Show & Teal The Economic Impact of Efficiency

Researchers in the Cameron School of Business received a $150,000 grant from the NC Department of Transportation to examine the economic impact of “superstreets” throughout the state. These reduced conflict intersections (RCIs) restrict turn options and lessen the number of points where vehicles’ paths cross.

“NCDOT did not have good data or research on the median design’s effects on nearby businesses. Our grant was to investigate the economic effects,” said Dr. Adam Jones, Department of Economics and Finance chair and professor. CNBC ranked North Carolina as the top state for business in 2022, but just 17th for infrastructure.

To analyze the business impact, researchers used satellite data to go back in time and compare the pre/ post levels of activity at each of several sites where RCIs were installed. Results indicated that people were more willing to shop at stores located at intersections that were improved to run more efficiently.

“The data is clear: the design reduces traffic accidents, significantly reduces injury accidents and improves traffic flow. The RCI design is a key contributor to economic growth,” Jones added. MBA graduate students assisted the faculty with the research, which will enable NCDOT continue to retrofit improvements. (Now, if only there were a simple solution for the College Road and Oleander Drive intersection!) – VJ

Fed Challenge Team Triumph

Gaining valuable real-world experience solving the nation’s economic challenges, a team of UNCW students placed second in the 19th annual College Fed Challenge, a national competition that encourages undergraduate students to learn about the U.S. economy, monetary policymaking and the role of the Federal Reserve System.

The UNCW Cameron School of Business team finished between Ivy League schools Princeton University (first place) and Dartmouth College (third place) after competing against 84 schools from across the country. Team members include Katie Davidson, Luke Felton, Juliette Girardin, Silvio Kellerman, Sinéad O’Duffy and Adam Ragan.

“We were on top of the world just to win our region for the first time, which stretches from West Virginia to South Carolina and includes schools like American, University of Virginia and Wake Forest University,” said UNCW Fed Challenge team coach Dr. Danny Soques ’10, associate professor of economics and finance and original Fed Challenge team alumnus. “Then to become a national finalist–it was all the more special to get both tiers of recognition. We will continue to work hard to take home the trophy next year!” – KV