Division of Research

Latest Economic Outlook Presentations

Dr. Woodward

Dr. Joey Von Nessen

See the Latest on High Impact Firms:

Division of Research economists partnered with the S.C Department of Commerce, New Carolina, and CTC Public Benefit Corporation to produce a report on job creation by fast-growing firms. Funding was provided by the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the South Carolina Research Authority, and AdvanceSC. Read Dr. Doug Woodward's summary below:

This study analyzes private-sector firms and employment change in South Carolina from a new perspective. For years, it has been widely believed that small businesses create almost all jobs in the United States. Recent research has suggested that a small number of fast-growing firms (many small and medium-sized) are responsible for a majority of the employment gains in the United States. The research presented in this study assesses the scope of South Carolina’s small-business and high-impact job creation over the past two decades.

Read the rest of the paper by clicking here.

The Division of Research (Division) at the Darla Moore School of Business, University of South Carolina, supports the research programs and facilitates the research efforts of the School's faculty. The Division also reaches beyond the academic environment into the public and private sectors of the state of South Carolina. By conducting applied practical research on timely business and economic topics, the Division has become a recognized center of expertise on issues associated with the state's economy. Some of the Division's work is summarized in its studies.

Staff

Dr. Paulo Guimaraes Research Economist
Assistant Professor, USC
Dr. Joseph P. Von Nessen Research Associate 
Dr. Douglas P. Woodward Director, Division of Research
Professor of Economics, USC

Basic Functions

Publish the S.C. Economic Indicators
  • A monthly analysis of key state economic variables
  • Assessment of current and expected economic trends
Archive the B&E Review 
  • An award-winning quarterly magazine
  • Contemporary business and economic issues
  • Distributed throughout the state, region, and nation
Provide current data and information
  • On topics related to South Carolina's economy
  • For individuals, businesses, and public agencies upon request.
Maintain a bank of statistics
  • Comparison of South Carolina and its neighboring states
  • Wide variety of data
Sponsor the Annual Economic Outlook Conference
  • State's business and governmental leaders
  • Overview of South Carolina's short-term economic future
  • Information on current economic and business issues

Facilitate faculty research

 

Research Support

The DOR provides research functions not easily performed by individual faculty, such as collaboration with other global institutions and organizations. Such research efforts focus on economic impact studies and survey research. Examples of recent studies.

The Division of Research also provides assistance to faculty of the Moore School so that maximum advantage can be taken of their research strengths. This assistance is two-pronged. First, the Division helps faculty develop proposals for funding by external agencies. Second, it coordinates internal research funding through such activities as the Research Fellows Program and USC-Business Partnership Foundation Research Grants.

Expertise

The Division expertise draws on the research talents of the Moore School faculty from all areas of business and economics:
  • Economic impact analysis:  international business; state and local; real estate
  • Economic trend analysis:  forecasts; industry studies
  • Market surveys and analysis:  telephone or mail surveys (businesses and consumers)
  • Focus groups:  facilitate (moderate), analyze and interpret