Workflows for Reproducible Reporting for Business and Statistical Audiences: A Case Study at USDA APHIS

• Activity Number: 442
• Type: Contributed
• Date/Time: Tuesday, August 6, 2013 : 2:00 PM to 3:50 PM
• Sponsor: Government Statistics Section
• Author(s): Marie Vendettuoli*+ and David Siev and Heike Hofmann
• Companies: Iowa State University and USDA APHIS, Center for Veterinary Biologics and Iowa State University
• Keywords: USDA ; R ; Reproducible Research ; workflows ; visualization ; EDA

Abstract

We present a case study of the data challenge facing statisticians of USDA APHIS when evaluating submissions for product licensing. Specifically, we examine the impact to productivity that arises after introducing a workflow that relies on functionality of off-the-shelf business productivity software, R and LaTeX to facilitate information transfer between stakeholders. To address the challenge imposed by having no common data format enforced for submissions, we created a workflow for rapid development and deployment of robust tools rooted in fields of data visualization, reproducible research and human computer interaction. This workflow is a platform facilitating development of technical solutions, the implementation of which both reduces overall turnaround times and increases submission quality. Application extends beyond the immediate needs of the current user group and may be leveraged to create multidisciplinary just-in-time tools that meet the fluid demands existing at interface between statistics and business productivity audiences.