Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Statistical Databases

• Types of databases used in public data management
• Role of databases in national statistics
• Structure of relational vs. non-relational databases
• Importance of database documentation
• Case Study: Overview of Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) data systems

Module 2: Database Design and Architecture Basics

• Understanding tables, records, fields, and relationships
• Setting up identifiers and primary keys
• Normalization and avoiding data redundancy
• Designing scalable databases for long-term use
• Case Study: Designing a population database for a county government

Module 3: Data Entry, Validation, and Cleaning

• Manual vs. automated data entry techniques
• Creating data validation rules
• Detecting and handling data anomalies
• Version control and audit trails
• Case Study: Data entry practices in education statistics

Module 4: Data Security and Access Control

• Protecting data confidentiality and privacy
• Role-based access permissions
• Backup and recovery strategies
• Legal and ethical considerations in data access
• Case Study: Implementing access protocols for social protection data

Module 5: Managing Metadata and Documentation

• What is metadata and why it matters
• Using data dictionaries and codebooks
• Documenting data sources and collection methods
• Ensuring consistency across datasets
• Case Study: Metadata management in national labor market statistics

Module 6: Querying Databases and Data Extraction

• Basics of Structured Query Language (SQL)
• Running queries to retrieve records
• Filtering, sorting, and aggregating data
• Exporting data for analysis and visualization
• Case Study: Extracting health data from a national health information system

Module 7: Integrating Multiple Data Sources

• Linking datasets using common identifiers
• Harmonizing formats and definitions
• Avoiding duplication and inconsistency
• Tools and techniques for data merging
• Case Study: Integrating census and administrative data for planning

Module 8: Data Visualization and Dashboard Reporting

• Creating summary tables and graphs from databases
• Introduction to dashboard tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI)
• Designing user-friendly data interfaces
• Automating reports and visual outputs
• Case Study: Building a dashboard for agricultural productivity tracking

Module 9: Performance Monitoring and Maintenance

• Scheduling regular maintenance checks
• Monitoring system performance and usage
• Troubleshooting common database issues
• Updating software and security patches
• Case Study: Maintenance protocols for a national household survey system

Module 10: Policy Use and Data Sharing Practices

• Promoting open data policies and licensing
• Inter-agency data sharing protocols
• Encouraging evidence use among policymakers
• Creating public access portals and APIs
• Case Study: Government open data platforms in East Africa