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IEF Mission
We promote economic community and policy development by enhancing public and private sector decision making to achieve sustainable prosperity and quality of life for all.
Western Carolina University’s Institute for the Economy and the Future(IEF) is a regional think tank with capacities for rigorous research, economic base analysis, issue polling and employment trend analysis. The IEF conducts economic policy analysis and applied research; and administers public service projects on economic and community capacity building and strategic development. The IEF is multidisciplinary with faculty, students and staff from various academic departments. Senior Policy Fellows are selected to serve on one year or longer terms from the private sector and other academic institutions.
The economic development mission of the IEF is to attract, identify, qualify and assist regional businesses and to leverage the university’s extensive resources of research, science, engineering, arts and humanities faculty and students, as well as the core staff of the Institute (analysts, planners and faculty fellows) for business growth, including the transfer and application of new technologies and the commercialization of ideas. The IEF also has responsibility for developing the strategy and implementation plans for Western’s Millennial Initiative, a state legislative mandate which allows rural comprehensive universities to take several critical actions to support economic development. To fulfill its mission and generate new initiatives the IEF partners with federal, state, and regional organizations and the private sector. Current partners include the United States Department of Commerce, AdvantageWest Regional Economic Development Commission, Regional Councils’ of Government and selected private firms. Alan Thornburg is serving as the Acting Director of the Institute. The Institute is located at 110 University Outreach Center.
Research Rapid Survey & Polling Center
The Research Rapid Survey & Polling Center is part of the Institute for the Economy and the Future (IEF). The Center pursues both applied and theoretical research in social science with the specific focus on issues of regional economic development. The Center, equipped with the latest polling technology, uses survey research as a tool to inform economic policy decision-making.
Our facility features calling stations with Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) systems utilizing Sawtooth Technologies' WinCati software. This state-of-the-art technology allows for customized, reliable, and efficient data collection. The Center offers start to finish consulting services to assist clients with all aspects of the survey research process.
Project Design
The Center staff works with clients in selecting an appropriate research methodology and sampling strategy to meet study objectives. The Center develops survey instruments (or alternate measures) and consults on question wording, format, ordering, and scaling. In the design process we work to ensure that data are collected in the most accurate and cost-effective manner given the research goals and budget.
Data Collection
The Center is fully equipped to conduct Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI), which greatly enhances the flexibility, efficiency, and accuracy of the survey research process. The Center has full capability to conduct direct mail, e-mail, web-based, or mixed mode surveys, as well as facilitate focus group or semi-structured in-depth interviews.
Analysis and Reporting
The Center prepares statistical analyses and reports of survey results in a variety of formats. Depending on the requirements these reports can include: simple descriptive statistics, two-way tables, multi-contingency tables, weighted or un-weighted results, multivariate analysis, and other statistical techniques. We are also able to provide presentation graphics, methodology reports, narrative reports, executive summaries/press materials, qualitative or content analysis, and raw data in a variety of formats.
Services
Survey Research
* Survey design
* Sampling design
* Questionnaire design
* Data collection
* Data analysis and Statistical modeling
* Spatial Analysis
Other Services
Economic Impact Analyses (IMPLAN Software)
Workforce Supply and Demand Analyses
Feasibility Studies
Industry Cluster Mapping
Market Research
GIS Services
Public Policy Analysis and Recommendations
Consulting Services
Contact the Institute for the Economy and the Future to arrange a conference call or a visit to discuss your research needs.
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