We have undertaken or supported household surveys in more than 30 countries
OPM is quality assuring the monitoring data used by the Millennium Challenge Account in Namibia
We helped the Tanzanian National Bureau of Statistics develop a consistent series of poverty statistics for 1991 – 2007
OPM is helping to develop a social budget model in South Africa
We're advising the Government of Barbados on the modernisation of the statistical system of Barbados
OPM analysed the survey data on the sixth Living Conditions Monitoring Survey for the Government of Zambia
We're conducting a survey to evaluate the impact of poverty reduction policies implemented by the Government of Rwanda
Our services
Our expertise ranges from designing and analysing household and expenditure tracking surveys through to supporting the development of national statistical systems.
For official statistics and surveys to be valuable, users of the information need to be confident in the integrity of the process, of the data and of the findings. So what quality control and assessment measures can be practically adopted to ensure the right standards are maintained in any situation?
Recent years have seen an increased emphasis on regionalisation of aid investment and government expenditure. To support this shift, and help improve the effectiveness and targeting of investment, there has been a growing demand for accurate regional statistics that enable policy-makers to compare regions in terms of demand and impact.
Effective survey design facilitates the gathering of actionable and relevant information. By asking the right questions in the right way to the right people, you increase the value and validity of the results. However, there are many potential pitfalls in designing large-scale surveys - the most fundamental of which is a lack of clarity about what the survey is really seeking to examine and a good understanding of the length of time needed to prepare and implement a good quality survey.
The Paris declaration’s emphasis on measurable results led to a surge in donor investment in national statistics services. But instead of focusing on generating statistics to support government decision-making, in all too many cases the main function of the statistics office seems to be helping donors monitor the effectiveness of their aid - a role that risks compromising the effectiveness and integrity of national statistics services. Modernising statistics systems in a way which balances the needs of all stakeholders and maintains the neutrality and integrity of the system in line with the UN Fundamental Principles of Statistics is a key component of statistical reform.