Language:
Search
 
I Pad app
Statistics South Africa

A. Problem Analysis

 1. What was the problem before the implementation of the initiative?
1. Statistics South Africa publishes a number of statistical publications throughout the year and also census information. The data is disseminated in various formats. The formats range from simple data graphs to advanced SAS format. The different formats are aimed at different users within the data user’s community, from novice users to technical data miners. One of the gaps identifies in the dissemination channels are the mobile device users. These users typically have a smartphone or tablet that has permanent internet connectivity via 3G network or WI-FI. They consume various services on their devices which includes email and internet. Making data available on mobile devices would be ideal for these users. The challenge was that the publications are published and printed in hardcopies that have lots of annexure data tables which makes it difficult for non statisticians to interpret and understand the publications. The project was mainly driven by the need to make census 2011 results to be easily accessible to planners, senior government officials, politicians, journalists and economist in an easy to read format on mobile devices. Planners use that statistical data produced by Statistics SA to plan ahead in terms of addressing social and economic problems that South Africa faces. Politicians and senior government officials access the data to make informed decisions in providing service delivery to South African citizens Journalists report on the data and also the economists make economical forecasts using the data provided by statistics SA. Having to go through cumbersome printed\pdf copies of publications makes it difficult to make informed decisions quickly and efficiently, hence the need to make the information available on an easy to access platform and should be easy to navigate. The increase in use of mobile devices for accessing information on the go was then taken advantage of by introducing a mobile device (tablet) application that would allow people to download statistical publications to their devices and be able to access up to data information in order to make informed decisions. Example, ward councelors can access information about their ward (demographic information, economic information, etc). Economic statistics like Gross Domestic Product, Producer Price Index, Consumer Price Index and Labour Statistics are made available on an easy to read and interactive publications on the mobile devices.

B. Strategic Approach

 2. What was the solution?
2. The initiative is to make Statistical data released by Statistics South Africa available to the data users community through the use of their smartphones and tablets through an easy to use application that has interactive graphs and narrations. Users need to install the app on their devices and once installed on the tablet, new interactive publications are downloaded once off on the user’s device. The app allows users to have up to date statistical information, thus allowing users to use the information to inform their decisions and planning. The approach that was followed end up having an app for the statistical publications is as follows: Focus groups were held with users to check weakness of the available dissemination channels, and it was identified that there is a need to have a tool/app for mobile devices Core requirements were identified for the specific application: Security, usability, accessibility, costs.
 3. How did the initiative solve the problem and improve people’s lives?
3. Statistics South Africa is the first statistical agency in the world to have implemented a solution that makes available an application for disseminating statistical data through the use of tablets in an interactive and user friendly manner. Policy makers, researchers and academics can access the data on their devices.

C. Execution and Implementation

 4. In which ways is the initiative creative and innovative?
4. Focus group sessions were held to identify the gaps in the data dissemination tools a. Research was conducted on available mobile BI tools b. Tool requirements were specified c. Number of products were evaluated and tested internally d. Tool was procured and customized to fit Stats SA requirements e. Content development for the app f. Marketing and communications promoted the availability of the tool g. ICT infrastructure was set up for hosting the app h. Training conducted on using the tool to the staff i. Launched the app on the day of census 2011 results release day
 5. Who implemented the initiative and what is the size of the population affected by this initiative?
5. Stake holders: a. Software vendor : Mellmo, ROAMBI and Dataways b. Stats SA Statistician general and executive committe c. Stats SA application development team d. Stats SA communications team e. Stats SA graphic design team
 6. How was the strategy implemented and what resources were mobilized?
6. Resources required were: a. ICT infrastructure (Servers and Network connectivity) b. Software licenses costing R450 000 – funded from Statistics SA budget c. Technical team consisting of Server Administrator, 3 Software developers and 1 Systems Analyst.
 7. Who were the stakeholders involved in the design of the initiative and in its implementation?
7. The app download reached the number one spot of downloaded apps from the iStore on the launch day. Statistical data users now have broader options for getting the data that they need. Received great feedback from newspaper editors, Minister from the Presidency, and general public. Statistical data produced by Statistics SA is used by government to plan and also for allocating funds across different programs that are run by the South African government, making data to be easily available assists the planners to do their work easily and thus at the end it results in improving service delivery. Ministers, Premieres MECs, Mayors, Councilors, etc use the data to improve service delivery. Data on the following topics has been made available through the app: Gross domestic product Consumer Price Index Quarterly labour force survey Mortality and causes of death Census 2011 My ward my councilor Monthly economic indicators Etc. Making data available to decision makers, researchers and general community in a easy to access and interactive manner is what makes the project innovative.
 8. What were the most successful outputs and why was the initiative effective?
8. Regular meetings were held to minor progress regarding the implementation of the solution between the development team and the solution provider. Subject matter experts were also engaged to ensure that content (statistical publications) is produced and are of high quality to be disseminated through the app. Executive management support and interest also contributed in ensuring the implementation time lines were met.
 9. What were the main obstacles encountered and how were they overcome?
9. Getting support from the subject matter experts on time was a challenge, but processes are being put in place to ensure that the content update for the app is added to be part of the statistical production value chain. The app is currently only available for IOS devices, thus this creates a challenge as not all smartphones are catered for. Work is in progress to continue enhancing the solution and making it available to all smartphone devices.

D. Impact and Sustainability

 10. What were the key benefits resulting from this initiative?
10. Statistical data produced by Statistics SA is used by government to plan and also for allocating funds across different programs that are run by the South African government, making data to be easily available assists the planners to do their work easily and thus at the end it results in improving service delivery. Ministers, Premieres MECs, Mayors, Councilors, etc use the data to improve service delivery. Data on the following topics has been made available through the app: a. Gross domestic product b. Consumer Price Index c. Quarterly labour force survey d. Mortality and causes of death e. Census 2011 f. My ward my councilor g. Monthly economic indicators h. Etc. Making data available to decision makers, researchers and general community in a easy to access and interactive manner is what makes the project innovative. A ward councilor who is interested to know the population demographics for his/her ward will be able to find that information easily right on their tablet. They can find information regarding employment, age distribution, electricity, water, etc. This information makes it easier for counselors to be able to address challenges that are faced by their communities. Since the app was launched, over 7600 app downloads were done from the Apple iStore and the number is increasing daily.
 11. Did the initiative improve integrity and/or accountability in public service? (If applicable)
11. A team has been put in place that looks after the solution and working on improving the technology and making it available to all mobile devices. Improving dissemination of data is one of the key priorities of Statistics South Africa, thus the project has full executive management support and buy in, resulting in long term sustainability. It is funded by the government department. The solution is highly adaptable and we have already replicated the project at The National Planning Commission by launching the similar app for making available commissions documents to the planners and the rest of the country. Statistics South Africa played a major role to get setting and running the project.
 12. Were special measures put in place to ensure that the initiative benefits women and girls and improves the situation of the poorest and most vulnerable? (If applicable)
12. Managing expectations and being able to deliver on time. Users expect content update regularly, therefore subject matter expert need to be included and informed in time to produce content. Selling the solution internally within the organisation, before going out to external parties is also important (buy in from internal stakeholders). Executive management support is also key in ensuring that resources are allocated to the project. Publicity and marketing, this is one key role that is important in promoting and ‘selling’ the app. Being able to keep up with the demand to roll out the solution to all devices remains a challenge and it has to be managed properly.

Contact Information

Institution Name:   Statistics South Africa
Institution Type:   Government Department  
Contact Person:   Tumelo Ntlaba
Title:   Mr  
Telephone/ Fax:   +27 12 337 6494
Institution's / Project's Website:  
E-mail:   tumelont@statssa.gov.za  
Address:   170 Thabo Sehume Street
Postal Code:   0002
City:   Pretoria
State/Province:   Gauteng
Country:  

          Go Back
Print friendly Page