
role in the IMF-wide Data Warehouse now in the pilot stages, enhancing
the effectiveness of the Warehouse in exposing any substantive data
inconsistencies across the institution, thus allowing resources to be
focused on eliminating them, and possibly improving the efficiency of
internal data processes.
Lucie Laliberte, IMFStatistics
Department
7
Data and Metadata Exchange
The plans are to make the Metadata Repository of the
nascent Data Warehouse capable of Statistical Data and
Metadata Exchange (SDMX)-conformant data interchange
within the IMF and between IMF and other institutions, as
SDMX metadata transmission standards become settled.
The relatively fine and structured detail in the DQAF
makes it highly interoperable with other structures in use
by other organizations.
Lucie Laliberte, IMFStatistics
Department
8
What is the experience of the IMF?
The weaknesses of our data operations are well known:
First, designing the DQAF structure helped identify
weaknesses in our own data operations.
Second, the experience that the IMF gains through its
technical assistance, data dissemination initiatives and
data quality assessment has been very beneficial in
identifying problems and devising solutions.
Third, valuable inputs are received from internal Fund
users.
Fourth, periodic external reviews are conducted on
statistical publications, which reflect the views of external
users.
Lucie Laliberte, IMFStatistics
Department
9
What is the experience of the IMF?

The introduction of the DQP centered on
the DQAF is in line with the meeting of
the Coordinating Committee for Statistical
Activities (CCSA) May 27-28, 2004
(Wiesbaden, Germany) where it was
noted that the DQAF provides a starting
point for development of a statistical data
quality program for international
organizations
Lucie Laliberte, IMFStatistics
Department
10