Country experience: Netherlands
17.12. Imputation for filling data gaps at Statistics Netherlands is conducted according to the four-step process described above. After checking and loading primary and secondary response data, imputations are made for non-responses. For non-responses from large enterprises (LEs), small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and special purpose entities (SPEs), imputations are done on the basis of the average of the last four quarters of responses. For LE, if there is no response for Q-1, Q-4 receives a higher weighted average. For SMEs, if there is no response for the last four quarters, no imputation is made. For travel, imputation is based on Q-4 data. Other sources are imputed entirely on the basis of Q-1. To gross up (e.g., for SME data), each stratum is weighed, based on the number of enterprises in the population and the number of responding enterprises or imputed responses. Source data are at a different level of detail in terms of services and/or countries involved in the international transaction. The LE source contains the most detailed data. Travel is also detailed, and all other sources are less detailed. All the data of those sources are “converted” to the most detailed levels on basis of the corresponding LE data (the mean of the last three years). After ensuring that all data are fully detailed, tabulation takes place by aggregating or summing up those components to more condensed groups of services or countries.
17.13. The Netherlands checks its data according to a top-down approach. At Statistics Netherlands, that analysis is carried out with the use of Macroview, an interactive tool for top-down analysis of statistical data. Major built-in analysis scans within Macroview include: (a) quick scan (all services and aggregates, in graphical form); (b) external deliveries scan (selected services and underlying enterprises); and (c) complete scan (all services and aggregates and all country (groups), all sources, all underlying enterprises and weighing factors).
17.14. The editing of primary and secondary sources is submitted to the editing team with specific assignment information. If the assessment concerns an LE or SME enterprise, the enterprise is contacted by phone or e-mail. If needed, the data of the enterprise is edited or adjusted and loaded again. If the assessment concerns another source, the source data provider is contacted and if needed, a new source file is made and loaded again.
Back to B. Imputation for filling data gaps and for data editing purposes