Training Program

This introductory online course is designed for anyone interested in learning how to compile and disseminate producer price indexes (PPIs).

Participants are expected to have a degree in economics or statistics; or equivalent experience. Access to a computer with a reliable Internet connection and a Google Chrome web browser are essential. 

This course, presented by the Statistics Department, is intended to providing participants’ a broad understanding of the concepts and methods required to compiling PPIs. It provides an overview of the steps of index compilation including establishing index weights, sampling establishments, selecting, and specifying transactions to be priced, calculating indexes, and disseminating the results.

The role of price indexes as deflators in the 2008 SNA is analyzed, as are related principles of scope, coverage, and valuation. Issues related to expanding coverage of the services sectors are emphasized, including an overview of pricing methods for information and communication technology, transportation, distributive trade, and tourism services.

The course covers the following topics:

• calculating elementary aggregate indexes with and without item weights;
• methods for handling temporarily and permanently missing items; 
• chaining and linking indexes with updated weighting structures; and 
• expanding coverage of the services sectors. 

The course follows the principles and recommended practices in the PPI (2004) manual.