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Global Statistics - Composite Indices for International Comparisons
  • Level Professional
  • Duration 16 hours
  • Course by University of Geneva
  • Offered by

About

The number of composite indices that are constructed and used internationally is growing very fast; but whilst the complexity of quantitative techniques has increased dramatically, the education and training in this area has been dragging and lagging behind. As a consequence, these simple numbers, expected to synthesize quite complex issues, are often presented to the public and used in the political debate without proper emphasis on their intrinsic limitations and correct interpretations. In this course on global statistics, offered by the University of Geneva jointly with the ETH Zürich KOF, you will learn the general approach of constructing composite indices and some of resulting problems. We will discuss the technical properties, the internal structure (like aggregation, weighting, stability of time series), the primary data used and the variable selection methods. These concepts will be illustrated using a sample of the most popular composite indices. We will try to address not only statistical questions but also focus on the distinction between policy-, media- and paradigm-driven indicators.

Modules

1.1 General introduction

    • 2 Videos
    • 5 Readings
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2 Videos

  • Trailer
  • 1.1.1 Welcome - introduction to the objectives and content of the course

5 Readings

  • Slides for Lesson 1 introduction to objectives and content of the course
  • Syllabus
  • List of Acronyms
  • List of References
  • 📢 Important preliminary information: Evaluations and subtitles

2.1 Introduction, definition and first examples

    • 2 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
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1 Discussions

  • Classification of indicators

2 Videos

  • 2.1.1 Definition of indicators and composite indices
  • 2.1.2 Need, use, pros and cons of composite indices

1 Readings

  • Slides for lesson 1 introduction, definition and first examples

2.2 The demand for composite indices: interviews

    • 5 Videos
    • 1 Readings
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5 Videos

  • 2.2.2 Statistical offices and the public demand, part I
  • 2.2.3 Statistical offices and the public demand, part II
  • 2.2.4 The demand for social indicators
  • 2.2.5 The political demand, part I
  • 2.2.6 The political demand, part II

1 Readings

  • Slides for Lesson 2 the demand for composite indices

2.3 Towards a quality framework for composite indices

    • 2 Videos
    • 1 Readings
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2 Videos

  • 2.3.1 Good practices for composite indices, part I
  • 2.3.2 Good practices for composite indices, part II

1 Readings

  • Slides for Lesson 3 towards a quality framework

2.4 The steps of constructing a composite index

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
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1 Videos

  • 2.4.1 Constructing composite indices: an overview

1 Readings

  • Slides for Lesson 4 the steps of constructing a composite index

2.5 Evaluation

    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Quizz Module 2

3.1 Preliminar issues

    • 3 Videos
    • 1 Readings
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3 Videos

  • 3.1.1 Developing an economic/statistical framework, part I
  • 3.1.2 Developing an economic/statistical framework, part II
  • 3.1.3 Selecting variables and data issues

1 Readings

  • Slides for Lesson 1 developing an economic/statistical framework

3.2 A unifying approach to construct composite indices, part I

    • 3 Videos
    • 1 Readings
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3 Videos

  • 3.2.1 A unifying framework for composite indices
  • 3.2.2 The transformation functions
  • 3.2.3 The elasticity of substitution

1 Readings

  • Slides for Lesson 2 A unifying approach to construct composite indices

3.3 A unifying approach to construct composite indices, part II

    • 3 Videos
    • 1 Readings
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3 Videos

  • 3.3.1 Choosing the weights, part I
  • 3.3.2 Choosing the weights, part II
  • 3.3.3 Choosing the weights, part III

1 Readings

  • Slides for Lesson 3 Choosing the weights

3.4 After the construction

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
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1 Videos

  • 3.4.1 Robustness of results

1 Readings

  • Slides for Lesson 4 After the construction

3.5 Evaluation

    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Quizz Module 3

4.1 Youth labour market index (ETH Zurich/KOF)

    • 5 Videos
    • 4 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
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1 Discussions

  • Using KOG YLMI tool and interpreting results

5 Videos

  • 4.1.1 Introduction
  • 4.1.2 Introduction to the index and YLMI tool
  • 4.1.3 Index components
  • 4.1.4 Index aggregation and results
  • 4.1.5 User perspective

4 Readings

  • Slides for Lesson 1 Youth Labour Market Index
  • KOF Study n°51 (optional)
  • KOF Study n°67 (optional)
  • KOF Study n°83 (optional)

4.2 Globalization index (ETH Zurich/KOF)

    • 5 Videos
    • 4 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
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1 Discussions

  • The importance of measuring globalization

5 Videos

  • 4.2.1 Motivation of the KOF Globalization index
  • 4.2.2 Selection of variables
  • 4.2.3 Normalization, weighting and aggregation
  • 4.2.4 Results
  • 4.2.5 User perspective

4 Readings

  • Slides for Lesson 2 KOF Globalization Index
  • IMF 2007 Reaping the benefits of financial globalization (optional)
  • Kose et al., IMF 2009 (optional)
  • Schularick, JFE 2006 (optional)

4.3 Evaluation

    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Quizz Module 4

5.1 Export potential index (ITC)

    • 8 Videos
    • 2 Readings
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8 Videos

  • 5.1.1 Introduction
  • 5.1.2 Global overview of the export potential assessment
  • 5.1.3 Motivation and data treatment
  • 5.1.4 Economic framework
  • 5.1.5 First dimension: the supply side
  • 5.1.6 Second dimension: the demand side
  • 5.1.7 Third dimension: the bilateral trade relations, and results
  • 5.1.8 Aggregation and final indicator construction

2 Readings

  • Slides for Lesson 1 Export Potential Index
  • Export Potential Assessment Methodology (optional)

5.2 Product diversification index (ITC)

    • 4 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
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1 Discussions

  • How the export potential assessment can benefit countries?

4 Videos

  • 5.2.1 Overview of PDI, motivation and data treatment
  • 5.2.2 The product space methodology
  • 5.2.3 Dimensions of the index: supply and demand sides, and results
  • 5.2.4 User perspective

1 Readings

  • Slides for Lesson 2 Product Diversification Index

5.3 Evaluation

    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Quizz Module 5

6.1 Liner shipping connectivity indices (UNCTAD)

    • 11 Videos
    • 5 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
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1 Discussions

  • The Liner Shipping Connectivity index: discussion

11 Videos

  • 6.1.1 Introduction
  • 6.1.2 Introduction of the UNCTAD institution
  • 6.1.3 Motivation and plan
  • 6.1.4 LSCI: history and data
  • 6.1.5 LSCI: component and computation
  • 6.1.6 LSCI: stylized facts
  • 6.1.7 LSBCI: motivation and data
  • 6.1.8 LSBCI: components and computation
  • 6.1.9 LSBCI: stylized facts
  • 6.1.10 Conclusion remarks
  • 6.1.11 User perspective

5 Readings

  • Slides for Lesson 1 Liner Shipping Connectivity Index
  • Liner Shipping connectivity as determinant of trade (Fugazza and Hoffmann) (optional)
  • Bilateral Liner shipping connectivity since 2006 (Fugazza and Hoffmann) (optional)
  • UNCTAD transport Newsletter 2007 (optional)
  • UNCTAD transport Newsletter 2005 (optional)

6.2 Human development index (UNDP)

    • 6 Videos
    • 2 Readings
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6 Videos

  • 6.2.1 Introduction and motivation for the Human Development index
  • 6.2.2 Indicators: selection and data issues
  • 6.2.3 Aggregation, methods and reasoning
  • 6.2.4 Interview of Flavio Comim: A response to the common criticisms of the HDI
  • 6.2.6 Interview of Selim Jahan, part I: History of the Human Development index, and its major strengths and weaknesses
  • 6.2.7 Interview of Selim Jahan, part II: Other indices in the Human Development Report (HDR), and future of the HDR

2 Readings

  • Slides for Lesson 2 Human Development Index
  • Human Development Report (technical notes) (optional)

6.3 Evaluation

    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Quizz Module 6

Conclusion

    • 1 Videos
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1 Videos

  • Conclusion

Auto Summary

Discover the intricate world of global statistics with our course on "Global Statistics - Composite Indices for International Comparisons," designed for professionals in the Big Data and Analytics domain. This course, a collaboration between the University of Geneva and ETH Zürich KOF, dives deep into the construction and application of composite indices, which are increasingly prevalent in international comparisons. Led by expert instructors, you will explore the complexities of quantitative techniques used in creating these indices. The curriculum covers critical aspects such as aggregation, weighting, time series stability, primary data usage, and variable selection methods. Through real-world examples of popular composite indices, you'll gain a thorough understanding of their technical properties and internal structures. The course not only addresses statistical methodologies but also examines the different perspectives of policy-driven, media-driven, and paradigm-driven indicators. With a comprehensive duration of 960 minutes, it is tailored for professionals seeking to enhance their skills in this rapidly evolving field. Available through Coursera, you can choose between Starter and Professional subscription options to suit your learning needs. This course is ideal for those looking to advance their expertise in big data analytics and effectively interpret complex statistical data in a global context. Join us and stay ahead in the dynamic world of global statistics!

Stefan Andreas Sperlich
Instructors

Stefan Andreas Sperlich

Juan Manuel Rodriguez Poo (in Partnership with UNIGE)
Instructors

Juan Manuel Rodriguez Poo (in Partnership with UNIGE)