Using tablets for the 2018 Algerian Census: Census data management and quality assessment

Abstract

Nowadays, to achieve progress in this era of data revolution, it is necessary to make use of the rapid emergence of new technologies. This is, once more, a challenge for official statistics. Algeria is planning to carry out its sixth General Census of Population and Housing (RGPH) in 2018. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) for Algeria intends to use, for the first time, tablets (equipped with mobile chips) as a collection tool instead of the paper questionnaire. This paper mainly concentrates on ONS' vision of census data collection through the use of mobile technology, namely 3G and 4G LTE technologies. Our idea is to implement this by providing a tablet containing the census application to every enumerator authorized by government through which they can collect census data and update the collected data to the census database through mobile networks. Thus, our paper will address the issues related to the implementation of this mobile solution using a quality estimation model that requires the identification of features (e.g. interaction time, volume of provided information, error management, data security, transaction security).These features should ensure usability in a practical environment. In driving the process step by step, to optimize its management, our paper will also address the issues related to the implementation of the European Statistics Code of Practice, in using mobile technologies.

Keywords

Mobile networks ICT census mobile application total quality management quality management code of practice

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