KCCED COUNTY DATABASE MANUAL: "How to Use the KCCED County Database to Your Advantage"

Abstract

Data analysis is crucial for the identification of a community's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Since changes in the socio-economic make up of a community are subtle, they are often not recognized unless data is available to be examined. The variables in the KCCED County Database will help identify past trends, the current situation, future expectations given current trends continuing, and the county's position relative to the state and other counties in the state. By understanding the factors initiating change, the community or county can better position itself to take action that will build on their strengths and opportunities and minimize their weaknesses and threats.

The "KCCED County Database Manual" is designed to assist users of the KCCED County Database and help them create a better understanding of their county. This manual discusses the economic and social data in the order they appear in the database; that order is: Agriculture, Business, Education, Employment, Family, Health, Income and Earnings, and Population. Data sources are cited in a footnote in each section; this citation can serve as a reference for further analysis. A brief discussion or explanation of most of the variables follows. Examples of graphic capabilities using the database, Lotus, and WordPerfect™ can be found throughout the manual.1 (Appendix A is included for the user who wants more technical guidance on how to make a graph using Lotus™ and WordPerfect) This information should allow the user to tum data into intelligence.