1392.0 - Statistical News SA, Mar 2011  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 15/03/2011   
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UPCOMING ABS STATISTICAL TRAINING IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA


Training Calendar (APRIL - JUNE 2011)

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) offers training courses designed to build the skills of participants in the collection, understanding and use of statistical information. Our training programs are conducted by ABS staff with expertise in designing questionnaires, analysing data and managing the survey process. Courses can also be tailored to meet the specific needs or your organisation.

The ABS also provides regular seminars and information sessions which may focus on statistical developments, publications, trends or issues. The following training is currently scheduled for the Adelaide office during the first half of 2011.


Analysing Survey Data Made Simple

Date: 4 - 5 April

Duration: 2 days

Description: This two-day, computer based course develops basic practical skills in statistical and graphical data analysis techniques using Microsoft Excel. This course will teach participants how to:

  • identify the steps involved in data analysis;
  • summarise and display survey data in graphical and tabular form;
  • find simple relationships in survey data; and
  • test for statistically significant differences between survey results.

Who should attend: Those with little or no knowledge of statistical analysis techniques who need a basic understanding of how to analyse and describe data that has been collected in surveys.

Cost: $750 (inc. GST)


Principles of Questionnaire Design

Date: 24 - 25 May

Duration: 2 days

Description: A well designed questionnaire is vital for collecting high quality data. The aim of this course is to provide participants with an awareness and understanding of questionnaire design principles. The course covers selecting collection methodologies, developing survey questions, designing questionnaire layout and testing the questionnaire. This course provides participants with an understanding of:
  • context of questionnaire design and defining survey objectives
  • determining the most appropriate collection methodology
  • understanding how respondents answer questions
  • developing wording and ordering of questions
  • format and layout of questionnaires
  • testing and evaluating questionnaires

Who should attend: People who will be involved in designing and conducting a survey and wish to gain an understanding of how to design a questionnaire that will collect data accurately.

Cost: $750 (inc. GST)


Running Your Own Survey

Date: 15 - 16 June

Duration: 2 days

Description: This course is intended to provide a broad understanding of the issues involved in running your own survey. It follows the survey process from planning right through to presentation of results. Participants will develop an understanding of how to:
  • plan for your survey, including formulating survey objectives and defining key data items;
  • assess the quality of your frame (the list from which your sample is selected), if required;
  • choose the most suitable method for collecting your data;
  • select a suitable sample design and sample size, considering the required level of accuracy;
  • develop a good questionnaire, then test your questionnaire and other aspects of your survey process;
  • critically examine the data collected by your survey, and make inferences about the population;
  • select an effective way of presenting your survey results which meets stakeholders’ needs;
  • address confidentiality and privacy issues related to the data you collect; and
  • use your understanding of the risks associated with surveys to devise mitigation strategies and contingency plans that will minimise your non-sampling error (including non-response).

Who should attend: People who will be involved in conducting a sample survey, or people who would like to gain an understanding of many of the risks associated with running a survey.

Cost: $750 (inc. GST)


Making Quality Informed Decisions

Date: 29 June

Duration: 1 day

Description: This course is intended to assist people to effectively use a quality framework to systematically understand quality issues associated with using data source. The course will also equip participants with the necessary skills to apply that understanding when making a decision, and is designed to take participants through the key fundamentals of data quality assessment. There is also a strong emphasis on the importance of using good quality data to promote informed decision making. The course will build your knowledge of:
  • the ABS Data Quality Framework;
  • framing data needs;
  • researching and organising data sources;
  • learning to assess datasets in the context of data needs;
  • understanding the impact of data limitations on the decision; and
  • using risk management to make a quality informed decision

Who should attend: People who analyse and use data from a wide range of sources with a focus on making policy-based decisions. This course is also suitable for those who may need to develop and manage data collections, and wish to look at quality improvement.

Cost: $450 (inc. GST)

Further details of training courses and registration forms can be found on the Training page of the ABS website. The page also provides information about other training courses that the ABS can present, courses that are scheduled in other states and territories and on-line training courses. If you or your colleagues are interested in any courses that have not been scheduled in Adelaide, or you are interested in arranging tailored training packages, please contact Consultancy and Training Services on (08) 8237 7452 or email training@abs.gov.au.