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Quarterly National Accounts Course

Joint Vienna Institute
August 5 - 16, 2013
L-6: Processing System Setup
Reproductions of this material or any parts of it should refer to the IMF Statistics Department as the source
Lecture Outline
Processing system: guidelines Processing system: guidelines
Software
Database-based computer system
Use of spreadsheet
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Processing system: guidelines
Time series oriented Time series oriented
Data input separate from calculations
Annual data separate from quarterly data
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Processing system: guidelines
Clear documentation of each step of the Clear documentation of each step of the
compilation process
Adjustments documented
By electronic/hard-copy notes
By using explicit adjustment factors
Data input in original form
Li ki d f i i id ifi bl d Linking and re-referencing in separate identifiable and
reproducible steps
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Processing system: guidelines
Standardized set up across all areas Standardized set up across all areas
Same format
Same organization
Full classification lists
Allow empty cells
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Software
No ready made QNA compilation software exist y Q p
Spreadsheets are good for small systems and
experimental work
Time-series databases best for storage of large
volumes of data
Large compilation systems:
Programs for batch handling of data stored in time
series databases
Procedures for interactive handling of data stored in
time series databases
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Software
Two groups of commercially available database software
Time series databases
Fame, Dbank, Aremos, Modeleasy
Treat all data objects (data arrays or data vectors) as time series
Relational database packages
Access, oracle, Sysbase, dbase, paradox
Specialized for cross-sectional operations
A custom-made interface to the database may be needed,
to ease data exchange between the database and other
software packages, as well as smaller tailor-made
compilation modules
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Database-based computer system:
Elements
Databases for data input Databases for data input
Databases for storage of monthly, quarterly and
annual source data
Database for storage of annual national accounts
estimates
Databases for storage of annual source data
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Database-based computer system:
Elements
Compilation routines p
Benchmarking of indicators to annual data
Deflation / reflation
Source data assessment procedures tracking on a
detailed level, editing
Compilation system assessment procedures
simulations on historical data/tracking on an
aggregated level agg egated e e
Reconciliation/comparison of GDP estimates from the
production, expenditure, and income sides
Seasonal adjustment (link to X-12-Arima or Tramo-
Seats)
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Database-based computer system:
Elements
Databases for storage of compiled QNA data Databases for storage of compiled QNA data
Database(s) for official published data
Archived copies of previous quarters published data
Working databases for unpublished estimates
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Database-based computer system:
Elements
Standardized naming conventions for time series Standardized naming conventions for time series
identifiers capturing all dimensions of the data-
room
Structure that is easy to understand
Follows the classification system
Shows the type of data - frequency, value/price index,
Shows the stage of processing, etc.
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Organization of spreadsheets: things to consider
Name in a meaningful way Name in a meaningful way
Store where they can be easily found
Date whenever revisions are made
Fully document
General statement of what is contained in the file and
the data sources used the data sources used
More detailed statement on any assumptions made
and any adjustments made to the data.
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Organization of spreadsheets: things to consider
Titles and headings within a file Titles and headings within a file
Tables should have proper titles to indicate the
contents, with units clearly stated
Columns should be clearly headed, again with units
clearly stated
Give each layer a sensible name - not sheet1, sheet2
etc
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Organization of spreadsheets: things to consider
References and formulas within a file References and formulas within a file
All numbers imported from outside should have a clear
statement of the source
Any numbers imported from outside should be entered
only once and thereafter be linked to other cells by
formula formula
All formula must be double checked for accuracy
Check that they actually do what they are supposed to do
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Organization of spreadsheets: things to consider
Spreadsheet layout within a file p y
Use different colors for input and output data
Whole time series should always be visible, not one year's data
Use split/freeze frames to make the row column heading visible.
Standardize the layout across all areas so it can be read and
understood by someone without assistance
Use comment facility in excel to explain derivation adjustments Use comment facility in excel to explain derivation, adjustments
Today() function to put date on printouts
Use header/footer to put date and filename
New folders for archived material
No formatting until you are ready to tabulate
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Organization of spreadsheets: things to consider
Data management within a file Data management within a file
Each edition of compilation should be on a separately
named spreadsheet, to have an archived version (if
something goes wrong or to follow through revisions)
Use the multiple layers of spreadsheet to separate out
different processes
Make a convention that the time dimension is either Make a convention that the time dimension is either
always across the rows or down the columns
Make your system rebase-friendly by identifying every
price or volume index as BY=100 and in a set color
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