Re-thinking the ISAE Consumer Survey Processing Procedure

This paper focuses on the interaction between sample design, data collection mode and nonresponse handling of the ISAE consumer survey, as these factors may affect sample efficiency. For calculating sample weights and obtaining more reliable estimates, the calibration methodology has been adopted. Outcomes seem encouraging inasmuch they confirm the survey quality. In fact, the differences between calibrated and unweighted series are very small even they are not randomly distributed. From the EDP point of view, the new processing system utilises new technologies and data maintenance support. The renewed procedure allows wider aggregation capabilities, offering new sectoral/regional breakdowns. The new microdata database, which is part of the complete EDP project, also enables to carry out microdata analysis.