Demographic Data Monitoring System: Technology Used to Track Survey Quality

• Activity Number: 341
• Type: Topic Contributed
• Date/Time: Tuesday, August 6, 2013 : 10:30 AM to 12:20 PM
• Sponsor: Survey Research Methods Section
• Author(s): Andre Harper*+ and Brian Dumbacher
• Companies: US Census Bureau and US Census Bureau
• Keywords: system development ; rapid application development ; data monitoring ; statistical modeling

Abstract

During the 2012 calendar year, the U.S. Census Bureau underwent a realignment of its regional offices for operational efficiency; reducing their number from twelve to six. In order to monitor the quality of demographic survey data during this transitional period, an automated system was produced to display graphical and tabular data based on statistical models. The system, named the Demographic Data Monitoring System, was implemented within five months using rapid application development to ensure its availability by January, 2012. A variety of software options were evaluated, keeping in mind the aggressive timeline and evolving requirements. Senior management, including the U.S. Census Bureau director and deputy director, used the system to ensure the realignment did not unexpectedly impact demographic survey data.