Development is a multidimensional concept that has been tried to be captured through various types of measures, one of them being composite indicators. These indicators are praised for their ability to comprise complex concepts into a single number; however, they face significant criticism since they are created through a series of subjective decisions, leaving significant scope for arbitrariness. To present a credible measure, authors should procure a transparent disclosure of the construction process and its results, thus contributing to avoid misinterpretation and misuse of the proposed measure. Therefore, the present study explores the transparency with which the construction process of three composite indicators of development is disclosed, with the purpose of highlighting aspects that require improvement. The studied composite indicators are the Social Progress Index, the Human Development Index, and the Legatum Prosperity Index. For the most recent version of the
methodology of each index, the analysis finds that authors disclose their methodological decisions, though justifications, discussions of alternatives, and the implications of such decisions are often omitted. Therefore, the study advocates for improving the transparency in communicating the methodology and properties of each index, and to explain them in adherence to the adopted theoretical framework.
Anotace v angličtině
Development is a multidimensional concept that has been tried to be captured through various types of measures, one of them being composite indicators. These indicators are praised for their ability to comprise complex concepts into a single number; however, they face significant criticism since they are created through a series of subjective decisions, leaving significant scope for arbitrariness. To present a credible measure, authors should procure a transparent disclosure of the construction process and its results, thus contributing to avoid misinterpretation and misuse of the proposed measure. Therefore, the present study explores the transparency with which the construction process of three composite indicators of development is disclosed, with the purpose of highlighting aspects that require improvement. The studied composite indicators are the Social Progress Index, the Human Development Index, and the Legatum Prosperity Index. For the most recent version of the
methodology of each index, the analysis finds that authors disclose their methodological decisions, though justifications, discussions of alternatives, and the implications of such decisions are often omitted. Therefore, the study advocates for improving the transparency in communicating the methodology and properties of each index, and to explain them in adherence to the adopted theoretical framework.
Klíčová slova
development, composite indicator, transparency, human development,
prosperity, social progress.
Klíčová slova v angličtině
development, composite indicator, transparency, human development,
prosperity, social progress.
Rozsah průvodní práce
53 p.
Jazyk
AN
Anotace
Development is a multidimensional concept that has been tried to be captured through various types of measures, one of them being composite indicators. These indicators are praised for their ability to comprise complex concepts into a single number; however, they face significant criticism since they are created through a series of subjective decisions, leaving significant scope for arbitrariness. To present a credible measure, authors should procure a transparent disclosure of the construction process and its results, thus contributing to avoid misinterpretation and misuse of the proposed measure. Therefore, the present study explores the transparency with which the construction process of three composite indicators of development is disclosed, with the purpose of highlighting aspects that require improvement. The studied composite indicators are the Social Progress Index, the Human Development Index, and the Legatum Prosperity Index. For the most recent version of the
methodology of each index, the analysis finds that authors disclose their methodological decisions, though justifications, discussions of alternatives, and the implications of such decisions are often omitted. Therefore, the study advocates for improving the transparency in communicating the methodology and properties of each index, and to explain them in adherence to the adopted theoretical framework.
Anotace v angličtině
Development is a multidimensional concept that has been tried to be captured through various types of measures, one of them being composite indicators. These indicators are praised for their ability to comprise complex concepts into a single number; however, they face significant criticism since they are created through a series of subjective decisions, leaving significant scope for arbitrariness. To present a credible measure, authors should procure a transparent disclosure of the construction process and its results, thus contributing to avoid misinterpretation and misuse of the proposed measure. Therefore, the present study explores the transparency with which the construction process of three composite indicators of development is disclosed, with the purpose of highlighting aspects that require improvement. The studied composite indicators are the Social Progress Index, the Human Development Index, and the Legatum Prosperity Index. For the most recent version of the
methodology of each index, the analysis finds that authors disclose their methodological decisions, though justifications, discussions of alternatives, and the implications of such decisions are often omitted. Therefore, the study advocates for improving the transparency in communicating the methodology and properties of each index, and to explain them in adherence to the adopted theoretical framework.
Klíčová slova
development, composite indicator, transparency, human development,
prosperity, social progress.
Klíčová slova v angličtině
development, composite indicator, transparency, human development,
prosperity, social progress.
Zásady pro vypracování
Development and related concepts, such as well-being, are inherently multidimensional. This renders attempts to measure them a difficult task, as there is no direct way to assess them. Composite indicators have become increasingly popular due to their ability to comprise complex concepts in a single measure. However, significant criticism has also been risen since this type of indicators are created through a series of assumptions and decisions made by their authors, leaving significant scope for arbitrariness in their construction. Credible construction of composite indicators is therefore essential and should assume transparency in all methodological procedures, including their justification.
This research will explore and analyze composite indicators in terms of transparency, by reviewing general recommendations for their construction and critical views on the methodology of existing indicators. The aim is to provide recommendations on the construction and dissemination of composite indicators of development.
Zásady pro vypracování
Development and related concepts, such as well-being, are inherently multidimensional. This renders attempts to measure them a difficult task, as there is no direct way to assess them. Composite indicators have become increasingly popular due to their ability to comprise complex concepts in a single measure. However, significant criticism has also been risen since this type of indicators are created through a series of assumptions and decisions made by their authors, leaving significant scope for arbitrariness in their construction. Credible construction of composite indicators is therefore essential and should assume transparency in all methodological procedures, including their justification.
This research will explore and analyze composite indicators in terms of transparency, by reviewing general recommendations for their construction and critical views on the methodology of existing indicators. The aim is to provide recommendations on the construction and dissemination of composite indicators of development.
Seznam doporučené literatury
Barrington-Leigh, C., Escande, A. 2018. Measuring Progress and Well-Being: A Comparative Review of Indicators. Social Indicators Research 135 (3), pp. 893–925.
Becker, W., Saisana, M., Paruolo, P., Vandecasteele, I. 2017. Weights and importance in composite indicators: Closing the gap. Ecological Indicators 80, pp. 12–22.
Freudenberg, M. 2003. Composite Indicators of Country Performance: A Critical Assessment. OECD Science, Technology and Industry Working Papers, No. 2003/16. OECD Publishing.
Greco, S., Ishizaka, A., Tasiou, M., Torrisi, G. 2019. On the Methodological Framework of Composite Indices: A Review of the Issues of Weighting, Aggregation, and Robustness. Social Indicators Research 141 (1), pp. 61–94.
Lustig, N. 2011. Multidimensional indices of achievements and poverty: what do we gain and what do we lose? An introduction to JOEI Forum on multidimensional poverty. Journal of Economic Inequality 9 (2), pp. 227–234.
OECD. 2008. Handbook on Constructing Composite Indicators. Methodology and User Guide. Paris: OECD.
Ravallion, M. 2012. Mashup Indices of Development. The World Bank Research Observer 27 (1), pp. 1–32.
Seznam doporučené literatury
Barrington-Leigh, C., Escande, A. 2018. Measuring Progress and Well-Being: A Comparative Review of Indicators. Social Indicators Research 135 (3), pp. 893–925.
Becker, W., Saisana, M., Paruolo, P., Vandecasteele, I. 2017. Weights and importance in composite indicators: Closing the gap. Ecological Indicators 80, pp. 12–22.
Freudenberg, M. 2003. Composite Indicators of Country Performance: A Critical Assessment. OECD Science, Technology and Industry Working Papers, No. 2003/16. OECD Publishing.
Greco, S., Ishizaka, A., Tasiou, M., Torrisi, G. 2019. On the Methodological Framework of Composite Indices: A Review of the Issues of Weighting, Aggregation, and Robustness. Social Indicators Research 141 (1), pp. 61–94.
Lustig, N. 2011. Multidimensional indices of achievements and poverty: what do we gain and what do we lose? An introduction to JOEI Forum on multidimensional poverty. Journal of Economic Inequality 9 (2), pp. 227–234.
OECD. 2008. Handbook on Constructing Composite Indicators. Methodology and User Guide. Paris: OECD.
Ravallion, M. 2012. Mashup Indices of Development. The World Bank Research Observer 27 (1), pp. 1–32.
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Záznam průběhu obhajoby
Student presented the results of the diploma thesis Transparency of Composite Indicators of Development. Student at first of all introduced objectives and methodology of her Master Thesis. Student mentioned also the context of the topic and the framework for evaluating transparency of composite indicators of development. In the second part of the thesis defence, she presented the results, recommendations and answered the research questions. Committee was familiarized with both reviews from supervisor and reviewer. Discussion followed - student answered the questions mentioned in both reviews and the questions from the members of committee.