Pros and cons of Using CSpro in Designing a Data Entry Applications For the Statistical Survey at CAPMAS

Abstract Submitted to Participate New Techniques and Technologies for Statistics (NTTS) 2015 (Conference in Brussels, 10-12 March 2015)

Abstract

Design statistical survey using any software have many problems such as constraint on size of data ,writing difficult code, heavy data entry application, besides that after finishing data entry phase we need to analyze , disseminate data . To solve these problems we need software like Census and Survey Processing System (CSpro) that can be used it in designing data entry application, analysis and disseminate statistical data in a friendly way.This paper describes how to design statistical survey using CSpro, Who needs CSPro? What is it used for? What are CSPro’s capabilities? . In addition an Example for how to design statistical survey using CSPro is given The Experience of the national statistical office at Egypt (CAPMAS) in this field, and the lessons learnt from using this software are discussed.

Keywords:Rosters, Disseminate, Batch, data dictionary, validation.

1.Introduction

CSPro is a free software package used by hundreds of organizations and tens of thousands of individuals for entering, editing, tabulating, and disseminating census and survey data.

On the other hand CSPro is designed to be as user-friendly and easy to use as possible, yet powerful enough to handle the most complex applications. It can be used by a wide range of people, from non-technical staff assistants to senior demographers and programmers.

1.1.Defination of CSPRO

The Census and Survey Processing System (CSPro) is software package for entering, editing,tabulating, and disseminating data from censuses and survey. CSPro combines the features of the Integrated Microcomputer Processing System (IMPS)and the Integrated System for Survey Analysis (ISSA).

1.2.CSPro capabilities

The software is capable of doing the following;

  • Process census and survey data.
  • Enter, modify and verify data .
  • Manipulate data files .
  • Tabulate data .
  • Create thematic maps .
  • Use and share external files .
  • Examine data files .
  • Interactive editing .
  • Examine results of editing.

1,3. Cspro’s Components:

  • Data entry application is where data entry occurs. Each survey is saved as a separate "case", and can search for specific surveys or answers within a survey in addition to performing basic data entry. You can also modify previously entered cases.
  • The data dictionary is used to compare the contents of two data files to identify the differences, concatenate two or more data files, tabulate frequencies to check for outliers, and export data to files can be imported into spreadsheets or databases.
  • The tabulation application contains a set of table specifications and a data dictionary describing a data file to be tabulated .
  • Batch Edited application is used to :
  • count cases in a data file
  • perform consistency checks
  • Export dictionary and data to other packages

The full paper will contain an example for how to design data entry application using CSPro for (College Students’ Internet Usage Survey).

2.Results

Table 1. Pros and cons of CSPro

Pros / cons
The advantage of CSPro
CSPro is free and will be forever
Census Bureau provides free support for CSPro via email: .
There are CSPro consultants available for hire, though not many.
 Many applications have been created, though few available on the Internet
Very few Internet websites devoted to CSPro.
Data entry can be done, one question at a time, on Windows Mobile PDAs (versions 5 and 6, not Windows Phone.
Can handle census-sized applications
Can export data to major statistical software formats, and often is used in combination with other programs
Most major bugs have been fixed, though some known bugs (generally minor) remain. / The disadvantage of CSPro
Large file sizes, though smaller when compressed
Extra files (e.g., an index) must be stored as separate files
Modifying an entry can force the whole file to be rewritten
Fixed width fields mean that changing a dictionary means reformatting existing files
Inability to store variable-length text
Processing is slower.
Not compliant with common database programs such as, SQL
Only one user can write to a file at any given time

3.Conclusions

3.1.CSPro is a software package used to process data from censuses and surveys, both large and small.

3.2.Used for entry, editing, tabulation and dissemination of census and survey data.

3.3.From the experience of CAPMAS in using CSPro in designing data entry applications can said CSPro very easy and effective and Rosters could be easily included, the Modification of the entry programs are faster and easier, besides Incorporating Data Validations and convert data set to spss – stata etc easily.

References

[1]CSPro user's guide version 5.0.3, international programs center for technical assistance, population Division, U.S.Census Bureau,* August 2013.

[2]Prabhu Ponnusamy,B.sc, M.A:"Using CSPro (Census and Survey Processing System) Experience from Large Scale Survey in India", international Journal of scientific and reaserch publications, volume 2,Issue 7, July 2012.

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