The majority of business surveys in which the Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia collects data on businesses are sample surveys. This means that only a proportion of businesses are selected to receive (and complete) the survey questionnaire. Businesses in the sample are randomly selected to represent other businesses with similar characteristics in the group or statistical region studied, such as income or number of employees. Some businesses must be included in the sample because they contribute substantially to their particular industry, region or group.

Some business surveys conducted are censuses (i.e. thorough observation conducted in a given moment). This means that all businesses within a particular industry or population bill be selected and sent a survey questionnaire.

Question 2. How were details of my business obtained?

For most business based collections, details of businesses are obtained from the Business Register of Slovenia (PRS). It contains the names and addresses of businesses, number of employees, and similar.

For some surveys, business details may be obtained from other administrative data sources (such as annual accounts).

Question 3. How long will I be in a survey for?

The length of time that a business is selected in any particular survey will depend on factors such as the size of the business and how significant the business’s activity is to the overall results.

Larger businesses have a high chance of selection in multiple SORS business surveys. Because of their significance to the overall survey results, they will usually remain in a survey on an ongoing basis. Smaller businesses have a lower chance of selection and are less likely to be included in more than one survey at a time. However, there will always be some cases where inclusion in more than one survey cannot be avoided.

Where possible the SORS will utilise data from existing administrative data sources (i.e. from various other already existing data records) in order to minimise the load on businesses to collect and send information.

Question 4. Can I be replaced with another business?

The method used to select a sample requires each business to have a chance of selection for a particular survey, known in advance. It is therefore not possible to replace one business with another.

In panel surveys (i.e. surveys in which one and the same business provides information several times at different points in time), steps are taken to regularly rotate parts of the sample population in a survey (usually once a year) so load on businesses is spread and new businesses have a chance of inclusion.

Question 5. Why am I included in more than one SORS survey?

The Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia conducts surveys on various topics, therefore it is likely that your business will be selected in more than one survey at the same time.

If your business is selected in more than one survey a response to each is very important as your company has been chosen to represent similar businesses in that industry or region.

Activities of small businesses are just as important as large businesses and so they cannot be excluded from participation in the SORS surveys. Smaller businesses have different characteristics from large businesses and have a significant impact on economic indicators in Slovenia. Usually a sample of smaller business is selected to represent other similar businesses. Their impact on the survey results is far from insignificant.

If you think you have been incorrectly included in a survey, you should indicate this on the questionnaire you have received, and send it to the SORS. This may happen if your business has changed its activity.

Question 8: Why does the SORS need this information? What is the purpose of this survey?

The SORS collects date on a wide range of topics. These include monthly and quarterly indicators that provide up-to-date snapshots on the state of the economy as well as detailed annual and ad hoc collections that provide a comprehensive picture of specific industries and business activities. The results of many business surveys are also inputs into national accounts. The statistics produced from business surveys provide information for the government, businesses and the general public.

Statistics produced by the Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia also enable Slovenia to be compared with other countries throughout the world since standards and classifications used by the SORS and other countries adhere to internationally accepted standards. Statistics also enable comparisons over time.

The SORS is taking the following active steps to minimise reporting load placed on businesses on account of information provision:

• Consolidating similar collections into a single survey;
• Reduced number of questions in a questionnaire;
• Reduced sample and/or improved sample redesign;
• Use of administrative data to replace or supplement direct data collection;
• Improved questionnaire substance and design.

Where possible the SORS uses administrative data to supplement or replace direct data collection. The use of administrative data does not, however, completely reduce the need to undertake direct data collection. Factors such as the scope, differences in definitions and concepts, and timely availability of the administrative data need to be considered prior to ceasing direct data collection.

Question 11. What is the SORS doing to make it easier for survey participants to respond?

We are designing our forms so that they are shorter and easier to complete. We are using clear and easy-to-understand business language and ask for financial information according to generally accepted accounting principles.

Most SORS business survey forms are designed to be completed in paper form, for the time being. The business survey form is to be completed and returned by mail to the Statistical Office at the address indicated in the form.

Question 12. What if I don't have time to fill in the form?

Businesses experiencing difficulties in completing the SORS survey forms by the due date can request an extension of time by contacting the telephone number indicated in the survey form

Question 13. It costs my business to provide this information. Will the SORS reimburse these costs?

There is no statutory provision for the SORS to reimburse businesses for the cost of providing statistical information.

In line with other statistical organisations throughout the world, individuals, businesses and other organisations are asked to supply information for statistical purposes without compensation.

Question 14. Who can I contact if I need help or advice?

All SORS business survey forms include a telephone number that respondents can call should they have any questions or require help in completing the form.

Survey forms are returned by mail; in certain cases respondents are allowed to send completed survey forms by fax.

If you have received a reminder notice about your form and the form has been returned it is possible that the reminder notice was issued at the same time the form was returned. In such cases please ignore the reminder notice.

The SORS requires information that is as accurate as possible. The information supplied by your business is used to produce estimates for all businesses within the same industry operating in Slovenia. The more accurate the figures you supply, the more accurate the estimates made by the SORS will be. However, if accurate data are not readily available, careful estimates will be accepted.

Question 18. How can my business get access to results of the SORS surveys?

You can access the results of surveys on-line by going to http://www.stat.si/eng.

If you wish we can keep you posted on new surveys in individual statistical areas by e-mail, however, subject to prior subscription on your part. Subscribe on-line by going to: http://www.stat.si/eng/narocniki_novi.asp.

For any information you can also contact the Information Centre of the SORS at the following address:

Statistični urad RS (Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia)
Information Centre
Vožarski pot 12
1000 Ljubljana

Telephone: (01) 241 51 04
Telefax:     (01) 241 53 44
Telephone answering machine: (01) 475 65 55

E-pošta: info.stat@gov.si
Website: www.stat.si/eng