KCOB faculty earn research award
Thursday, January 22, 2015 2:00 AM
News
Pittsburg, KS
Research conducted by Kelce College of Business faculty has been singled out for its contribution to the field of economic study.
The paper “Growth and Volatility of Micropolitan Statistical Areas in the U.S.,” written by KCOB faculty Bienvenido (Dean) Cortes, Michael Davidsson and Michael McKinnis, recently earned an Outstanding Research Award at the Global Conference on Business and Finance in Las Vegas. The paper was also accepted as a journal submission in the International Journal of Business and Finance Research.
Based on previous research conducted by Davidsson, the research focuses on the history of micropolitan areas in the U.S. and what causes growth and volatility in those areas. A micropolitan area is defined as a “core based statistical area with at least one urban cluster that has a population of at least 10,000 but less than 50,000.”
“So this research is certainly relevant to the Pittsburg community, as we are a great example of a micropolitan area,” Cortes said.
Davidsson, who leads the development of the Pittsburg Micropolitan Economic Report at Pittsburg State, has been studying this type of economic region for several years.
“My background in economic development (working for the Metropolitan Tulsa Chamber for more than 11 years) and my major doctoral field in economics (urban and regional economics) were conducive to curiosity on why regions grow,” he said.
McKinnis said the research award “further validates” the importance of Davidsson’s research focus.
“I really can’t say enough great things about Michael’s previous research,” McKinnis said. “I had never heard of micropolitan economics before he came to PSU. The award our paper received in Vegas is a result of the work Michael had put in years ago. I’m just very happy to be a part of this research team.”
Cortes also earned the honor of best presenter at the conference.
“Five of us were up for the award, and two tied for first,” Cortes said. “It came down to a coin flip, and I won.”
“It was the only gambling Dean did in Vegas,” McKinnis said.