In general, countries should note that differences in survey methodologies can lead to Inconsistencies in output. All countries should therefore aim to reduce sampling and non-sampling error (‘bias’) as much as possible by:

• Using a population frame which accurately reflects the target population (therefore which is up-to-date and representative).

• Using well-designed samples which are of sufficient size to produce reliable data (that is having

low standard errors for the aggregates suggested in this paper).

• Careful design and testing of questions, definitions and question sequences.

• Reducing unit and item non-response rates as far as possible (by, for example, using well designed questionnaires and following up outstanding responses); and

• Minimizing errors arising from data entry, editing and other data processing (by appropriate staff training and documentation).

Compound indicators (or composite indicators) can be defined as a mathematical combination (or aggregation) of a set of indicators. A special feature is that the combination, i.e. the selection of component indicators, is to some extent arbitrary, as these components are only loosely associated with each other.

A compound indicator is based on a set of sub-indicators, which are themselves based on statistical data (e.g. from surveys, national accounting, etc.) – and, obviously, the quality of these data is crucial for the quality of the CI itself.

The process from planning and carrying out interviews with decision-makers in companies to finally presenting "indicators" on ICT use is long and involves many critical decisions and challenges. The following chart depicts the major steps in this process and highlights the critical issues that have to be addressed in each phase.

 

An indicator is designed to represent and provide quantitative information about a construct of interest which itself cannot be directly measured. The objective is to be able to compare elements of a set of categories with each other – for instance country with country, sector with sector, or small with large enterprises, and to be able to follow trends in the construct over time.

Recommended techniques: Face to face interviews (especially when fixed telephone penetration is low however care should be taken to ensure a low rate of proxy response) or telephone surveys (in countries with a high telephone penetration. Care should be taken to ensure that mobile and ex-directory users in addition to fixed link users are sampled.).

The sample size should be appropriate for obtaining representative results for the socio-demographic groups especially for internet usage.