Review of the International Family of Classifications

Meeting of the Expert Group onInternational Statistical ClassificationsNew York, 19-22 May 2015

http://unstats.un.org/unsd/class/intercop/expertgroup/2015/ac289-2.asp

United Nations Statistics Division

Ralf Becker & Vysaul Nyirongo

OutlineBackgroundScopeCategorizing classifications Process of identifying classificationNext stepsPresentation optionsQuestions for the Expert Group

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BackgroundEGM 2011 review

Maintain conceptRestrict to international, statistical

classificationsWidened scope other than “economic and

Social” onlyAgree to make the list and the classification

Paper gives some details on the process of instituting the Family

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ScopeVariations Classifications with narrow focus, e.g. in

Health - Classification of Health Care Providers, FunctionsDifferent terminology

- Classification of institutional sectors, of assetsCommon but non-standardized classifications

- Age classification 1

Irreplaceable national/regional classifications 1 http://unstats.un.org/unsd/publication/SeriesM/SeriesM_74e.pdf 4

Categorizing classificationsClassification of Statistical Activities

Statistical domainsChallenges for identification and groupingDomains not easily linked to stakeholders

Reference to domains required thorough detailed information but not structure of the list

Grading of classificationsIs the classification a reference, derived or

related? Extra dimensions for structuring

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Process of identifying classification

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First proposal in the EGM 2013 List of (international) standardsExtract classifications’ information Use expertise of dedicated offices for

specialized statisticsOfficially approvedBetter coverageIdentified a list of 140 classifications

Next stepsa) Collect detailed information

Scope and concepts Purpose, underlying methodologyStructure, revisions and other supporting documents

- Previously agreed questionnaire - Sufficient information for users - Mechanisms of maintenance? b) Evaluation against the inclusion criteria

Quality indicator Indicator should be prominent part of the

presentationTerminology of the “Family” ?

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Presentation options

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Option 1

Presentation options

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Option 2

Detail presentation (1/2)

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Detail presentation (2/2)

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Questions for the Expert Group This paper proposes a process and information for establishing the Family

The Expert Group may wish to:a) Review and advise whether this process is reasonable and acceptableb) Confirm the mechanism for identifying classificationsc) Agree on the initial list of candidate membersd) Recommend maintenance mechanismse) Advise on potential criteria for grouping/orderingf) Advise on the terminology for the groupings/orderingsg) Feedback on information presentation and distribution

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Thank You