|
|
The road to EPP is not totally smooth for the Census &
Statistics Department (C&SD). To an already 'slim and fit' department
like C&SD, the mission of achieving savings while maintaining quality
services and meeting new service demands is challenging. C&SD has
taken immediate and positive response to this challenge. Effective actions
have been taken under four main areas which include re-engineering of
work procedures, establishing rapport with respondents, organisational
restructuring and adoption of IT. Examples in the ensuing paragraphs are
illustrative of how these actions have enabled C&SD to achieve a saving
of $17.30 million in 2001-02. Re-engineering of Work Procedures The 2001 Population Census is another example. The fieldwork procedures
for non-residential buildings were critically examined and re-designed.
As a result, enumerators would not visit those known vacant units as
previously confirmed by the building management offices. The number
of field visits and temporary field workers required were thus significantly
reduced. Establishing Rapport with Respondents Organisational Restructuring Adoption of IT The development of office automation in the department is progressing
in a most satisfactory manner. All division/branch/section heads have
been equipped with their own personal computers while other staff are
using computers on a shared basis. At present, around 1,100 personal
computers have been installed in the department to facilitate internal
communication and enhance work efficiency. Moreover, electronic data
reporting system and computer-aided validation checks have been introduced
in many areas of work. Manual checks by outdoor staff can thus be minimised
without sacrificing data quality. The above initiatives cannot be realised without the full commitment of staff. In order to build up team rapport and cohesiveness, all branch/section heads regularly discuss with their staff to enhance mutual understanding and develop common goals. C&SD will continue to explore more innovative and effective ways to strive for improvement in its value-for-money services to the public. Census and Statistics Department |
|
¡@ | |
|