ABS Statistical training and information seminars

Venue: ABS Victorian Office, Level 5 South Tower, 485 La Trobe Street, Melbourne.

Time: full day courses generally run from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.

What Statistical training courses are available at ABS Victoria?

• Analysing Survey Data Made Simple (ASDMS)
• Making Quality Informed Decisions (MQID)
• Introduction to Labour Statistics (ILS)
• Introduction to ABS Statistical Collections
• Valuing Australia’s Environment (VAE)
• Turning Data Into Information (TDII)
• Basic Survey Design (BSD)
• Understanding Demographic Data (UDD)
• Principles of Questionnaire Design (PQD)

Analysing Survey Data Made Simple
This two-day computer-based course develops practical skills in basic statistical and graphical data analysis techniques using Microsoft Excel. It aims to equip participants with the skills 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.

This course is designed for people with limited training and exposure to statistical analysis who need to learn how to analyse and describe data that have been collected in surveys. A mathematical background is beneficial but not essential. Previous experience using spreadsheets is recommended.

Length: 2 days
2010 dates: 13-14 April, 27-28 Oct
Cost $750 (inc. GST) per person

Making Quality Informed Decisions
This one-day course introduces the concept of ’holistic quality’ through the use of a data quality framework. The framework ensures that users of statistics are able to assess whether the statistics are fit for their intended use. This course provides participants with an understanding of: how to set up a quality framework, risk management in making statistical decisions, how to assess datasets in the context of data need, and using information on data quality to make better informed decisions. This course would be useful for anyone who uses statistics in decision making, or is involved in producing statistics and wants to ensure that they are used appropriately.

Length: 1 day
2010 dates: 22 April, 31 August
Cost: $450 (inc. GST) per person

Introduction to Labour Statistics
This course provides an overview of the range of concepts and issues associated with ABS labour statistics. It explores the data produced by both household and employer based collections, and highlights the range of products available to access labour-related data. The course will be beneficial to people who use and/or need to understand ABS labour statistics.

Length: 1 day
2010 date: 4 May
Cost: $450 (inc. GST) per person

Introduction to ABS Statistical Collections
This is a new program where pairs of subject modules are presented in a half-day session. The suite of modules would be of interest to anyone requiring an overview of topic-based collections and their use. These modules include where to find data on the ABS website free of charge.

• Estimated Resident Population (ERP) and Labour Force Made Simple
• Agriculture and Environment Made Simple
• Health and Estimated Resident Population Made Simple

Length: half-day, 1.30 - 4:45pm,
Fee: $120 (incl GST) per person for half-day pair of modules
2010 dates:

• 6 May (ERP and Labour)
• 2 June (Agriculture and Environment)
• 23 June (Health and EPR)

Valuing Australia's Environment
This one-day course provides an introduction to the notion of environmental accounts, including insight into their compilation and uses. The information contained in environmental accounts enables governments to develop environmental policies, including identifying more sustainable development pathways, priority regions and industries. It also enables monitoring of the impact of economic policies on the environment, and greater precision in the development of environmental regulations and resource management strategies.

Environmental accounts also allow others in the community, business, non-government organisations and the general public to monitor their own progress towards targets which they may have identified and funded. This course is suitable for those seeking an introduction to environmental accounting. Both statisticians and data users with an interest in the environment may find the course valuable. The course aligns with understanding classifications and frameworks, and is not focused on data.

Length: 1 day
2010 date: 8 June
Cost: $450 (inc. GST) per person

Turning Data Into Information (TDII)
This course develops skills in interpreting and analysing data, and communicating information clearly and effectively. Analytical thinking skills are developed to enable the transformation of data into meaningful information such as written reports. A key theme of this course is analytical thinking to ensure relevant messages are extracted from data to meet set objectives.

Length: 2 days
Fee: $750.00
2010 dates: 20-21 July, 23-24 November

Basic Survey Design
This two-day course aims to provide a grounding in all facets of sample survey development. Topics include developing survey objectives, advantages and disadvantages of various collection methodologies, questionnaire design, data processing and reporting of results. This course would be useful for anyone who conducts their own surveys, or who needs a broad understanding of the issues associated with the survey process.

Length: 2 days
Fee: $750 (inc. GST) per person
2010 dates: 24-25 August

Understanding Demographic Data
This is a one day interactive workshop on demographic statistics. The workshop provides an overview of demographic data, with information on sources, methods of collection and production, and quality issues. Practical exercises using tools for demographic analysis are included. This course is designed for people who use and/or need to understand demographic data to formulate policies and programs. The course covers:

• the relevance of demographic data to contemporary social and economic issues,
• population dynamics such as population momentum and ageing,
• individual components of population growth (births/fertility, deaths/mortality, internal and overseas migration), and how these components are used in the

production of population estimates, and

• population estimates and projections (including for Indigenous populations and small areas).

Length: 1 day
2010 dates: 26 May, 9 September
Cost: $450 (inc. GST) per person

Principles of Questionnaire Design
This two-day course aims to enable participants to understand and apply the basic techniques used in developing a survey questionnaire. The course includes facilitated exercises to give participants an understanding of how to design and evaluate a questionnaire. The course content covers: defining survey objectives, developing survey questions and instructions to accompany questions, testing the questionnaire; and questionnaire layout. This course would be useful for anyone who needs to design a questionnaire that will collect information accurately and concisely.

Length: 2 days
2010 dates: 13-14 October
Cost $750 (inc. GST) per person

For further information on ABS statistical training go to the ABS website <www.abs.gov.au>. Select 'Services' then ABS Training. For courses listed above, Alan Page (03 9615 7899) is ABS Victoria's training contact, or email queries/registrations to <victoria.statistics@abs.gov.au>. Course descriptions are available here: Victorian dates and registration form.