Mixed mode in the data collection of SBS statistics within Statistics Sweden

Cecilia Hertzman

Seminar om Statistical Data Collection, Geneva 2013-09-26

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Background to the project

• Simplify the data collection process• Reduce the response burden• Investigate the possibility to use the standardised

Swedish format SIE

SIE is an open standard for transferring accounting data between different software products by different software suppliers.

• Extend the use of the Swedish chart of accounts, BAS

Tests have previously yielded positive indicatorsof increased data quality and reduced non-response.

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SpecRR – One of three specially designed sample surveysThe Swedish SBS contains of a number of different sources

where the core is administrative data from the Tax Agency

complemented by three specially designed sample surveys.

SpecRR – A specification of the Income Statement

• Purpose: Obtain detailed information about income and

costs

• Data collection: Web-application (SIV) with pre-printed

totals from the Tax Agency

• The respondent are asked to specify the pre-printed values

• Sample size: Approx. 16.500 enterprises

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Actions taken by the project

Mapping of variables:

• Many of the SBS variables can be mapped to the BAS-accounts but not all.

• There are new versions of the BAS-accounting scheme every year

Adjustment of the data collection tool, SIV:

• The respondents upload a SIE-file and the questionnaire is filled in where there is a unique link between SIE-BAS-SBS

• Other variables must be filled in manually

Development of a communication plan with respondents

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Design of the experiment

• Limitations with respect to industry (NACE) and size (10-249 employees)

• 658 enterprises was chosen out of approx. 2 600 enterprises

Out of the 658, 537 (82%) answered the questionnaire.

Out of the 537, 134 choosed to answer thorugh the SIE supported solution.

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Evaluation

The evaluation was done in three parts:

• Quantitative evaluation

• Qualitative evaluation

• The respondent perspective

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Quantitative evaluation

Is there systematic differences between those who chose or did not chose the SIE alternative?

• A significantly higher percentage changed the pre-printed values

• Use of more variables

• Significantly lower proportion of costs on other expenses

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Qualitative evaluation

A review was made of all enterprises that changed their pre-printed values exceeding 5 percent of the original value

Most frequent deviations:• Changes in inventories and work in progress – the

use of BAS differs from its original thought• Allocation of costs between different types of costs• Consumable inventories – part of several BAS

accounts

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The respondent perspective30 enterprises were interviewed, 15 had used the SIE alternative and 15 had chosen not to use SIE.

The general impresson was:• The technical solution worked well• The respondent experienced a lower burden• Respondents would have wanted to get rid of manual completion• Respondents would have chosen SIE again if they had the

opportunity

Reasons for not using SIE:• No technical conditions at the enterprise for creating or using SIE• BAS was too old• Lack of practical experience of SIE

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Conclusions and future plans

Conclusions:• Overall positive reactions from respondents and

moderate costs for Statistics Sweden• Technical support for mapping is needed• The access to detailed information from the accounting

systems made us aware of quality aspects in the SBS

Future plans:• Offer around 4 000 enterprises the opportunity to

upload SIE files• Continue the cooperation with BAS-stakeholder

association• Offer the technical solution to other surveys