Training government officials on how to use SPSS to analyse the GCRO Quality of Life Survey data

In preparation for the release of the Quality of Life Survey 7 (2023/24) results, the Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) organized comprehensive training sessions to familiarize government officials with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software for analyzing the GCRO Quality of Life (QoL) Survey data. The training targeted officials with an interest in utilizing and analyzing the QoL data, to prepare them for the upcoming QoL 7 data release. The purpose of the training is also to support co-production of QoL 7 data briefs between the GCRO and government officials.

The training consisted of two sessions held on April 30, 2024, and May 23, 2024, facilitated by GCRO Researcher, Mr. Christian Hamann. The first session saw the participation of fifteen officials from the Gauteng Department of Economic Development and the City of Ekurhuleni. The second session was attended by thirteen officials from various departments and metros, including the Gauteng Department of Economic Development, Office of the Premier, the City of Ekurhuleni, the City of Johannesburg, and researchers from the Wits School of Economics and Finance. During the sessions, attendees were introduced to the GCRO and its work, received in-depth training in using SPSS, learned about the basic principles of weighting survey data, computing frequencies and crosstabs, analyzing means, and selecting cases for specific analysis. The officials who attended the training found it incredibly useful and it was agreed that some of the attendees would collaborate with GCRO Researchers to co-produce the QoL 7 data briefs, showcasing their commitment to understanding and utilizing the survey data.