NBSIR 76-1176

Regional Seminar on

OMNITAB II

David Hogben

Sally T. Peavy

Institute for Basic Standards

National Bureau of Standards

Washington, D. C. 20234

Held May 12 - 25, 1976

The Seminar was conducted as a part of the program under the

US/NBS/Agency for International Development PASA TA (CE)5-71

Prepared for Agency for International Development

Department of State

Washington, D. C. 20523

NBSIR 76-1176

REGIONAL SEMINAR ON

OMNITAB II

David Hogben

Sally T. Peavy

Institute for Basic Standards

National Bureau of Standards

Washington, D. C. 20234

Held may 12 - 25, 1976

The Seminar was conducted as a part of the program under the

US/NBS/Agency for International Development PASA TA(CE)5-71

Prepared for Agency for International Development December 1976

Department of State

Washington, D. C. 20523

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE. Elliot L. Richardson. Secretary

Edward O. Vetter, Under Secretary

Dr. Betsy Ancker-Johnson, Assistant Secretary for Science and Technology

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS. Ernest Ambler. Acting Director
* K . i
REGIONAL SEMINAR ON QMNITAB II

by: David Hogben and Sally T. Peavy

National Bureau of Standards

0 . Summary

1. Introduction

2. US/AID Participation

3. Implementation

4. Spanish Version

5. Program

6 . Formal ceremonies

7 . Lectures

8. Use of terminals

9. Informal activity

10. US - SA Relations

11. Arrangements

12. Conclusion

13 . Appendix

0. Summary .

When we arrived in La Paz, the CENACO (Centro Nacional de

Computacion) computer was not being used. Before we left, it was being

used extensively by thirty participants from five Latin American

countries to solve real, important problems. The technology transfer of

the CMNITAB II computing system was swift, inexnensive and effective.

CENACO wanted our help and worked hard to make the Seminar successful.

We, in turn, wanted to help them and worked very hard to make the

Seminar effective. United in working towards a common goal, strong

friendships developed which contributed greatly to increased good will

between the United States and Latin America. CENACO exnressed a strong

desire to have us return in 8 to 12 months.

1. Introduction .

In November 1975, Ing. Basilio Plaza, General Manager of CENACO,

visited NBS under the auspices of the leadership grant program of AID.

Plaza was accompanied by David Bernheisel, USAID- Bolivia, to provide

advice in technical areas. Using a terminal, David Hogben demonstrated

the interactive use of a Spanish version of the OMNITAB II computing

1
system. It was Ing. Plaza's opinion that OMNITAB could be used very

effectively in Bolivia.

After their return to Bolivia, Plaza and Bernheisel concluded that

one of two areas in which NBS could provide meaningful assistance to

CENACO was in the installation of the OMNITAB II computing system on the

DEC-10 computer, which was then being purchased, and that Hogben should

also conduct a seminar covering the techniques in using OMNITAB II.

(The other area involved Paul Roth, ICST.) Berriheisel requested USAID

support for CENACO, which was subsequently granted and our visit was arranged for May 12-25, 1976.

To minimize the amount of effort needed to implement QMNITAB in La

Paz, a working version was developed on the NBS PDP-10 with the gracious

cooperation of Marshall Abrams, 650.02, Mary L. Fitzgerald, 650.02, and

Don Orser, 205.00. The work on the PDP-10 was hampered by a UNIVAC 1108

system failure which created errors in our CMNITAB file and a PDP-10

compiler error. These difficulties were eventually overcome .and a fail

safe magnetic tape was sent to CENACO. A fair amount of work went into

preparing approximately 280-35 mm slides to enhance the effectiveness of

the lectures.

2. US/AID Participation .

We very much appreciate the work of Steffen Peiser, Office of

International Relations, in arranging funding for the Workshop and the

action he took to make the Seminar Regional, which turned out to be far

more important than we had realized.

David Bernheisel and his wife, Mary, were extremely gracious hosts

during our stay in Bolivia. They were willing to help in any way

possible and did far more than one could reasonably expect. Far from

being insignificant, we very much appreciated their help in getting

drinking water from the U.S. Embassy.

David Bernheisel maintained a low profile and kept in the

background. But he was always at hand to resolve any difficulty. He

represented the United States most admirably.

3. Implementation .

We arrived in La Paz on Tuesday evening, May 11. As we registered

at the Hotel La Paz, we were warmly greeted by David Bernheisel,

Bernardo Bullain, and Hilda Ocampo.

We started slowly, due in part, to attacks of sorroche (altitude

sickness), but everybody gradually got into high gear. There was a

2
minor delay until the acceptance tests for the CENACO computer were

completed on May 13. By Sunday evening everything was under control.

The tape was mounted and loaded successfully. The first 43 of 54

test problems ran without any difficulty. The last eleven tests, which

used FORMAT instructions for input and output of data, could not be

completed. Jose Perez, Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), resident

software analyst, finally located the difficulty. The problem was with

the operating software system of the DEC-10 computer and not with

CMNITAB.

We were using the current version of OMNITAB and consequently had a few minor problems because some parts had not been properly updated or checked out. However, these problems were easily and quickly corrected.

Sally Peavy and David Cressey, DEC, made test runs to see if

problems would arise if two or more participants used the terminals at

the same time. Everything went well. David Cressey and Jose Perez were extremely helpful in getting OMNITAB implemented at CENACO.

4. Spanish Version .

David Hogben conferred at some length with Bernardo Bui lain and all

his assistants to review the Spanish vocabulary, bring it up to date and

make whatever changes were necessary. On the first weekend we were able

to make most of the changes witli great help from David Cressey. A

vocabulary list was prepared and distributed to all the participants at

the beginning of the Seminar.

To the best of our knowledge, CENACO has the only scientific

computing system in the world which allows people to use the computer

easily and effectively by writing simple instructions in Spanish.

5. Program .

We had planned to spend May 12-14 implementing OMNITAB and allow

seven days on May 17-21 and May 24-25 for the formal Seminar.

Due to problems with the altitude and minor difficulties, the

implementation of OMNITAB carried over to Saturday and Sunday, May 15-

16.

As a result of a slight communication problem, the Workshop was only

scheduled for May 17-21. At first we added two days (Saturday, 22 and

Sunday, 23) for supplemental work. Later, the work session on Sunday,

May 23 was replaced by an outing to Tiwanaku. A copy of the program is

included in the appendix.

3
6. Formal Ceremonies.

(a) Monday morning was devoted to the Inauguration held in the

lecture room. A great deal of effort went into making the lecture room

magnificent. A colorful sign announcing the Seminar welcomed people at

the information desk. A blackboard in the front of the lecture room,

announced the Seminar in colored chalk. Flags of the participating

countries adorned the head table. The thirty participants sat two to a table with their names engraved on plaques and with exceptionally fine

portfolios engraved with USAID, NBS, and CENACO seals. The sides of the

room were filled with guests, reporters, press photographers, and

television cameramen.

Ing. Basil io Plaza gave the opening speech welcoming the

participants and the Instructors. General Luis Gonzales, Minister of

Industry and Commerce (substituting for the Minister of Finance) was the

featured speaker. Copies of the speeches, including a list of the

participants appear in the Appendix.

The speakers, the Instructors, David Bemheisel and two other USAID

representatives and several high officials in the Bolivian government

sat at the head table.

The Inauguration was highly publicized in the La Paz newspapers.

A reception followed the Inauguration. Bolivian cocktails were

served with fine hors d' oeuvres, including pigeon eggs. David Hogben

had a very pleasant conversation with the Minister of Commerce and

Industry during which each expressed great pleasure in having the

Seminar in La Paz.

(b) On Friday evening, May 21 a closing ceremony was held which was

a memorable experience. Again, high government officials were present:

the Assistant Minister of Finance, Ing. Plaza, Lt. Col. Ocampo and other

CENACO officials. The participants were awarded certificates signed by

David Hogben, Bernardo Bullain, and Basil io Plaza. Hogben and Peavy

received certificates of appreciation. The foreign participants and the

Instructors received Indian hand-carved wooden plaques with the

signatures of the CENACO officials, the Instructors, and the foreign

participants. Lt. Col. Ocampo presented eacli member of the NBS team

with key rings of the General Command of the Bolivian Army. A

photograph taken at the closing ceromony is shown on the next page. The

press was again present. It was a very moving experience which brought

tears to our eyes and even today brings a lump to our throats whenever

we think of it. David Hogben spoke with Ing. Reynaldo Salgueiro,

Systems Division, National Council of Higher Education, with whom there

had been some correspondence, about the possibility of a visit to the

4
5

Ing.

Plaza

addresses

Seminar
university. Unfortunately, a visit could not be squeezed into our busy

schedule.

After the awards ceremony, we moved to one of the finest restaurants

in La Paz for a reception and banquet. Again, very moving speeches were

made by both the Bolivians and us expressing sincere pleasure with the

great success of the Seminar. Four humorous musicians entertained and

dedicated one musical story to David Hogben.

The Hogbens talked at length with Felipe Gusman Borckmann,

Cochabamba; particularly with regard to international relations and the

expected use of a PDP-11 at Cochabamba which will be hooked up to the

CENACO DEC -10.

7. Lectures .

David Hogben lectured for about an hour and a half in the morning

and for approximately two hours in the afternoons, starting on Monday

afternoon, May 17. All lectures were excellently translated by Ing.

Bernardo Bullain, CENACO, and on a few occasions, by Ing. Luis Garcia,

Dominican Republic. (Hogben 1 s opening remarks were in Spanish and a little Spanish was used once in a while during the lectures.)

Three screens were used for the lectures. The one on the extreme

left was for an overhead projector which was used in answering questions

and providing supplementary explanations. Two 35 mm projectors were

used simultaneously for the basic lecturing. Most of the slides were

used in pairs. For example, CMNITAB instructions to be explained

appeared on a slide shown on the left and the results were shown in a simulated worksheet on a slide on the right. Approximately 280 slides

were prepared for the Seminar. The slides showing actual computer

output were clear on black. The other slides were made from clear on black transparencies with the clear portion colored anpropriately in

many cases. Frequently, matching colors were used to show instructions

and results. The slides made the material covered very easy to

understand and were appreciated greatly by the participants and

translators. A photograph of Hogben lecturing is shown on the next

page.

Hogben provided Bullain with two copies of the original black on clear transparencies used to make the slides. Bullain had the two sets

bound with a cover and title for reference use by the participants.

Despite the necessary delays for translation, it was possible to

cover most of the basic material in "OMNITAB II User's Manual," NBS

Technical Note 552. The participants were clearly paying attention and

frequently asked questions which showfed that they were either with or

6
Dr.

Hogben

lectures

to

Seminar

Participants
ahead of the lecturer. Many of the participants worked hard in the

evenings to prepare for the lectures. Ing. Heman Ojedo, Chile, came up

with an extremely ingenious solution to a problem that had been given to

the participants; a solution which neither Sally Peavy or David Ilogben

had considered.

Bernardo Bullain explained that even though some of the oarticipants

might not be able to follow everything in a lecture, the exposure to

completely new ideas was very worthwhile. Moreover, the participants

considered any lack of understanding a challenge and exerted extra

effort to get as much out of the lectures as possible.

There was a long ovation at the conclusion of the last formal lecture.

On Saturday afternoon, May 22, a special lecture was given on the use of CMNITAB II to perform non linear least squares calculations.

Although the topic was very specialized and advanced, many of the

participants attended and appeared to fully comprehend the lecture.

This lecture was followed by a discussion of the use of Fortran formats

and a long question and answer session. Also, on Saturday afternoon,

Sally Peavy answered several questions of Ing. Eduardo Toledo, Gerente

de Compile, Lima, Peru, concerning the implementation of OMNITAB on other computers. She promised to, and did, mail further information to

him.

Seven DEC terminals were wired to the DEC-10 computer. Each one was attended by a CENACO assistant who had been given special training for

the Seminar. Three to four participants were assigned to each terminal.

Sessions for the use of terminals, under the direction of Sally T.

Peavy, began on Tuesday, May 18, and continued until Friday, May 21.

The morning session lasted about an hour and the afternoon session,

which started at 4:30 went to 6:30 and sometimes until 8:00.

Each participant eagerly took advantage of the opportunity to get

lots of hands-on experience with the terminals. The terminals were

virtually in continual use as long as the computer was operating. In

fact, the terminal use was so great that the normal operating hours of

the computer were extended. Sally Peavy is shown in the photograph on

the next page explaining the use of a terminal to one of the

participants

.

Tiie terminal room was adjacent to the lecture room and the

participants lost no time in getting to the terminals.

A dozen problems prepared for the Seminar were translated into

Spanish for each of the participants. They worked hard on both these

8
9

Mrs.

Peavy

oversees

use

of

terminals
problems and problems of their own which they had been asked to bring to

the Seminar.

Before we left La Paz, the participants were working on real

problems. For example, data from tax returns were being analyzed

according to source of income, projections of agricultural production

were calculated for several commodities, and the flow of funds was being

projected for a housing subsidy program.

Both Peavy and Hogben spent time answering questions and helping the

participants. Sally Peavy took time to acquaint Sr. Gustavo Perez with

the internal workings of the CMNITAB II system. She also talked to some

of the CENA.CO assistants about specific OMNITAB topics not covered in

the lectures, such as the use of instructions for creating data files,

the use of data files, and the use of magnetic tapes.

9. Informal Activity .

(a) Sunday, May 23, the foreign visitors and Sally T. Peavy went to

visit the Tiwanaku pre-Inca ruins, 73 km from La Paz, with CENACO

officials. During the day, Sr. Plaza and Mrs. Peavy discussed other

software which might be useful to CENACO. Sr. Plaza was interested in

sending some of his personnel to work at. NBS at CENACO's expense. Mrs.

Peavy asked Sr. Plaza to explore this possibility with Mr. Peiser.

(b) Monday, May 24, the Hogbens and approximately 20 participants

and CENACO staff flew to the Bolivian General Conmand resort at Alto

Beni in the Yungas for a day of rest and relaxation. It was an excellent opportunity for everyone to let their hair down and join in

comradeship. A large recreation cabin, below the President's cabin, was used extensively for table tennis, chess, card games, etc.

In the afternoon, Hogben spent about an hour or so explaining to

Bernardo Bullain how OMNITAB could be used to analyze complex designed

experiments by using matrix operations to construct the design matrix

and the FIT instruction to break out sums of squares for individual

degrees of freedom.

In the evening, about an hour was taken out for a very significant

ceremony. An international agreement to cooperate in the utilization of

computers was signed by Ing. Basilio Plaza and participants from Chile,

Peru, Colombia and the Dominican Republic. The agreement was not signed

by Hogben, but Plaza felt that an implicit agreement already existed

with NBS. Each signee and Hogben received an engraved plaque to

symbolize the event. The plaque presented to Hogben was presented to

Dr. E. Ambler, Acting Director, for NBS at a ceremony on June 11.

10
% Although the signing has no legal significance, we believe it was very important and a direct result of the Seminar. Cooperation in the use of computers is often very difficult and it is gratifying to have

found such a strong desire on the part of the participants to work

together. Whether anything significant will come of this event remains

to be seen, but at least the desire and intent was clearly demonstrated.

During the signing ceremony, frequent toasts were made. After the

ceremony, we all returned to the much needed rest and relaxation.

10. US - SA Relations.

We could not have been received in La Paz with more affection. We

did our best to return the affection. Jean Hogben, wife of David

Hogben, was an (unpaid) ambassador of good will par excellence. The

South Americans fell in love with her and she with them. Strong

friendships developed. There was an emotional scene at the Airport on

Tuesday (May 25) evening when a delegation from CENACO greeted us and

bid us fond farewell. A strong bond was established which we shall

always treasure.

Our plane circled La Paz for some time and then took off for fima

without landing in La Paz. Thus, we had to spend an extra day in La

Paz

.

11 . Arrangements .

Ing. Bernardo Bullain was responsible for the day to day operation

of the Seminar. He worked extremely hard and did an excellent job.

Hilda Ocampo also contributed significantly to the smooth operation of

the Seminar.

The physical arrangements for the lectures and the use of terminals

were both very good. The view from the lecture room showing the snow capped Mt. Illimani, 6,462 m, left us breathless. We were well supplied

with refreshments by very courteous and helpful ladies.

A brochure (attached) was prepared to describe the Seminar.

On the weekends the elevator did not operate and it was no mean feat

to climb the 130 steps to the M 5th floor" at an altitude of

approximately 3,800 m. But, considering how well everything else went,

it was easy to put up with this minor inconvenience.

After our first day in La Paz, a mini-bus with driver was at our disposal at all times. An CMNITAB II sign was put on the windshield.

The sign became a symbol to the CENACO st^iff who became attached to it

11
and carried it everywhere. They displayed it, with pride, on the plane

after we landed at Alto Beni and also at the Friday banquet.

12. Conclusions .

The Regional Workshop was extremely successful and worthwhile.

CENACO now is using their computer effectively to solve important real

problems for the first time. Currently, they are only using OMNITAB.

No use is being made of traditional languages such as FORTRAN or COBOL.

Much was done to improve US-South American relations . We feel that

the investment in time and money for the Workshop is quite possibly the

best investment the U.S. lias made in South America.

As a result of our efforts to implement OMNITAB in La Paz, we feel

that the CMNITAB II computing system could well be used to supplement a computer acceptance testing program. The complexity of OMNITAB coupled

with its reliability and documented set of test problems makes it

extremely effective in quickly detecting computer or system problems

The enthusiasm of the participants was most gratifying. Their

concern for our welfare was very pleasing.

We believe the CMNITAB II computing system will be a very useful

tool for CENACO and will be utilized extensively. They plan to give

lectures on the use of OMNITAB II later on to a larger group of

potential users. We feel that we adequately prepared them to assume

this responsibility. A duplicate (but less precisely exposed) set of

slides was left with them for use in their lectures.

13. Appendix .

(a) Opening speech by Minister of Industry and Commerce .

In my capacity of acting minister of finance, it is my distinct

pleasure to open the work of the Seminar on Applications of CMNITAB II,

organized by the National Computer Center in cooperation with the

National Bureau of Standards of the United States and by that nation’s

Agency for International Development.

This seminar constitutes an Important scientific and teclmical

milestone because in addition there are technicians representing our neighbor countries. The seminar's basic purpose is to equip the

participants with a complete understanding of OMNITAB II through

lectures given by recognized experts in the field. As you know, CMNITAB

II is a computer programming package designed to provide further

specialization in the use of computers to technicians, scientists and

12

f
experts in programming problems. The success of the seminar is

guaranteed by the presence of highly qualified experts from the United

States, such as Professor David Hogben, mathematician and statistician

of the National Bureau of Standards, Mrs. Sally T. Peavy, mathematical

analyst in the Engineering Laboratory of the Bureau of Standards, and

engineer Bernardo Bullain, systems engineering expert, as well as other

professors whose presence at the seminar promises beneficial results for

the development of the information sciences in Bolivia.

Bearing in mind the importance which computers have acquired

regarding scientific, technological and economic growth in developing

nations, the Armed Forces Government sees this as a basic and important

event for the training of Bolivian personnel.

My sincere wish is that the maximum success will crown the work of

the seminar. I state my gratitude in the name of the government of

Bolivia and of the finance minister, whom I liave the honor of

representing on this occasion, and for myself personally, for the

important work of the distinguished professors participating in the

workshop. I declare inaugurated the deliberations of the Seminar.

(b) Speech by Ing. Basilio Plaza .

It is a great pleasure for me to be speaking to you on this occasion

which is given enormous importance by the presence of friends from other

nations who are high- level experts in the information field and

representatives of various Bolivian agencies.

As part of the dedicated efforts toward development on the part of

the Supreme Armed Forces Government, headed by General Hugo Banzer

Suarez, and in keeping with the national operations plan, CENACO

(National Computer Center) is fully in step with this program and is

carrying out all necessary action to work toward successful completion

of these programs

.

Accelerated development in the information field is now causing very

important changes in science, tedinology and administration. The use of

computers makes it possible to store huge amounts of data and to

process, select and recover information rapidly. This information,

presented in an intelligent and logical way, is extremely valuable

because it allows executive authorities to be timely and correct in

giving direction and making decisions.

The seminar, which now will be inaugurated by his Honor the Minister

of Finance, is intended to provide understanding of a new method for

facilitating the use of electronic data processing equipment in almost

all fields of human knowledge, and the package which will be explained
during the seminar is the result of more than 10 years of continued work

by expert specialists.

Speaking for the entire staff of the National Computer Center, I express our sincere gratitude to the authorities of the Supreme

Government, the president and board members of CENACO, and especially to

tiie National Bureau of Standards of the United States with headquarters

in Washington and to the Bolivia office of the Agency for International

Development, for having made this important event a living reality. The

principal programs include arithmetical operations, polynomial calculus,

ordering operations, matrix operations and more tlian 200 additional

programs. Practice sessions will be held, allowing interaction with

slow terminals.

This is a summary of the qualifications and professional backgrounds

of the seminar's instructors. Their extensive resumes are the guarantee

of the greatest success for this seminar.

Mr. David Hogben:

Ph.D. in mathematics and statistics, mathematician and statistician

for the National Bureau of Standards, president of the training and

statistics branch of the American Statistical Society, and published in

several international journals in the information field.

Mrs. Sally T. Peavy:

Mathematical analyst in the Engineering Laboratory, graduate of the

University of Wisconsin, graduate study at American University, in

charge of maintaining and implementing the CMNITAB II program package,

and co-author of various publications for the National Bureau of

Standards

.

The following is the list of participants:

Eduardo Toledo G., ENTELPERU (National Telecommunications Enterprise

of Peru); Julio Zuniga, University of Chile; Hernan Ojeda, ECQM

(expansion unknown), Chile; Luis Humberto Saenz, DANE (National

Administrative Department of Statistics), Colombia; Dr. Luis Otero

Calderon, Lung Institute; Alain Vidal, Altitude Biology; Tcnl. DEM

(expansions unknown) Juan de Dios Monje, Army General Command; Maj . DL1

(expansion unknown) Jorge Escobar, of the President's Economic Advisory

Board; Gonzalo Loayza, Banco del Estado; Ma. Dolores de Cosulich, of the

Bolivian Corporation for the Development of Mining and Petroleum;

Nicanor Delgado, National Higher Education Council; Antonio Velarde,

Institute for Physics Research; R)berto Callisaya, Bolivian Auditor

General's office; Luis Cosulich, Ministry of Industry and Commerce;

14
Miguel Zelles, of the National Statistics Institute; Manuel Montecinos,

COFADENA (Armed Forces National Development Corporation); Julian Justo

Mendoza, of the Ministry ot Defense; Daniel Rivas, of the General

Integration Secretariat; Luis Noriega, from the Labor Ministry; Carlos

Blanco, of the Finance Ministry; Dr. Guido Sagargnaga, of the College of

Odontology; Maj Vicente Saavedra, of the Military Geography Institute;

Gladys Viscarra, of the National Rent Office; Abel Martinez Carrasco, of

National Railroads.

The basic goals of the Seminar are as follows

:

1. Integration with Spanish-speaking nations and mutual

collaboration through exchange of experiences.

2. Training of participants in interpretation and use of software

packages

.

3. Participation by representatives of Bolivia’s most important

agencies with the goal of providing them incentive to learn the benefits

of automatic data processing methods and incentive to use them.

Thank you.

(c) Newspaper Article in La Paz EL DIARIO in Spanish 18 May 76 p 3.

(Translated into English) ~

BOLIVIA INTEGRATES WITH INTERNATIONAL COMPUTER SYSTEMS

(Text) Yesterday marked the inauguration of a seminar on

Applications of CMNITAB II, intended as a means of integrating Bolivia

with other Spanish-speaking nations, training professionals in the

interpretation and use of software packages and spreading information on

the origins of automatic data processing techniques.

This important event in the development of government within nations

is sponsored by CENACO, the National Computer Center, and by USAID

(Agency for International Development) for Bolivia and the U.S. National

Bureau of Standards.

Yesterday morning an inauguration ceremony was held. In attendance

were the industry minister, CENACO ’s general director, the Department

prefect, and more than 25 participants, including representatives of

Chile, Peru, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic.

In his opening speech, CENACO chief executive Tcnl. DIM (expansions

unknown) Basilio Plaza noted the importance of the seminar and stated

that accelerated development in the information field is now causing

15
the use of computers makes it possible to store huge amounts of data and

to process, select and recover information rapidly.

Referring to the objectives of the seminar, he said that it aims to

spread knowledge of a new technique for facilitating the use of

electronic data processing equipment in almost all fields of human

knowledge

Plaza emphasized that the event, which is to conclude on 21 May, is

of great importance because not only will it bring extensive training on

computation and automatic data processing, but also because the

instructors are prestigious experts with international reputations,

including David Hogben, with a doctorate in mathematics and statistics

and president of the training and statistics branch of the American

Statistical Society, and Sally Peavy, a mathematical analyst in charge

of maintaining and interpreting the OMNITAB II program package and

coauthor of several publications for specialized international journals.

He noted also the role of engineer Bernardo Bullain, systems

engineer for CENACO, technical coordinator for the seminar, a graduate

of UMSA (expansion unknown) , with a systems engineering degree from

Budapest and specialized courses at the Academy of Sciences of Hungary

and the International Science Center of Italy, along with five published

scientific works.

Importance

Emphasizing the importance of the seminar on applications of OMNITAB

II for programs of national development, Gen Victor Gonzalez, finance

and industry minister, gave a speech for the occasion, noting that this

technical and scientific event has the participation of distinguished

professionals from Bolivia and abroad.

He pointed out that the seminar will provide our professionals with

adequate training, since participants represent the most important

sectors of the economic activity of the nation.

He highlighted the work of the National Computer Center because data

processing programs and the use of modem computer systems are related

to programs for national development.

(d) Workshop Program .

SEMINAR ON APPLICATIONS OF OMNITAB II

17-21 May 1976

16
CENACO DEC -10 System

Sponsors: CENACO, MBS (National Bureau of Standards), USAID La Paz, Bolivia

Monday 17 1000 hours Inauguration of seminar, refreshments

hosted by CENACO

1400 to 1500 hours Introduction

1500 to 1515 hours Break

1515 to 1615 hours What is OMNITAB II

1615 to 1630 hours Break

1630 to 1800 hours Basic Examples

Tuesday 18 0900 to 1000 hours Feeding and Printing Data

1000 to 1015 hours Break

1015 to 1115 hours Arithmetical Operations

1115 to 1200 hours How to Use Terminals

1200 to 1400 hours Break

1400 to 1500 hours Data Processing I 1500 to 1515 hours Break

1515 to 1615 hours Data Processing II

1615 to 1630 hours Break

1630 to 1800 hours Use of Terminals

Wednesday 19 0900 to 1000 hours Iterative Use of Instructions

1000 to 1015 hours Break

1015 to 1115 hours Ordering Operations

1115 to 1200 hours Use of Terminals

1200 to 1400 hours Break

1400 to 1500 hours Matrix Operations I 1500 to 1515 hours Break

1515 to 1615 hours Matrix Operations II

1615 to 1630 hours Break

1630 to 1800 hours Use of Terminals

Thursday 20 0900 to 1000 hours Basic Statistical Analysis

1000 to 1015 hours Break

1015 to 1115 hours Statistical Analysis

1115 to 1200 hours Use of Terminals

1200 to 1400 hours Break

1400 to 1500 hours Regressions, curve plotting

1500 to 1515 hours Break

1515 to 1615 hours Analysis of Experimental Data

1615 to 1630 hours Break

1630 to 1800 hours Use of Terminals

Friday 21 0900 to 1000 hours Probability and Correlation

1000 to 1015 hours Break

17
1015 to 1115 hours

1115 to 1200 hours

1200 to 1400 hours

1400 to 1500 hours

1500 to 1515 hours

1515 to 1615 hours

1615 to 1630 hours

1630 to 1800 hours

Numerical Analysis I Use of Terminals

Break

Numerical Analysis II

Break

Special Printout Formats

Break

Use of Terminals

Time will be available on 24 and 25 May for extra sessions for discussion

of special problems by a smaller group of participants interested in:

Introducing a new program for QMNITAB II

Resolution of especially difficult problems

Advanced OMNITAB I I techniques

.

18
(e) Announcement of Seminar on Applications of OMNITAB II ,

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19
THE NATIONAL COMPUTER CENTER

"CENACO"

INVITES YOU TO PARTICIPATE IN

A SEMINAR ON "OMNITAB II"

A computer programming package for evaluating data in statistical

and numerical analysis.

Scheduled for the week of 17-21 May 1976

Organized by CENACO in cooperation with the National Bureau of

Standards of the United States and USAID (Agency for International

Development)

Address: 5th Floor, MacDonald Building

Comer Loayza and Ballivian

Phones: 62250, 62239

Hilda 55570, 55670

La Paz, Bolivia 1976

WELCOME!

Background

To the degree that the role of computers is gaining importance in

the scientific, technological and economic life of nations, it is

becoming more necessary to develop methods which will offer computer

users better and more convenient access to computers.

In recent years various efforts have been made to facilitate use of

electronic data processing equipment for scientists, engineers,

physicians and so forth. The OMNITAB II programming package is the

result of one of these efforts.

It was originated by Joseph Hilsenrath 10 years ago and subsequently

improved by him and his colleagues of the National Bureau of Standards,

culminating in the present version, known as "OMNITAB II."

The National Computer Center of Bolivia, hoping to assure that these

efforts reach not only Bolivia but the entire region, is inviting

delegates to the seminar from related agencies of other South American

nations, as well as representatives of Bolivian agencies which do work

20
requiring the use of modem methods of evaluation and numerical or

statistical analysis. "

Goal of the Seminar

The principal purpose of this scientific and technical event is to

offer the Bolivian and foreign participants the opportunity to

understand "OMNITAB II M through lectures and laboratory work on computer

terminals

.

Each participant should come equipped with information on adequate

data concerning matters pertaining to his or her agency or project so

that participants will be able to verify the usefulness of ’’OMNITAB II M

for solving their problems.

Schedule

The seminar will take place during the week between 17 and 21 May,

with about seven hours daily of activities, divided into two sessions

with lectures alternating with laboratory work, at which time the

participants will have the opportunity to carry out their specific

projects by using the terminals of the DEC-System 10 computer in an

interactive fashion.

Overall Description of the "OMNITAB II" Program Package for Data

Processing in Statistical and Numerical Analysis

OMNITAB II is a computer programming package designed to streamline

the work of specialized technicians, experts and scientists who are

unfamiliar with programming. It is a package for general use and can be

learned quickly. It can be used for simple and complex numerical or

statistical analysis of problems which require the use of computers.

Instructions for OMNITAB II are given in the form of simple and concise

phrases which are easy to understand and facilitate the solving of

problems which require advanced mathematical or statistical treatment.

These computer programs have been used with success in many

government agencies, in U.S. and foreign universities and industries,

and have been incorporated into computers by at least seven different

computing equipment manufacturers at the present time.

OMNITAB II consists of the following principal program packages:

1. Arithmetical operations

2. Data processing

3. Statistical analysis

4. Numerical analysis

21
5 . Polynomial calculus

6. Iteration procedures

7. Ordering operations

8. Matrix operations

9. Bessel functions

Seminar Instructors

The lectures and practice sessions on the CENACO DEC-System 10

computer terminals will be directed by:

David Hogben, statistical analyst of the Laboratory for Statistical

Engineering of the National Bureau of Standards of the United States,

Sally T. Peavy, statistical analyst in the Laboratory for

Statistical Engineering of the National Bureau of Standards of the

United States, and

Bernardo Bullain, CENACO systems engineer, in charge of translation

and technical coordination.

Training Materials

All seminar participants will receive an "OMNITAB II User's

Reference Manual." In addition, participants from agencies with

adequate computing equipment, upon request, will receive a tape copy of

programs in which they are interested from the National Bureau of

Standards

.

Also copies will be distributed of the problems studied during the

seminar which can be applied to different technical and scientific

fields

.

In addition, slide projectors will be used to ease understanding and

explanation of the lectures.

Language

The lectures and practice sessions will be handled in English.

CENACO will provide technical translation to Spanish. The "OMNITAB II"

command instructions will be given in Spanish.

Organization

A) Travel, tourism and transportation information

22

4:
All correspondence and inquiries concerning reservations, plane

schedules, tourist excursions,, hotels or transportation in and outside

the city should be directed to the following address:

"QUO VADIS" Travel Agency

Eugenio Monroy V. , director

Ave. Mariscal Sta. Cruz 1351

Edif. Litoral Telephone 63387, 50808

B) Medical attention

Medical care for the participants and their parties will be provided

by:

Dr. Ramiro Jauregui, tel. 54153, 50753, 22762

Dr. Hernando Valdez, tel. 41994, 83048

Participants

About 30 participants will attend the seminar, 10 from various South

American nations and 20 from Bolivia.

This small number means that participants will be able to take

better advantage of the interactive manner of working with the computer

terminals and allows for a closer relationship between instructors and

students

.

Requirements

Participants must have the following qualifications: a university

degree and knowledge of specific problems from their work centers, along

with the ability to state them in a clear and succinct manner, if

possible with data.

Application Forms

Interested persons should send the following form as soon as possible to this address: OMNITAB II Regional Seminar, CENACO, P.O. Box

5264, La Paz, Bolivia. Cable: CENACO

23
Application Form for Seminar on Applications of OMNITAB II, 17-21

May 1976, La Paz, Bolivia

Please include me in the Seminar:

Name: (please specify title)

Position:

Agency:

Address

:

The topic I shall present in the Seminar is:

( ) Includes data

( ) Does not include data

Signature:

Date:

Certificates

Participants who complete the requirements of the work of the

Seminar will receive a certificate at the end of the course.

Program of Social Activities

Monday 17 May 1000 hours: Inauguration of the Seminar by General

Director Tcnl. DIM (Expansions unknown) Basilio Plaza Martinez

Friday 21 May 1930 hours: Closing banquet and awarding of

certificates

Saturday 22 May 930 hours: Foreign participants and Seminar

instructors will visit a place of touristic significance

Sunday 23 May: Return to La Paz.

24
NBS-1 14A (REV. 7-73)

U.S. DEPT. OF COMM. BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA

SHEET

1. PUBLICATION OR REPORT NO. NBSIR 76-11762. Gov't Accession

No.

3. Recipient's Accession No.

4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE

Regional Seminar on OMNITAB II

5. Publication Date December 1976

6. Performing Organization (-ode

7. AUTHOR(S)

Dr. David Hogben and Sally T. Peavy

8. Performing Organ. Report No. NBSIR 76-1176

9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20234

10. Project/Task/Work Unit No.

11. Contract/Grant No.

12. Sponsoring Organization Name and Complete Address (Street, City, State, ZIP)

National Bureau of Standards

Washington, D.C. 2023^+

13. Type of Report & Period Covered

Final

14. Sponsoring Agency Code

15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES

16. ABSTRACT (A 200-word or less {actual summary of most significant information. If document includes a significant

bibliography or literature survey, mention it here.) The authors visited La Paz, Bolivia, from May 11 to May 26 to conduct an AID Regional

Seminar on applications of the OMNITAB II computing system. A Spanish, interactive

version of OMNITAB II was implemented on the CENACO DEC-10 system computer. From

May IT to 22, lectures were given to thirty participants from five Latin American

countries and sessions were held for the participants to gain experience in the use

of OMNITAB II from terminals. At the beginning, the computer was not being used; at

the end, OMNITAB II was being used extensively to solve important problems. An

international agreement was signed by participants from the Latin American countries

to cooperate in the utilization of computers.

17. KEY WORDS (six to twelve entries; alphabetical order; capitalize only the first letter of the first key word unless a proper name; separated by semicolons

)

Acceptance tests; AID; Bolivia; CENACO; computing using Spanish; foreign relations;

international agreement; lectures; OMNITAB II computing system; technology transfer;

terminals.

18. AVAILABILITY rx: Unlimited 19. SECURITY CLASS

(THIS REPORT)

21. NO. OF PAGES

U2 For Official Distribution. Do Not Release to NTIS

Order From Sup. of Doc., U.S. Government Printing Office Washington, D.C. 20402, SD Cat. No. Cl 3 E Order From National Technical Information Service (NTIS)

Springfield, Virginia 22151

UNCLASSIFIED

26

20. SECURITY CLASS

(THIS PAGE)

UNCLASSIFIED

22. Price

$4.00

USCOMM-DC 29042-P74
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