A Practical Introduction to Index Numbers - Softcover

Ralph, Jeff; O'Neill, Rob; Winton, Joe

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1118977815 ISBN 13: 9781118977811

Publisher: Wiley, 2015

Synopsis

This book provides an introduction to index numbers for statisticians, economists and numerate members of the public. It covers the essential basics, mixing theoretical aspects with practical techniques to give a balanced and accessible introduction to the subject. The concepts are illustrated by exploring the construction and use of the Consumer Prices Index which is arguably the most important of all official statistics in the UK. The book also considers current issues and developments in the field including the use of large-scale price transaction data.

A Practical Introduction to Index Numbers will be the ideal accompaniment for students taking the index number components of the Royal Statistical Society Ordinary and Higher Certificate exams; it provides suggested routes through the book for students, and sets of exercises with solutions.

About this title

About the Author

Dr Jeff Ralph, Head of Index Number Methodology, Office for National Statistics, Cardiff, UK

Mr Joe Winton, Statistical Training Unit, Office for National Statistics, Cardiff, UK

Dr Robert O'Neill, Lecturer in Economics, University of Huddersfield, UK

From the Back Cover

From inflation and GDP to retail sales and share prices, many of the most important economic statistics are published as index numbers.

Official statistics based on index numbers are used by almost every country in the world. The representation of data in index numbers form is a valuable statistical technique for understanding and communicating change; it allows useful comparisons to be made that would not otherwise be possible. This book provides a comprehensive introduction to measuring change with index numbers.

Key features :

• Introduces the theoretical background to the subject including a description of the most commonly used price and quantity index formulae
• Covers the practical techniques needed when using index numbers, including chain linking and deflation
• Describes the application of index numbers with a focus on economic statistics, especially the general level of prices and inflation, as well as the wider application of the technique to both economic and non-economic spheres
• Reviews current issues and developments in the field
• Includes easy to follow examples and exercises with solutions

Written by authors with wide expertise in the practice and development of index numbers, A Practical Introduction to Index Numbers has been designed for students new to this subject, and will be an ideal accompanying text for those taking the Royal Statistical Society's Ordinary and Higher examinations. The book will also provide a valuable resource for users of Official Statistics who would like to enhance their knowledge of this important area.

From the Inside Flap

From inflation and GDP to retail sales and share prices, many of the most important economic statistics are published as index numbers. 

Official statistics based on index numbers are used by almost every country in the world.  The representation of data in index numbers form is a valuable statistical technique for understanding and communicating change; it allows useful comparisons to be made that would not otherwise be possible. This book provides a comprehensive introduction to measuring change with index numbers.

Key features :

• Introduces the theoretical background to the subject including a description of the most commonly used price and quantity index formulae
• Covers the practical techniques needed when using index numbers, including chain linking and deflation
• Describes the application of index numbers with a focus on economic statistics, especially the general level of prices and inflation, as well as the wider application of the technique to both economic and non-economic spheres
• Reviews current issues and developments in the field
• Includes easy to follow examples and exercises with solutions

Written by authors with wide expertise in the practice and development of index numbers,  A Practical Introduction to Index Numbers has been designed for students new to this subject, and will be an ideal accompanying text for those taking the Royal Statistical Society's Ordinary and Higher examinations.  The book will also provide a valuable resource for users of Official Statistics who would like to enhance their knowledge of this important area. 

Edition details

• Publisher: Wiley
• Publication date: 2015
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1118977815
• ISBN 13: 9781118977811
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 232