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The Centre for Socioeconomic Indicators (CSEI) endeavours to develop innovative survey techniques, statistical methodologies and data management processes that are relevant to social science research. In addition, it aims to lead and/or support HSRC research initiatives in the social sciences locally and on the African continent. Scope of work
As a unit that provides technical support to HSRC research programmes and collaborates in research projects, CSEI conducts baseline projects that are conceptualised and executed in line with the HSRC strategic framework and the national socio-economic priorities. CSEI also provides services to external clients on a contract basis in an effort to meet its financial targets. All research contracts must fall within the HSRC’s strategic framework, and be in the form of project development and execution that is in line with client needs and requests. To remain focussed, CSEI applies project selection criteria that demand that the project must be large-scale, national or regional, and be multi-disciplinary in nature. CSEI always tries to collaborate with relevant research programmes on subject-specific projects and only does small-scale projects if they are of strategic value to the unit or the HSRC. Long-term goals
CSEI aims to achieve the following goals: To become the preferred provider of large-scale public opinion/attitudes surveys that are longitudinal and cross-sectional in nature in SA and Africa To position the unit as a leader in the development and application of new and appropriate survey methodologies within the HSRC and externally To produce and disseminate a range of quality outputs that can inform socio-economic policy and programme development and implementation To develop and maintain effective capacity-building collaborations with social science researchers and relevant institutions locally and across Africa
Specific objectives 2006/2007
In order to achieve the goals of CSEI, the following specific objectives will be addressed: Enhance the unit’s expertise and offerings in survey techniques, methodologies and processes in design, sampling, statistical data analysis and modelling, data management, monitoring and evaluation. This will be achieved through training and capacity development initiatives Continue the successful pursuit and undertaking of externally-funded, client-driven projects within the scope of the unit and the strategic framework of the HSRC Effectively engage and provide value-added services to the organisation’s research programmes Ensure the production of high-quality research outputs and promote their access and dissemination to all stakeholders Develop and implement strategies for quality control, data processing, archiving, and related data support services (e.g. dissemination) Conceptualise and undertake baseline projects in survey methodology and database development and dissemination Optimise the section’s interface and collaboration with other components of the unit ( GIS and CESTII) Provide project management expertise in the implementation of large surveys Promote monitoring and evaluation within the unit and the organisation at large, and undertake evaluations of projects or programmes for external clients
Key activities and outputs
In order to achieve the listed objectives, CSEI intends to engage in various activities that will bring forth tangible outputs that are in line with the HSRC strategic framework. Some of these activities will include, but not be limited to, the following: Reposition SASAS as a strategic, organisation-wide initiative that offers value-added outputs to both internal and external clients Develop collaborations with stakeholders and research institutions such as universities, and internship programmes in the HSRC, South Africa and in the African continent Engage government departments in advancing and expanding the Government Client Survey initiative Production and testing of new survey techniques and methodologies
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