Data is a powerful tool for public administrators who want to design and implement effective policies that serve the public interest. But how can they use data to inform their decisions and actions? In this article, we will explore some of the ways that public administrators can leverage data to improve their policy outcomes.
One of the first steps for public administrators who want to use data to inform their policy decisions is to identify and access relevant data sources and types. Data sources can include official statistics, surveys, administrative records, open data, citizen-generated data, and big data. Data types can include quantitative, qualitative, spatial, temporal, and mixed data. Public administrators need to consider the availability, quality, reliability, and validity of the data sources and types they use, as well as the ethical and legal implications of collecting, storing, and sharing data.
Mi experiencia profesional me ha demostrado que es indispensable disponer de los datos correctos para contribuir al debate de proyectos de ley o de normativas administrativas. Para ello es importante que la autoridad ponga a disposición de los centros de estudios y de la ciudadanía en general dicha información, con el objeto de poder hacer los ejercicios necesarios para formular propuestas o mejoras aquellas que la administración propone en sus respectivos proyectos. La transparencia de la información es un elemento clave para elaboración de políticas públicas que resulten eficaces y eficientes.
Open Data: Many governments make datasets publicly available through open data initiatives, allowing public administrators and other stakeholders to access and analyze information on government operations, public services, and community demographics. Check out ctdata.org for relevant benchmarks I use monthly to drive policy decisions.
Public administratiors can use data to improve policy decisions in the following ways: 1. Data-driven decision-making: Using data to make informed, evidence-based decisions. 2. Performance measurement: Assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of policies and programs. 3. Predictive analysis: Forecasting future trends and outcomes to proactively address issues. 4. Evidence-based policy development: Using data to support the development and modification of policies. 5. Transparency and accountability: Enhancing transparency and accountability through open data initiatives. 6. Resource allocation: Optimizing resource allocation based on data-driven insights to improve outcomes.
Il me semble pertinent d'étudier également la littérature scientifique pour ne pas être enfermé dans un seul prisme culturel mais bien ouvrir la réflexion a l'échelle du monde puisqu'à ce jour il y a une interdépendance inéluctable que nous devons prendre en compte dans les décisions politiques.
Data is very powerful for anyone including administrators, especially in todays fast paced world. There are various forms of data that are available to administrators to sort, digest, and recommend many types of policy changes geared towards most types of business models as well as organizations. There are Think Tanks out there that host many types of records and data collections that can be utilized to find just about anything necessary to be successful in changing, updating, revising policies so they will be effective in the fast paced, sometimes complicated companies as well as organizations.
Another step for public administrators who want to use data to inform their policy decisions is to analyze and visualize the data they have collected or accessed. Data analysis can involve descriptive, inferential, predictive, or prescriptive methods, depending on the research questions and objectives. Data visualization can involve charts, graphs, maps, dashboards, or interactive tools, depending on the audience and purpose. Public administrators need to use appropriate data analysis and visualization techniques to generate insights, identify patterns, test hypotheses, and communicate findings.
- Collect relevant data from various sources. - Clean and preprocess data for analysis. - Utilize statistical methods and algorithms for insights. - Employ data visualization techniques for clear presentation. - Choose appropriate visualization tools (e.g., charts, graphs). - Interpret visualized data to identify patterns and trends. - Communicate findings effectively to stakeholders. - Iterate analysis and visualization based on feedback. - Ensure data privacy and security throughout the process.
A escolha da técnica de análise e visualiza??o deve ser guiada pelas quest?es de pesquisa, pelos objetivos da análise e pelo público-alvo. A análise crítica dos resultados é fundamental para evitar interpreta??es err?neas e garantir a confiabilidade das conclus?es. E n?o deixe de comunicar os resultados de forma clara, concisa e objetiva, pois é essencial para garantir a compreens?o por parte do público e stakeholders.
El análisis de datos implica el uso de técnicas estadísticas y de inteligencia artificial para identificar patrones, tendencias y correlaciones. La visualización de datos, por otro lado, utiliza herramientas gráficas para presentar los resultados de manera intuitiva y accesible, facilitando la comprensión de complejas relaciones de datos y apoyando la toma de decisiones informadas.
The final step for public administrators who want to use data to inform their policy decisions is to apply the data insights to their decision making process. Data-driven decision making can involve defining the problem, setting the goals, evaluating the alternatives, choosing the best option, implementing the action, and monitoring the results. Public administrators need to use data to support their arguments, justify their choices, and measure their impacts. They also need to be aware of the limitations, uncertainties, and biases that may affect their data and decisions.
We cannot improve what we do not measure. At the core of government and public policy is making life better for everyone—this is what we call creating public value. To do this, governments invest money and plan carefully to ensure these investments lead to good results for the community. It's essential to keep track of the money spent and quantify the benefits that come from it. This helps show that the government is a good steward of public funds. Policymakers must evaluate proposals qualitatively first for sound underlying policy and then quantitatively for high likelihood of positive public value outcomes. Data and analytics can quantify the return on investment. It is an essential skill modern public administrators must possess.
Data has been very instrumental in making decisions regarding resource allocation and decide where interventions are needed. Using data collected through HMIS, DHIS-II and self-reported data, we at health department are working to ensure maximum medicine availability, surgical disposables and as well as non-medical equipment proportionate to bed occupancy and footfall of hospitals. This, data can really help to improve decision making regarding human and financial resource allocations and thus improve service delivery.
- Gather relevant data from diverse sources. - Analyze data using statistical methods and algorithms. - Identify patterns, trends, and correlations. - Make informed decisions based on data insights. - Consider implications and risks before implementing decisions. - Monitor outcomes and adjust strategies as needed. - Cultivate a culture of data literacy and transparency. - Continuously evaluate and refine data collection and analysis processes. - Collaborate across departments to leverage data effectively. - Use data to measure progress towards organizational goals.
La toma de decisiones basada en datos se refiere al proceso de utilizar análisis de datos para fundamentar las decisiones políticas. Esto permite a los administradores públicos tomar decisiones más informadas y basadas en evidencia, lo que puede mejorar la eficacia y eficiencia de las políticas públicas.
Si los Reyes Católicos hubiesen basado exclusivamente en datos su decisión de encargar a Cristóbal Colón la misión de llegar a las Indias navegando por la ruta occidental, el continente Americano habría permanecido oculto a los europeos. Colón obtuvo su nombramiento como "Almirante de la Mar Océana" no por sus datos, sino por sus dotes de persuasión a Isabel La Católica. De hecho, su propuesta ya había sido desechada en otras cortes. Mi reflexión es que "la cultura del dato" es, muchas veces, la "cultura del prejuicio" y no puede desplazar siempre a la "intuición", que es una virtud típica, exclusiva y gloriosamente humana.
To use data effectively to inform their policy decisions, public administrators need to develop and enhance their data literacy and skills. Data literacy is the ability to understand, interpret, and use data in various contexts and purposes. Data skills are the technical and analytical competencies required to collect, process, analyze, and visualize data. Public administrators can improve their data literacy and skills by taking online courses, attending workshops, joining communities of practice, or collaborating with data experts.
Ao dominar a linguagem dos dados e desenvolver as habilidades necessárias para utilizá-los de forma eficaz, os administradores públicos estar?o na vanguarda da constru??o de um futuro mais próspero e sustentável para todos. Por isso n?o deixe de dominar a terminologia básica e as características de dados estruturados, n?o estruturados e semi-estruturados e avalie a qualidade, confiabilidade e relevancia dos dados para a tomada de decis?es.
- Understand basic statistical concepts and methods. - Interpret data visualizations such as charts and graphs. - Use spreadsheet software for data entry and manipulation. - Analyze data using statistical software or programming languages like Python or R. - Apply critical thinking to evaluate data sources and methodologies. - Communicate findings effectively to non-technical stakeholders. - Stay updated on emerging trends and technologies in data analysis. - Participate in training and workshops to enhance data literacy. - Collaborate with colleagues to share knowledge and best practices. - Continuously practice and apply data skills in various contexts.
They're are some really awesome data resources on LinkedIn and YouTube. I would start with the basics around data integrity and relational strategies.
Para una toma de decisiones efectiva basada en datos, es crucial que los administradores públicos posean un sólido conocimiento y habilidades de datos. Esto incluye la capacidad de comprender, interpretar y cuestionar los datos, así como la habilidad para utilizar herramientas de análisis y visualización de datos.
Besides data literacy and skills, public administrators also need to foster a data culture and governance within their organizations and networks. A data culture is a set of values, norms, and practices that promote the use of data for learning and improvement. A data governance is a set of policies, rules, and roles that regulate the access, management, and sharing of data. Public administrators can create a data culture and governance by establishing a clear vision, strategy, and leadership for data use, as well as by providing adequate resources, incentives, and support for data initiatives.
Public administrators use data to inform policy decision? Public administrators use data to make decisions about public affairs. Because to decision truly about public affairs need interested data.
- Foster a culture that values data-driven decision-making. - Establish clear policies and procedures for data management. - Ensure data quality, consistency, and security. - Define roles and responsibilities for data governance. - Implement data governance frameworks and standards. - Promote transparency and accountability in data use. - Provide training and support to develop data literacy among employees. - Encourage collaboration across departments to share data and insights. - Regularly review and update data governance policies to adapt to changing needs. - Monitor compliance with data governance policies and address any issues promptly. - Continuously strive to improve data culture and governance practices.
Public administrators can use data from various sources, such as surveys, research studies, government data, and trend analysis, to inform and support their policy decisions. The need to make decisions based on objective data is crucial to ensuring effectiveness and transparency in the decision-making process. Additionally, data visualization can be a powerful tool for communicating information clearly and accessibly, facilitating understanding among different stakeholders and promoting informed and participatory dialogue around public policies.
Desarrollar una cultura de datos dentro de las organizaciones gubernamentales implica promover la valoración y el uso de datos en todas las etapas del proceso de toma de decisiones. La gobernanza de datos, por su parte, se refiere a las políticas, procedimientos y estándares que aseguran la calidad, seguridad y privacidad de los datos.
Using data to inform policy decisions is not without challenges and opportunities for public administrators. Some of the challenges include data quality, privacy, security, ethics, ownership, interoperability, and capacity. Some of the opportunities include data innovation, collaboration, participation, transparency, and accountability. Public administrators need to balance the risks and benefits of using data, as well as to adapt to the changing data landscape and needs of the public.
One of the biggest challenge is not getting lost in the data. Even if have robust privacy and ethics standards, the data may be biased if the data collection method was inaccurate. Even if the method was accurate, data often does not account for all variables or factors, especially those which cannot be represented by data. In tight knit societies where the data is publicly collected, people may not actually be honest, to fit into a social group. Administrators and policy makers should be careful, and ensure stakeholders are involved and consulted, instead of blindly only relying on data collected via uncertain methods.
Los desafíos en el uso de datos incluyen cuestiones de privacidad, seguridad de los datos y sesgos algorítmicos. Sin embargo, los datos también ofrecen oportunidades significativas para mejorar la transparencia, la rendición de cuentas y la participación ciudadana en la toma de decisiones públicas.
Having the right data is the key to helping solve a public administration/policy question, problem or issue. My experience, however, is that those who control the public process only want the data to support their forgone political solution, which benefits no one. The public sector is woefully inadequate in solving private sector problems because they are incapable of (1) seeing the data for what it is, and (2) using it to create a productive balance between public and private interests to get the job done.
Having a larger sample size is a must. Often only the most engaged voices are heard and they do not always represent the majority. In my experience, many are disconnected from decision makers. For example, I use drip marketing tactics to share public meeting information. We use social and traditional media, we use newsletters and word of mouth, yet we still have a communication gap between people we serve. Data & AI has been helping us identify people who never engage, seldomly engage, do not have access to engage, or are centers of influence and can help us bridge the gaps. Attraction works in branding, but in govt. they must meet people where the people are at.