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in the website (NBS/OCGS) and disseminated data are also accessible to users.
- Accessibility
5.1 Data accessibility
5.1.1 Statistics are presented in a way that facilitates proper interpretation and meaningful comparisons (layout and clarity of text, tables, and charts)
• The presentation of the statistics data is commensurate with users’ needs Statistical data are published as database charts and tables in the NBS database. The database is the primary publishing site of data,. When releasing statistical data, existing database charts and tables are updated with new data or completely new database tables can be published. The statistical data published in the NBS database, a release on the key data is usually published in the web service. The release contains data concerning several reference periods specifically quarterly and annual data, a review bringing together these data is published in the web service. Estimates are disseminated at a detailed level and with time series that is, the time series of more than 5 years in every annual GDP.
5.1.2 Dissemination media and format are adequate
• Statistics are disseminated in formats to suit users’ needs
Comprehensiveness and detailed statistics are assured by NBS and are disseminated through paper and electronic copies. Statistics users are accessing the current statistics and longer time series through an electronic database of the NBS for free. That is, there is no fee in accessing the data.
5.1.3 Statistics are released on a preannounced schedule
• Statistics are released on the preannounced schedule
Release calendar announces in advance the dates the statistics have to be released. The punctuality on statistics release is not fully complied (sometimes there is one to two weeks delay of data release especially in quarterly and when there is a revision of data).
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5.1.4
Statistics are made available to all users at the same time
• The statistics are made available to all users at the same time
By issuing the press release, the data are released simultaneously to all interested parties. All users obtain the statistics after being released by NBS. This released statistics are made available at the NBS website.
5.1.5
Statistics not routinely disseminated are made available upon request
• Statistics not routinely disseminated are made available to users upon request.
Users can freely obtain additional available data and customized tabulations upon requests or visiting NBS.
5.2 Metadata accessibility
5.2.1 Documentation on concepts, scope, classifications, basis of recording, data sources, and statistical techniques is available, and differences from internationally accepted standards, guidelines, or good practices are annotated
• The metadata give adequate information about the meaning of the data and about the methodology used to collect and process them,
The metadata are readily accessible on statistical publications through NBS website. The SDDS/ GDDS metadata, SDDS summary methodologies, and other related description are reviewed and updated on quarterly and annually basis.
5.2.2 Levels of detail are adapted to the needs of the intended audience
• Different levels of metadata are made available to meet users’ requirements
The levels of metadata detail in national account statistics are available which summarize the key information of statistics and updated during rebasing..
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The adapted metadata to different levels and are available to the public upon request.
5.3 Assistance to users
5.3.1 Contact points are publicized
• Adequate assistance is given to users of statistics
Contacts for accessing statistical publications are readily available through various channels, including NBS head office, regional offices, libraries, and NBS websites. Users can access the information they need through the NBS websites, and assistance is provided through face-to- face interactions, phone calls, and emails. User satisfaction is monitored through surveys, and there has been a positive response to all methods of assistance.
5.3.2 Publications, documents, and other services, including information on any charges, are widely available
• Publications and other services are available to users of statistics Publications and documents are available freely in soft and hard copy through NBS website, libraries and regional offices.
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- Conclusion In general, the assessment results reveal that the business processes for production of National Accounts Statistics complied to all dimensions as follows: On Prerequisites of quality, the NBS has broadly effective legal frameworks (the Statistics Act, CAP 351) to support the compilation and dissemination of National Accounts statistics. On Assurances of integrity of NBS, the Statistics Act, CAP 351 clearly assure the professional independence of the Bureau. Recruitment and promotion of staff are mostly based on competence and expertise in specific subject areas. Staff are given every opportunity to take part in training courses and seminars. On Methodological soundness, the general framework for compiling the National Accounts Statistics is the 2008 SNA. On Serviceability, the quarterly GDP estimates are disseminated within three months after the end of reference quarter (SDDS). The annual GDP estimates are disseminated within six months after the end of reference year (GDDS). On Accessibility of data, National Accounts statistics are published in a clear manner with charts and tables that make the data easily understood by users.
- Recommendations S/No Dimension Recommendation
Prerequisites of Quality • Budget allocated for production of National Accounts statistics should be prioritized, sufficient and ringfenced by the government. • Continue providing more trainings on compilation of National Accounts Statistics and related field to staff so as to upgrade their skills and knowledge which will enable them to improve production of quality statistics. 1. Assurances of integrity • Continue creating awareness on ethical standards for the betterment and protection of statistics professionalism. • Induction course for the new recruited staff should be emphasized and the copies of
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Staff Regulation and Codes of Ethics and Conduct documents should be provided to the staff. 2. Methodological Soundness . • Prepare documentation for each important activity during the production of National Accounts Statistics. 3. Accuracy and Reliability • Periodic studies and analyses of updates should be carried out and used internally to inform statistical processes and findings from such studies of other sources of error/bias should be used to define the optimal revision cycle that is largely driven by the availability of major data sources, implement change in National Accounts Statistics methods. • A mechanism should be put in place so as to ensure adequate and consistent with administrative data used for National Accounts Statistics compilation. 4. Serviceability • Efforts should be made to rebase the national accounts annualy. This will increase the proper representation of price trends in this fast-changing world. • Regular Studies and revisions should be done and shared to the public. 5. Accessibility • Metadata should be updated during rebasing
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- References
- IMF Data Quality Assurance Framework
- The Statistics Act, CAP 351 (R.E 2019)
- NBS Strategic Plan 2021/22-2025/26
- Tanzania Statistical Master Plan 2022/23 – 2026/27 (TSMP II)