Enterprise Survey Department

The objective of the Enterprise Surveys is to obtain an overall description of the business environment, comparable across and within 150+ countries. The data collected one of the World Bank’s most downloaded datasets and is used to measure the effect of a country’s business environment on key performance indicators (i.e. productivity and investment) as a part of the B-READY report on business climate worldwide.

The questionnaire contains a standardised set of questions spanning 16 topics including:

• ~90% factual information (e.g. the number of power outages)

• ~10% opinion-based information (e.g. obstacles)

The unit of analysis takes place at the establishment-level. An establishment is a physical location where business is carried out, industrial operations take place, or services are provided. A firm may comprise one or more establishments. To be eligible, an establishment must have its own management and control over its workforce.

These establishments are eligible if the following criteria apply:

• 5+ employees

• Nation-wide business activity

• Eligible business sector: non-farm, non-extractive, and non-financial sector

• Formal (registered) firms

• Non-cooperative

• 1% or more private ownership (no 100% government owned firms)

The sample size and selection is determined by the World Bank. In order to obtain a representative sample of businesses, sampling is stratified by three variables, along with whether the firm is a fresh or panel respondent.

• Sector (e.g. manufacturing, service, retail)

• Firm Size (Small: 5-19, Medium: 20-19, Large: 100+ employees)

• Geographic Location

The survey takes place in two stages:

• First stage: phone screening and recruitment

  • Preliminary screener questionnaire: discriminates eligibility

  • Schedules interview appointment

  • Approximately 7 minutes

• Second stage: face-to-face CAPI interview

  • Full questionnaire based upon screening information

  • 60-80 minutes

MKE will conduct a one-week, in-country training for enumerators and supervisors. This comprehensive training will cover a detailed review of the questionnaire, introduce key survey concepts, and familiarize the team with reporting tools and CAPI software. Participants will also receive essential enumerator materials to ensure they are well-prepared for the fieldwork.

The training equips the enumerator team with a strong understanding of the survey’s objectives and requirements, enabling them to begin data collection confidently and effectively.

After the survey is launched, MKE will remain on-site for an additional two weeks to monitor progress, provide technical support with CAPI, and establish quality control systems to ensure the highest standards are maintained throughout the data collection process.

With 15 years of experience managing World Bank Enterprise Surveys globally, MKE leverages local expertise by partnering with teams in each country to ensure on-the-ground knowledge and support. We collaborate closely with local enumerators, providing comprehensive training and ongoing assistance throughout the entire survey process.

To facilitate smooth survey execution, we supply detailed instructional guides and checklists that cover all aspects of the survey. These resources offer step-by-step instructions, best practices, and practical tips to help your team navigate the survey confidently and efficiently.

Our expert team remains available for continuous troubleshooting, ensuring clear communication and prompt resolution of any issues that arise during the survey process.

MKE has designed its own software to streamline data validation and perform preliminary data analysis. This software ensures data accuracy, reduces human error, and expedites the data processing phase, allowing the delivery of representative data in a timely manner.