III Periodic Review of Centers  (Academic Policy 100.o)
        Senate Recommendation
 

        Bureau of Business and Economic Research             April 2003

 



A. Written Report Summary:

1.   Purpose:  To serve the general public, as well as people in business, labor, and government, by providing an understanding of the economic environment in which Montanans Live and work. BBER was founded in 1948 to monitor the States economic and business conditions and continues to provide informative data to businesses, government agencies, and individuals across the state.

 

2.   Objectives: (1)Conduct economic research concerning trends in the statewide and regional economies of Montana; (2) monitors important industries and activities in Montana; (3) conducts survey research; and (4) reports the findings of its research to Montanans through publications (such as the Montana Business Quarterly), print and electronic media, and the Montana Economic Outlook Seminars. 

3.   Activities:  Economic analysis, industry analysis, survey research, and education.

 

4.   Other organizations involved:  Bureau of Business and Economic Research Advisory Council, 21 State agencies, 7 Federal agencies, and Chambers of Commerce, industry associations, and various nonprofit organizations.

5.   Reporting line: The Director of the Bureau of Business and Economic Research reports to the Dean of the School of Business Administration.  The state funded portion of the Bureau revenue is part of the budget administered by the Vice President for Research.

6.   Relationships with academic units: Bureau Faculty have been guest lecturers in numerous business and research methodology courses and serve on graduate committees.  The Bureau is a resource for the campus community on research, and statistical and methodological procedures.

7.   Similar programs: Two in Montana: Flathead Valley Business Information and Data Resource Center-Flathead Valley Community College and Center for Applied Economic Research- Montana State University, Billings. There are similar programs in Washington, Idaho, Utah, and South Dakota.

8.   Budget:
a.  1. Current faculty and percentage of time:   Three Faculty -86/87/75% on state funds.
         Current staff: five staff- 60/60/85/60/80% on state funds.
     2. Need and cost for new faculty: not clear
     3. Need for other personnel: two Letter of Appointment researcher, and five temporary interviewers not on state funds.
                                                                 
b. Use of University Resources:     
        1. Library: not clear
        2. Technology infrastructure: not clear
        3. Facility and space:  Room 230-240 of the Gallagher Business Building.  The facility includes offices, a library, and a dedicated phone survey room.
           
c. Source of Funding:  2001-2002
     

Total Funding

$1,158,158

 

Total Expenditures

$1,158,158

 

State appropriation

371,102

32%

Personal services

924,608

80%

Other sources

787,056

68%

  State appropriation

364,433

31%

  Contract research

637,198

55%

   Other sources

560,175

48%

  Sales & service, gifts

149,858

13%

Operating expenses

233,550

20%

 

 

 

  State appropriation

6,669

1%

 

 

 

  Other sources

226,881

20%



B. Review and Approval Process

   
2.  The Faculty Senate through its Chair, ECOS, and Committees as appropriate shall recommend continuance or discontinuance by vote.

Review in terms of Scope as stated in academic policy 100.0

To provide instruction, scholarship, or service to the University, state or world by:  (1) focusing attention on an area of strength and/or addressing a critical issue, or (2) facilitating collaborative, multi-disciplinary endeavors to combine resources from several programs or institutions to address issues of common interest.               


Review in terms of the University’s mission.


§          Comments: Montana is in great need of economic development. This center has the opportunity to promote business development to encourage the economy. While some like this better than others, one cannot deny the need.

 

§          Does ECOS/Faculty Senate consider this center controversial? Not significantly

 

§          Is the relationship with academic units beneficial? Yes. Students and others have the opportunity to observe the processes of economic development as examples for the future.

 

§          Is the program revenue neutral or does it consume more resources than it generates? If so, is the use of University resources justified?  The primary source of funding is other than general funds.

 

§          Is the entity making progress toward objectives? Yes, although one cannot always see cause and effect occurring immediately. It does support economic growth processes.

 

Recommendation: Continue


Justification: As above. Economic development must be supported and it appears that they are doing so.