2010 Center for Business & Economic Research Annual Report

Knowledge Unit Annual Report

Ball State UniverSityCenter for BUSineSS and eConomiC reSearCh

2010

January 2010This report was prepared by the Center for Business and Economic Research at Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana.

TAble of ConTenTsExecutive Summary

History of the Center

Current Personnel and Administrative StructureCenter organizational structure

Strategic PlanVision, Mission, Values and Culture statement, strategies, Priority Research Areas

Progress Along Success Metrics

Contribution to Knowledge Creationscholarly publications, project reports and other publications, presentations, media coverage

Involvement of Students in Projects and Activities

Financial Summary

Future Plans and Rationale for Continuation

Attachments

5

8

9

10

10

12

17

19

20

23

Ball State University Center for Business and Economic Research4

2010 Knowledge Unit Annual Report 5

The Center for Business and Economic Research en-joyed a challenging year. In addition to a budget reduc-tion of more than 8 percent and a space reduction of roughly 15%, the Center lost a valued employee, Judy Lane, our long time associate director. We restructured the position, which resulted in our hiring of Srikant De-varaj as Senior Research Associate and Project Manager. We also hired a temporary research associate, Hikoyat Salimova, and reviewed positions in our publications group. This resulted in a two position upgrade for Vic-toria Meldrum, as well as a title and duties change for Jessica Tennant, who is now our Publications Supervisor.

We have substantially completed an extensive strategic planning process (see below and attached) and are final-izing performance metrics for a 2010 baseline. This was a comprehensive review that formalizes what we do to help prioritize future opportunities.

We continue to hold a close relationship with Building Better Communities and commenced a formal ar-rangement with the new Health Studies Institute. We view these relationships as mutually beneficial from a variety of aspects and seek to nurture them. Perhaps most importantly, Dr. Nalitra Thaiprasert, our research economist and critical part of our research team is an employee of BBC.

These relationships and a strong internal team have permitted us to enjoy a robust year of knowledge dis-semination. In 2010, Center personnel published an academic book, 5 journal articles and 12 major project reports. We provided testimony to two state legislative

committees (in Michigan and Indiana) and presented 12 conference papers. We continue extensive service to our disciplines and State in a variety of functions.

We gave speeches or presentations to public forums attended by more than 100 people at least twice per month throughout the year, quarterly meetings in Muncie with our Forecasting Roundtable, and a Deans forum on Quality of Place. Also, our annual Economic Luncheon, in its 15th year, featured keynote speaker Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman and was attended by a record crowd of more than 325.

The quality and quantity of our analysis has garnered extensive media attention. The national media has reported on our research or opinions on average of more than twice month. This includes live national TV, AP and ABC news wire service releases, USA Today, and the New York Times. Statewide, we have appeared in more

These relationships and a strong internal team have permitted us to enjoy a robust year of knowledge dissemination.

executive summary


than one publication, on average, each week of the year, in addition to the directors weekly syndicated column. We have appeared in hundreds of stories in local papers throughout the state.

Despite budget cuts and tight finances nationally, this has been CBERs most successful year in terms of funded research. While the Center began more than 127 projects this year, ranging from college funded publications work to large statewide studies, five funded studies stand out: our evaluation of the states 21st Century Fund; an analysis of Foster Care costs for the Department of Child Services; a study of property tax caps and local government consolidation in New Jersey; and a regional infrastructure prioritization model for the Office of Community and Rural Affairs. In addition, we received support through the Ball State Foundation for ongoing work at establishing an economic development blog and producing an annual Manufacturing Score-card. Alone, these studies represent $380,000 in funded research, or more than 70% of the Centers baseline. From these dollars, the Center has returned roughly $110,000 in indirect costs.

In 2010, the center received its fifth national award in three years for publications from the Association of University Business and Economic Research. One of our design undergraduate students received two consecutive design awards in a popular monthly national competi-tion. Eleven staff members received individual letters of commendation, and the Center one as a whole from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for our flood damages study of Pakistan.

We eagerly begin our work in 2011, with significant research forthcoming, including: a book on local government finance with a forward by Governor Mitch Daniels; the most detailed study of Foster Child costs in the literature; and continued work with state and local government and partners at the university in BBC, Teachers College and the Miller College of Business. We anticipate a robust presence in state policy analysis and growth in our national reputation. We follow two strong funding opportunities with the Lumina/Joyce Foundations and the Environmental Protection Agency.

...this has been CBERs most successful year in terms of funded research.


10 full-time staff4 undergraduate students5 graduate students

127 major projects1 academic book5 published journal articles

12 major published reports12 conference papers

30 appearances in national media52 state-wide media appearances12 newspapers regularly featuring research

$110,000 returned to university in indirect costs

CBer year in review


History of the CenterSince 1972 the Center for Business and Eco-nomic Research (formerly Bureau of Business Research) has provided economic and public policy research. The Center, housed in the Miller College of Business, has engaged in public policy analysis in Indiana, the Midwest, nationally and internationally.

Since 1996, the Center has hosted a quarterly forecasting roundtable in Muncie as well as an annual Forecasting Luncheon.


organizational structureCenter for BUSineSS and eConomiC reSearCh

michael J. hicks, Phd.Center Director

victoria meldrumPublications Specialist

Graham watsonWeb DevelopmentSpecialist

Jessica tennantPublications Supervisor

dagney faulk, Phd.Director of Research

Srikant devarajSr. Research AssociateProject Manager

nalitra thaiparsertResearch EconomistBBC

hikoyat SalimovaResearch AssociateGIS Specialist

lisa GoodpastorSecretary

Undergraduate Publications StudentsChristine Bradway alyssa Sander

Graduate Research StudentsJosh doaneKevin Kuhlmanian reidrohit ravulaShayna Smith

As of December 31, 2010


In 2010, the CBER conducted a deliber-ate Strategic Planning Process which in-cluded the usual steps from SWOT analysis through development and implementation of performance metrics with a FY 2010 baseline.

Planning guidance from the Dean of the Miller College of Business outlined a fi-nalization of the strategic plan, including performance metrics and an advisory board at the end of FY 2011. The draft strategic plan is attached; highlights are offered in the following.

strategic PlanCenter for BUSineSS and eConomiC reSearCh

strategiesWe intend to make the CBER a preeminent source of business, economic and public policy analysis.

Priority Research AreasOur research areas of priority are state and local public finance, regional economics, and economic develop-ment.

Progress of success MetricsSee Proposed Metrics in Draft Strategic Plan (to be completed in June, 2011).


As an economics and public policy research center at a vital state academic institution, we value an open and nonpartisan climate of active inquiry, investigation and exchange of ideas. We actively support intellectual free-dom in both the university and broader community.

As an economics and public policy research center at a college of business, we seek to nurture the climate of active learning, to sustain a culture of excellence and continual improvement in all aspects of our scholarly

and creative activities, and to aid in preparing our students to successfully lead in commerce, government and academia.

As an economics and public policy research center within a community, we value civic engagement, a broad vision of economic and community devel-opment and the support of our role as productive citizens.

To be a preeminent voice in nonpartisan economic and public policy analysis to businesses, state, local and federal policy makers.

VISION

Values and Culture statement

To clearly communicate timely and relevant analysis of important eco-nomic issues to businesses, federal, state, and local policymakers by:

MISSION1. Conducting relevant and timely, nonparti-

san public policy and scholarly research on a wide range of economic issues affecting the state and nation.

2. Promoting the role of Ball State University as a source of nonpartisan policy research in Indiana and the Midwest.

3. Leveraging the expertise of Building Better Communities and key university faculty to support economic and community develop-ment in Indiana.


scholarly Publications

BooKSThaiprasert, N. 2010. Rethinking the Role of Agricul-

ture and Agro-Industry in the Economic Devel-opment of Thailand: Input-Output and CGE Analyses. Saarbrcken: VDM publishing. ISBN-10: 3639226887, ISBN-13: 978-3639226881

JoUrnalSFaulk, Dagney. Anderson Forecast 2011, Indiana Busi-

ness Review 85(4):13-15. Winter 2010.Faulk, Dagney and Kevin Kuhlman . Muncie Fore-

cast 2011. Indiana Business Review 85(4):36-38. Winter 2010.

Hicks, Michael J. BP: Social Responsibility and the Easy Life of the Monopolist American Journal of Business 25(2):9-11. Fall 2010.

Faulk, Dagney and Michael J. Hicks. The Economic Effects of Bus Transit in Small Cities Public Fi-nance Review (38): 513-539. September 2010

Hicks, Michael J. Wal-Mart and Small Business: Boon or Bane? Review of Regional Studies 38, 73-83. 2010.

BooK ChaPterS & ProCeedinGSHicks, Michael J. Do Growth Models Explain Mid-

west City Growth Differences? Evidence from a

Panel of Great Lakes Cities. in After the Factory, ed. James Connolly. 2010.

Hicks, Michael J. Forecasting State Level Economic Activity: An Error Correction Model with Exog-enous National Structural Forecast Components. Proceeding of the 101st Annual Conference of the National Tax Association. 2010.

Project Reports & other Publications

Faulk, Dagney. and Michael J. Hicks, M. Reflections on State Tax Incentives, Policy Brief. Center for Busi-ness and Economic Research, Ball State University. December 2010.

Hicks, Michael J. 2010 Holiday Retail Sales Forecast. Center for Business and Economic Research, Ball State University. November 2010.

Devaraj, Srikant and Michael J. Hicks. Comprehensive examination of the performance of the 21st Century Research and Technology Funds Center for Business and Economic Research, Ball State University. September 2010.

Faulk Dagney, Srikant Devaraj, Judy Lane, Aswin Guntupalli, Jennifer Bott and Michael Holmes. Media in the Workplace: An Analysis of the Video Consumer Mapping Study Data. Center for Busi-ness and Economic Research, Center for Media

Contribution to Knowledge CreationCenter for BUSineSS and eConomiC reSearCh


Design, Ball State University . August 2010.Hicks, Michael J,. and Mark L. Burton, Preliminary

Damage Estimates for Pakistan Flood Events. Center for Business and Economic Research, Ball State University. August 2010.

Devaraj, Srikant. Indianas Manufacturing Employment Trends, Business Brief. Center for Business and Economic Research, Ball State University. July 2010.

Hicks, Michael J. Who Lost Jobs When the Minimum Wage Rose? Policy Brief. Center for Business and Economic Research, Ball State University. Febru-ary 2010.

Devaraj, Srikant. Trend analysis of employment and earnings in Delaware County, Indiana, Business Brief. Center for Business and Economic Research, Ball State University. January 2010.

Thaiprasert, N., Dagney Faulk and Michael J. Hicks. The Economic Effects of Indianas Property Tax Rate Limits. Center for Business and Economic Re-search, Ball State University, February 2010.

Faulk, Dagney and Michael J. Hicks. Intrastate Distri-bution of State Government Revenues and Expendi-tures in Indiana, Information Brief. Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute. January 2010.

Hicks, Michael J. et. al Manufacturing and logistics re-port card. http://cber.iweb.bsu.edu/research/2010/. 2010.

Devaraj, Srikant, Graham Watson, Jessica Tennant and Victoria Meldrum. EPA Grantwriters Website. Center for Business and Economic Research, Ball State University. 2010.

Presentations

teStimonyFaulk, Dagney and Michael J. Hicks. Indiana Interim

Study Committee on Economic Development. October, 2010.

Hicks, Michael J. Michigan Senate Finance Commit-tee. May, 2010.

ConferenCeSHicks, Michael J. Regional Impact of Casino Gambling.

Presented at the 104th meeting of the National Tax Association. Chicago, IL. November 12,

2010.Faulk, Dagney. Does City-County Consolidation decrease

local government spending? Presented at the 64th Annual AUBER Conference. Charleston, WV. October 16-19, 2010.

Hicks, Michael J., Dagney Faulk and Nalitra Thaip-rasert Agglomeration Economies, Regulatory and Fiscal Incentives for Alternative Energy: Evidence from Wind Turbine Component Manufacturing in the United States Presented at the 64th Annual AUBER Conference. Charleston, WV. October 16-19, 2010.

Thaiprasert, Nalitra. The Economic Impact of Property Tax Rate Limits: A Computable General Equilibri-um Analysis. Presented at the 64th Annual AUBER Conference. Charleston, WV. October 16-19, 2011.

Thaiprasert, Nalitra and David Schoen. Linkalysis (InLink): Tools for Smart and Sustainable Economic Development (GIS Industrial Linkages Webpage). Presented at the IMPLAN National Users Confer-ence, 8th Biennial Conference. St. Louis, Mis-souri. June 3-5, 2010.

Thaiprasert, Nalitra. The Economic Impact of Property Tax Rate Limits: A Computable General Equilib-rium Analysis. Presented at the Mid-Continent Regional Science Association 41st Annual Confer-ence. St. Louis, Missouri. June 3-5, 2010.

Faulk, Dagney. The Economic Effects of Property Tax Rate Limits. Presented at the 49th Annual Meet-ing of the Southern Regional Science Association. Arlington, VA. March 25-27, 2010.

Faulk, Dagney. The Impact of City-County Consolida-tion on Local Government Employment and Ex-penditures. Presented at the 49th Annual Meeting of the Southern Regional Science Association. Arlington, VA. March 25-27, 2010.

Salimova, Hikoyat. Urban Design Of Old And New Cit-ies Of Bukhara: Comparison Of Traditional, Soviet And Modern Architectural Styles. Presented at the ACES Central Eurasian Studies Conference. Indi-ana University, Bloomington, IN. March 6, 2010.

Salimova, Hikoyat Why Uzbek Citizens Started Leav-ing Their Homelands?: Internal And External Labor Migration In Uzbekistan. GOSECA, Environment, Identities and Spaces in Europe and Central Asia.


Pittsburgh, PA. February 26-28, 2010Salimova, Hikoyat. My Way Or Yours? The Comparative

Analysis Of International Aid Distribution: Case Study Of Kalametiya Tsunami Resettlement In Sri Lanka. East-West Center International Graduate Student Conference. Honolulu, HI. February 11-14, 2010.

SeleCted PUBliC forUmS (last 6 months)Hicks, Michael J. Fort Wayne Caregivers Alliance.

December 10, 2010.Hicks, Michael J. Indiana Economic Development As-

sociation, Economic Forecasting Panel, Indianapo-lis. December 9, 2010.

Hicks, Michael J. Muncie Forecasting Luncheon. December 8, 2010.

Hicks, Michael J. Muncie Forecasting Roundtable. November 10, 2010.

Hicks, Michael J. Innovation Summit, Indianapolis. October 27, 2010.

Hicks, Michael J. Deans Forum, Quality of Place, Muncie. October 27, 2010.

Hicks, Michael J. Imagine Indiana Forum, Indianapo-lis. October 12, 2010.

Hicks, Michael J. Indianas Housing Market, FC Tucker. Indianapolis, September 23, 2010.

Hicks, Michael J. Jefferson County Economy, Madi-son. September 22, 2010.

Hicks, Michael J. Regional Cluster briefing, Senator Lugars Staff. September 21, 2010.

Hicks, Michael J. Newcastle Economic Development Meeting. August 19, 2010.

Hicks, Michael J. Muncie Forecasting Roundtable. August 11, 2010.

Media Coverage

nationalBlack Friday (mp3 audio file) ABC News Radio - New

York City, NY - Nov. 26, 2010.More holiday hiring expected this year Sun Herald -

Gulfport, MS - October 16, 2010.Is commercial real estate finally coming back to life?

Las Vegas Sun - Las Vegas, NV - October 15, 2010.After the Pakistan Deluge, Blackouts Spread The New

York Times - New York City, NY - October 13,

2010 (International Wire Service Feeds-India, Pakistan, UK).

Indiana technology fund creates jobs for thousands Job.com - Wilmington, DE - October 12, 2010.

Louisville arena set to open after years of work The Associated Press (via Victoria Advocate) - Louisville, KY - October 10, 2010.

Indiana jobless rate continues slow rise for 2010. The Associated Press (via Forbes or via ABC News) - New York City, NY - August 20, 2010.

Study says state is a C student Journal Sentinel - Mil-waukee, WI - July 9, 2010.

State takes Missouris manufacturing pulse Springfield Business Journal - Springfield, MO - June 28, 2010.

Study Warns Taxes, Education Not Favorable For Ohio Manufacturing WCPN-FM - Cleveland, OH - June 26, 2010.

Report card grades states on manufacturing climate Re-liable Plant magazine - Tulsa, OK - June 25, 2010.

Study: Tennessee earns a B average in manufactur-ing, logistics Memphis Business Journal - Memphis, TN - June 24, 2010.

Alabama scores mixed on manufacturing report Birmingham Business Journal - Birmingham, AL - June 24, 2010.

Ohio scores high in logistics, production study Co-lumbus Business First - Columbus, OH - June 23, 2010.

Report gives Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana A for manufac-turing Business Courier of Cincinnati - Cincinnati, OH - June 22, 2010.

Report gives Kentucky, Indiana A for manufacturing Business First of Louisville - Louisville, KY - June 21, 2010.

Help wanted ... for unemployed teens USA Today, June 21, 2010.

Weak economy, gas prices blamed for drop in Indiana travel since 2004, but rebound expected The As-sociated Press (via The Republic) - New York City, NY - June 6, 2010.

Does Michigans MEGA Business Tax Credit Work? Economists Disagree WUOM-FM - Ann Arbor, MI. - May 19, 2010.

Hope for students in tough job market The Record - Hakensack, NJ - May 16, 2010.


What lies behind lost jobs Chicago Tribune - Chicago, IL - May 13, 2010.

Report suggests nearly 50,000 Indiana jobs have moved overseas since recession began in 2007 The Associated Press (via The Republic) - New York City, NY - May 2, 2010.

New Hampshire Lawmakers Rush Through Gambling Expansion Bill Focus on the Family Action (via CitizenLink) - Colorado Springs, CO - March 30, 2010.

Indiana jobless rate edges up to 9.8 percent The As-sociated Press (via CNBC) - New York City, NY - March 26, 2010.

Wages of loss Pittsburgh Tribune-Review - Pittsburgh, PA - March 23, 2010.

VIDEO: Property Tax Caps Boost Economy Fox Business Network - New York City, NY - March 3, 2010.

Wal-Mart profit rises 22 percent for 4Q The Associated Press (via Bismark Tribune) - Bismark, ND - Feb-ruary 18, 2010.

Unintended but inevitable outcome The News-Record - Greensboro, NC - February 9, 2010.

VIDEO: Did Minimum Wage Hike Hurt Economy? Fox Business Network - New York City, NY - Feb-ruary 8, 2010.

Toyota facing tough recovery: Multi-million vehicle recalls hurting automakers reputation Trading-Markets.com - Jersey City, NJ - January 28, 2010.

Statewide (indiana)Study: Liquor Stores at Risk Inside Indiana Business -

Indianapolis, IN - December 3, 2010.Supermarkets Will Renew Push to Repeal Sunday Al-

cohol Ban WIBC-FM - Indianapolis, IN - Decem-ber 1, 2010.

Higher food prices will hit consumers hard Indianapo-lis Star - Indianapolis, IN - Nov. 30, 2010.

Renewed Sunday liquor fight to focus on money Indianapolis Business Journal - Indianapolis, IN - November 30, 2010.

Indianas jobless rate drops to 9.9% in October India-napolis Star - Indianapolis, IN - November 24, 2010.

Ball State study: Holiday retail sales should be better than last year WXIN-TV - Indianapolis, IN - No-

vember 8, 2010.Ball State Predicts Increase in Holiday Sales Inside

Indiana Business - Indianapolis, IN - November 8, 2010.

Indiana tech fund led to 11,000 jobs, says BSU study Indianapolis Star - Indianapolis, IN - October 12, 2010.

Report: Fund Has Created 11,000 Jobs Inside Indiana Business - Indianapolis, IN - October 11, 2010.

Holiday hiring may signal good tidings for economy Indianapolis Star (via USA Today) - Indianapolis, IN - October 10, 2010.

Tax caps get the blame but not the credit Indianapolis Star - Indianapolis, IN - September 28, 2010.

TechPoint Launches Measured Marketing Initiative Inside Indiana Business - Indianapolis, IN - Sep-tember 21, 2010.

Recession officially over, but few cheers Indianapolis Star - Indianapolis, IN - September 21, 2010.

TechPoint unveiling measured marketing campaign Indianapolis Business Journal - Indianapolis, IN - September 21, 2010.

A $98.5 million shot in the arm for region Indianapolis Star - Indianapolis, IN - September 14, 2010.

Even in this economy, some jobs are in demand In-dianapolis Star - Indianapolis, IN - September 6, 2010.

Ball State Study Provides Damage Estimate For Paki-stan Flooding Inside Indiana Business - Indianapo-lis, IN - August 23, 2010.

Ball State campus lands $2M musicians camp India-napolis Star - Indianapolis, IN - August 18, 2010.

Economic Indicators Mixed for June WIBC-FM - In-dianapolis, IN - July 23, 2010.

Travel Expected to Pick Up Over July 4th Holiday WIBC-FM - Indianapolis, IN - June 23, 2010.

Push into apparel means 420 Hat World hires India-napolis Star - Indianapolis, IN - June 11, 2010.

Report: Indiana poised for manufacturing rebound In-dianapolis Star - Indianapolis, IN - June 10, 2010.

Conexus Report Card Suggests Manufacturing Growth Inside Indiana Business - Indianapolis, IN - June 10, 2010.

State manufacturing, logistics industries get high marks Indianapolis Business Journal - Indianapolis, IN - June 10, 2010.


State shakes off driving decline Indianapolis Star - In-dianapolis, IN - June 2, 2010.

Gas prices fall as holiday weekend approaches WTHR-TV - Indianapolis, IN - May 23, 2010.

Economist on GM Profit: One Report Not a Trend WIBC-FM - Indianapolis, IN - May 17, 2010.

Gasoline prices going down WTHR-TV - Indianapolis, IN - May 14, 2010.

Economy Continues to Show Evidence of Improve-ment WIBC-FM - Indianapolis, IN - April 29, 2010.

Hot new export: Hoosier Jobs Indianapolis Star - In-dianapolis, IN - April 27, 2010.

Hoosiers take hit in their paychecks Indianapolis Star (via The Star Press) - Indianapolis, IN - April 24, 2010.

BSU Study Shows Impact of Telecom Deregulation Inside Indiana Business - Indianapolis, IN - April 22, 2010.

Rough housing patch Indianapolis Star - Indianapolis, IN - March 28, 2010.

Economist: Uptick in Hoosier Jobless Rate Is Actu-ally Good Omen WIBC-FM - Indianapolis, IN - March 26, 2010.

Health Care Reform Bill Could Mean Job Losses Inside Indiana Business - Indianapolis, IN - March 23, 2010.

Indiana Economics Professor Reacts To Health-Care Bill WIBC-FM - Indianapolis, IN - March 22, 2010.

Jobs bill not seen as game-changer in Indiana India-napolis Star - Indianapolis, IN - March 19, 2010.

Final Four could make Indy Advertisement $25-35 Million WISH-TV - Indianapolis, IN - March 18, 2010.

Economist Believes Steady Jobless Rate Could be Posi-tive Sign Inside Indiana Business - Indianapolis, IN - March 10, 2010.

Deadly sins of wages? Indianapolis Star - Indianapolis, IN - February 14, 2010.

Ball State study hints of link between wage hike, fewer jobs Indianapolis Star - Indianapolis, IN - Febru-ary 10, 2010.

Ball State study: Minimum wage led to job cuts India-napolis Star - Indianapolis, IN - February 9, 2010.

Study: Minimum Wage Hike, Recession Cost Jobs

Inside Indiana Business - Indianapolis, IN - Febru-ary 8, 2010.

Ball State Economist: Recession Over Inside Indiana Business - Indianapolis, IN - January 29, 2010.

Indiana conservative on appliance rebates, too India-napolis Star - Indianapolis, IN - January 24, 2010.

States Unemployment Rate Grows in December WIBC-FM - Indianapolis, IN - January 22, 2010.

Holiday Retail Season Much Better Than Anticipated Inside Indiana Business - Indianapolis, IN - January 15, 2010.

Fort Wayne Company Completes Equity Financing Inside Indiana Business - Indianapolis, IN - January 14, 2010.

Study: Indianas rural counties get bigger benefit from taxes Indianapolis Star - Indianapolis, IN - January 13, 2010.

Study: State Tax Dollars Flow From Urban to Rural Areas Inside Indiana Business - Indianapolis, IN - January 12, 2010.

Report: Indianas metro area taxes subsidize rural coun-ties Indianapolis Star - Indianapolis, IN - January 12, 2010.

indiana - loCal (multiple stories in each of the following media outlets)

Ball State Daily News - Muncie, IN The Herald Bulletin - Anderson, IN Indiana Daily Student - Bloomington, IN Kokomo Tribune (via iStockAnalyst) - Kokomo, IN Journal Courier - Lafayette, IN The Journal Gazette - Fort Wayne, INNewsLink Indiana - Muncie, IN The News-Sentinel - Fort Wayne, INThe Star Press - Muncie, IN The Times of Northwest Indiana - Munster, IN Tribune Star - Terre Haute, INWANE-TV - Fort Wayne, IN


Both our graduate and undergraduate students are fully engaged with the production of research products at the Center. These activities comprise three distinct activities: the gathering and management of data; analysis and writing of research reports; and design and production of finished reports. We employ students with four distinct skill sets to accomplish these tasks. For the gathering and management of data, we employ undergraduates in the fields of business, health services and computing science. For the analysis and writing of research reports we primarily hire graduate students with a background in business or urban planning. For the design and production of reports we hire students with design or journalism backgrounds.

Students are treated as professional team members within CBER, and assigned tasks consistent with their skills and education. Development of individual students is a primary goal, with completion of funded projects and CBER operations a complementary goal to that task.

We encourage individual progression within the Cen-ter and have in place potential career progression for all students, from undergraduate to professional staff. Two of our staff members have undergraduate degrees from Ball State, and two others have graduate degrees from Ball State. We have a graduate student responsible for

our survey research management, which highlights the level of responsibility we place on competent students.

We are especially proud of our efforts to craft an individual student portfolio of work. This portfolio is designed to document the achievements of students to

prepare them for post-graduate education or employ-ment. This serves as a documentation for letters of recommendation for individual students who may wish to highlight their experience with us in later

Both our undergraduate and graduate students are fully engaged with the production of research products at the Center.

Involvement of students in Projects & ActivitiesCenter for BUSineSS and eConomiC reSearCh


years. Our goal is for every student who passes through CBER to have a published document which bears their name, and for which their responsibility can be clearly delineated to a graduate school application committee or potential employer.

We think the best judge of our efforts is the expressed interest and achievements of the students themselves. We are widely viewed as a difficult but rewarding experience, with only one student voluntarily leaving CBER employment since 2007 (we have asked three others to depart for performance-related reasons). We have a long list of students willing to work in CBER. We have one current student and one current tempo-rary staff member (December graduate) applying for doctoral programs. We are confident in both of their placement. We have two recent graduates in Econom-ics Ph.D. programs, one at IUPUI, the other at George Washington University.

Over the past three years, CBER has received 5 na-tional awards from the Association of University Busi-ness and Economic Research. In each project, students played critical roles in the design and development of each report or project. One of these awards was re-ceived this fall. Individually, one student has won two national design awards on products she created under the guidance of the Center. This fall, three graduate students received letters of commendation from the US Army Corps of Engineers for their assistance on analysis of flooding in Pakistan.

None of the projects listed under section Contribution to Knowledge Creation above would have been possible without our students.

We think the best judge of our efforts is the expressed interest and achievements of the students themselves.


financial summaryCenter for BUSineSS and eConomiC reSearCh

externally sponsored Projects

ProJeCt name SPonSor amoUntComprehensive Examination of the Performance of the 21st Century research and Technology Fund

Indiana Economic Development Corporation

$90,000

a Study of Indianas Foster Care Costs Department of Child Services $90,000

a Study of new Jerseys Property Tax Caps and Government Consolidation

new Jersey Board of realtors $75,000

regional Prioritization Model for Economic Development

Office of Community and rural affairs $50,000

Economic Development Blog Ice-Miller $50,000 (foundation support)

Manufacturing Scorecard Conexus $25,000 (foundation support)

In 2010, the Center for Business and Economic Research commenced 126 projects, 55 of which were funded, either internally at BSU or with external clients. In addition, we completed 11 income surveys for $30,000 dollars.

The major projects with external sponsors are listed below. These include some ongoing projects, if they are more than 75% completed by December 31, 2010. These do not include sub-contracts with projects through Building Better Communities or internally funded projects. A full listing appears in the attachments.


The Center for Business and Economic Research continues its mission within Ball State University. In the coming weeks, significant policy research ranging from books, peer reviewed papers, policy papers and collaborations with the Health Studies Institute will be released. The Center and its staff play an important role in policy analysis and development on a wide range of matters.

The staff continues to be busy focusing on projects that are expected to achieve national prominence and regional influence. Internally developed database and research projects have been targeted by the Environ-mental Protection Agency and Lumina Foundation for significant funding. This year, the Center received more contract and grant funding than any of its previ-

ous 37 years. Depending on final budget resolution, the Centers external funding alone is approximately 70 percent of the universitys expenditure on the activ-ity, and the Center has returned more than $110,000 in indirect costs to the university on short-term proj-ects begun in 2010.

The Center for Business and Economic Research pro-vides a critical contribution of knowledge to econom-ics, regional science and urban planning. It should be continued.

future Plans and Rationale for ContinuationCenter for BUSineSS and eConomiC reSearCh


The Center for Business and Economic Research provides a critical contribution of knowledge to economics, regional science and urban planning.

It should be continued.


strategic Plan

Ball State UniverSityCenter for BUSineSS and eConomiC reSearCh

2010

DRAFT


strategic PlanCenter for BUSineSS and eConomiC reSearCh

To be a preeminent voice in nonpartisan economic and public policy analysis to businesses, state, local and federal policy makers.

To clearly communicate timely and relevant analysis of important economic issues to businesses, federal, state, and local policymakers by:

1. Conducting relevant and timely nonpartisan public policy and scholarly research on a wide range of economic issues affecting the state and nation.

2. Promoting the role of Ball State University as a source of nonpartisan policy research in Indi-ana and the Midwest.

3. Leveraging the expertise of Building Better Communities and key university faculty to sup-port economic and community development in Indiana.

viSion miSSion


StrateGieSWe intend to make the CBER a preeminent source of business, economic and public policy

Priority reSearCh areaSState and Local Public Finance, Regional Economics, Economic Development

As an economics and public policy research center at a vital state academic institution, we value an open and nonpartisan climate of active inquiry, investigation and exchange of ideas. We actively support intellectual free-dom, at both the university and broader community.

As an economics and public policy research center at a college of business we seek to nurture the climate of active learning, sustain a culture of excellence and con-tinual improvement in all aspects of our scholarly and creative activities, and aid in preparing our students to successfully lead in commerce, government and aca-demia.

As an economics and public policy research center within a community we value civic engagement, a broad vision of economic and community development and the support of our role as productive citizens.

valUeS & CUltUre Statement


GoAl onEEnhance reputation of Center, Miller Col-lege of Business and university

Strategy 1 Continuous improvement of staff skills

Objective A: Staff will actively pursue activities to improve skills (research, design, programming, etc. as

applicable)

Action Plan: Staff to participate in at least two professional development opportunities annually. These may be conferences, work-shops, classes, etc. Director will monitor on annual report

Action Plan: Annual review of all staff/stu-dents each spring.

Objective B: Improve/Encourage/nurture research staffs scholarly output.

Action Plan: Provide funding for at least one academic conference per year

Action Plan: Submit at least one article per year to refereed journal

Strategy 2 Increase/Maintain interaction with internal and external constituencies

Objective A: Hold at least four events for internal and/or external constituencies each year

Action Plan: Hold quarterly business round-tables

Action Plan: Hold annual forecasting lunch

Objective B: Speaking engagements

Action Plan: Schedule speeches/speaking engagements through IEDA affiliated

Objective C: Increase/Develop interaction with interna-tional constituencies

Action Plan: Host a visiting scholar

Action Plan: Include CBER Research and expertise with Foreign University

Action Plan: Recruitment/collaboration visits

Objective D: Maintain interaction with media

Action Plan: Work with university communi-cations to release CBER studies.

Action Plan: Respond to media requests.

Strategy 3 Promote CBEr

Objective A: Increase awareness of CBEr activities within Miller College of Business

Action Plan: Announce all funding /pub-lication through Miller College of Business Monthly Update

Action Plan: Presentation about CBER to a student organization each year as requested

Objective B: Increase awareness of CBEr activities within Ball State university

Action Plan: Encourage GA and RA partici-pation in Student Symposium

Action Plan: Submit joint research proposals with other Centers/Colleges

Action Plan: Submit posts in communica-tion center

Objective C: Increase awareness of CBEr within state Or among state policy makers

Action Plan: Work with UMC to publicize policy reports

Action Plan: Disseminate policy studies to targeted state agencies/legislators

Action Plan: Tailor Policy Briefs to state and local topics

Action Plan: Perform joint research with statewide research groups


Action Plan: Maintain social media

Action Plan: Optimize websites for improv-ing search engine rankings

Action Plan: Develop/Expand tools and websites pertaining to the community

Objective D: Increase awareness of CBEr nationally

Action Plan: Disseminate policy studies to federal agencies/legislators

Action Plan: Tailor Policy Briefs to effects of national legislation

Strategy 4 Create a network of Learner/Scholars

Objective A: Develop research fellow program

Action Plan: Distribute research fellows RFP throughout university

Action Plan: Recruit university faculty and staff to CBER

Objective B: Develop network of community research assets

Action Plan: Develop and maintain (with BBC) a database of faculty expertise

Objective C: nurture internal scholarly development

Action Plan: Recruit promising students towards doctoral studies

Action Plan: Require students to maintain research/design portfolios

Action Plan: Support staff graduate education when it supports CBER activities

Action Plan: Pursue position designations of Research Associate Professor and Research As-sistant Professor

Action Plan: Portfolio-worthy pieces pro-duced by design students

Objective D: Guide students towards graduate programs

Action Plan: Formally counsel all student staff on graduate school options.

Action Plan: Meet to discuss options after college

Action Plan: Review Portfolio

Action Plan: Write letters of recommenda-tion

Objective E: Exceed all accrediting body standards for aQ/PQ of appropriate faculty/staff

Action Plan: Develop peer reviewed work from 75% of all projects with more than $20,000 funding

Action Plan: Dedicate 45 work days annually to pure scholarly productivity for Research As-sociate Professor and Research Professor level staff.

Action Plan: Dedicate 90 days annually to pure scholarly productivity for Research As-sistant Professor level staff

Action Plan: Ph.D. staff to submit an average of one journal article per year to peer reviewed journal (first time submission)

GoAl TWoEnhance resource availability

Strategy 1 Seek increases in endowment and oper-ating funds

Objective A: Continue to generate revenue from con-tracts and grants

Action Plan: Submit grants to support ongo-ing CBER work

Action Plan: Promote existing research to attract follow-on funding

Objective B: Seek out opportunities to increase endow-ment, Seek naming opportunity for CBEr

Action Plan: Maintain a generic naming/en-dowment proposal

Action Plan: Identify activities that can be supported

Strategy 2 Increase staff in areas of critical need

Objective A: resolve overload of current administrative staff

Action Plan: Identify changes to administra-tive structure, pursue additional funding for positions

Action Plan: Cross train staff in required


administrative duties

Action Plan: Identify short term (flex) admin-istrative assistance options

Action Plan: Revise the position descrip-tion for the publications/web coordinator to include supervisory duties

Strategy 3 Enhance facilities

Objective A: Identify office for visiting scholar and re-search fellow

Action Plan: Maintain office for visiting fel-low, complete with appropriate equipment

Objective B: Expand CBEr physical space

Action Plan: Identify long term space re-quirements and identify potential short term options

Action Plan: Maintain CBER facilities needs assessment

GoAl ThREEAdvance information management

Strategy 1 Continuous improvement of informa-tion infrastructure to support the management of information within CBEr

Objective A: Monitor, document and publicize staff productivity

Action Plan: Staff to update vita annually for CBER website

Action Plan: Capture information relevant to AACSB and NCA processes

Action Plan: Update scholarship exhibited in display case quarterly

Action Plan: Conduct annual metrics reviews along with performance reviews

Action Plan: Maintain design project forms and database

Objective B: Provide innovative web-based delivery of data and analysis.

Action Plan: Develop and promote web-based products for clients/communities.

Action Plan: Seek grant funding/partnerships for web-based products.

Action Plan: Announce through IBB and social media

Strategy 2 Enhance/improve/maintain communica-tions with various constituencies

Objective A: Maintain regular communication with the Miller College of Business Dean

Action Plan: Director to have monthly meet-ings with the Dean

Action Plan: CBER to host Dean for lunch annually

Action Plan: Director to submit CBER strate-gic plan and updates to Dean annually

Objective B: Improve intra-Center communication

Action Plan: Design and research staff to have quarterly project review meeting

Action Plan: Maintain project log

Objective C: Enhance communication with external constituencies

Action Plan: Hold monthly meeting with BBC

Action Plan: Form CBER Advisory Board

Action Plan: Hold annual meeting of CBER Advisory Board

Action Plan: Continue to improve IBB, Blog, tweets

Action Plan: Give stats for visitors, friends/fans/followers

Action Plan: Improve website performance

Action Plan: Maintain log of website traffic

GoAl FoURExpand scope of university-based research centers

Strategy 1 Promote university Based research Centers to national Community


Objective A: Engage with national boards of research affiliated organizations

Action Plan: CBER staff to participate in at least one national board over 5 year period (AUBER, UEDA, NTA Committee, etc.)

Action Plan: Pursue opportunities to review research articles, grants, etc.

Objective B: Engage CBEr with scholarly organizations

Action Plan: Organize at least two paper ses-sions over five-year period at national confer-ences (NTA, MRSA, etc.)

Action Plan: One CBER staff member par-ticipate in at least one editorial board position over 5 years

Strategy 2 Engage with broad state policy com-munity

Objective A: Promote CBEr Staff within state policy community

Action Plan: Participate in at least one board/commission over five-year period

Action Plan: Contribute at least one article annually to state policy publications (e.g. Indi-ana Policy Review, State Tax Notes)

Action Plan: Continue to write weekly news-paper column

GoAl FIvESupport college and university

Strategy 1 assist Miller College of Business and Ball State university for various activities deemed necessary

Objective A: Continue appropriate preparation for aaCSB and nCa accreditation

Action Plan: Continue to work with staff to develop systems

Action Plan: Prepare required reports/alert university leadership to report overlap/over-loads

Objective B: Provide innovative tools for efficiency

Action Plan: Develop tools for Miller College of Business and/or university.

Objective C: Support tasks for college as and when requested

Action Plan: Assist the college on tasks such as network administration, maintenance work on data subscriptions and their interface, building online applications, etc.

Documents

2010 Center for Business & Economic Research Annual Report