Curriculum

Curriculum: The Center for Economic Development Education's professional education curriculum consists of the following courses. In general, 4-5 courses are offered each year. Other courses will be added to the curriculum as they are developed or upon demand.

Mid-South Basic Economic Development Course (3.0 credits)

In four days of instruction, this course overviews the basic practices economic developers and other community leaders use to conduct an effective economic development program for their communities. Key topics include marketing, organization and management, strategic planning, project and economic development finance, community development, business retention and expansion, business recruitment, new business development, workforce development, economic development and the environment, and economic development research. Case studies help participants use new techniques to come to grips with realistic situations.

Business Retention and Expansion (2.0 credits)

In today's globally competitive environment, retention of existing business is increasingly recognized as a critical part of the local economic development program. Not only is it important to keep existing businesses, but expansion of these businesses is perhaps the best way to improve local employment. This two-day course describes the importance of business retention and expansion and outlines an effective BR&E program. It includes practical case studies and exercises.

Economic Development Finance I and II (2.0 credits each)

Many economic development projects hinge on successfully financing the deal. This topic is taught in 2 two-day segments. They cover infrastructure and project financing, business financial analysis, the use of incentives to fill gaps in project financing, and deal structuring. Small and existing business financing also is discussed.

Economic Development Marketing and Site Selection (2.0 credits)

In the new economy, economic developers and their allies must develop and implement s comprehensive marketing approach to their regional preparation and promotion efforts. This course examines the comprehensive marketing approach and links it to the strategic planning and research program for economic development agencies. It presents techniques of market analysis, strategic marketing, competitor analysis, identifying the best market mix, economic development promotion, and prospect handling. It focuses on understanding the process of site selection from the standpoint of the business prospect, and includes a market plan case study.

Regional and Community Analysis for Economic Development (2.0 credits)

Information is critical to every economic development program. Communities need information to devise and implement an effective strategic plan. New business prospects must have detailed, accurate information about a community in order to make wise location decisions. Existing business and entrepreneurial programs require information on business trends, market potential, and competitive conditions. To provide these kinds of information, all economic development agencies need an understanding of data sources and availability, methods of analysis, and effective presentation techniques. The purpose of this 2 day course is to provide the fundamentals of community analysis in order to meet these critical information needs. The course lays out a framework for information gathering, analysis, and presentation for a community. Since the community is the basic building block of economic development, the course is appropriate for practitioners and researchers at the community, multi-county, and state levels, and highlights business retention and expansion research.

Economic Impact Analysis (1.5 credits)

This two-day course describes what economic impact analysis is and what its applications are. Different economic impact analysis models are described, and class exercises demonstrate how the nature of a project or an event results in different impacts. Data needs, methods of analysis, and interpretation and application of results are emphasized.

Retail Analysis and Development (1.5 credits)

Until recently, not much attention was given to retail development. Now, many communities are realizing the value of targeted retail development not only to build the property tax base and to increase sales tax revenue, but to add to a community's quality of life. Using a hands-on approach, this course presents the basics of retail analysis, information needs, methods of analysis, and retail development marketing in a two-day course schedule.

Planning Strategically for the New Economy (2.5 credits)

Regions and communities that are successful in economic development invariably have a clear vision of their future destination and a sound plan to get there. This three-day course teaches the process of planning strategically as a fundamental requirement for success in the new economy using practical examples and class exercises. How long does it take to develop a plan? Who needs to be included in the process? How much does it cost? Should a consultant be hired? What should the final plan look like?  What time period should the plan cover?  These are just a few of the key questions that we will be addressing in this course.

Advanced Business Retention and Expansion (1.5 credits)

This course presents advanced techniques of business retention and expansion.  It emphasizes a strategic marketing approach to identifying key existing businesses.  Recognizing that most BR&E programs are long on the “R” and short on the “E,” the course stresses advanced techniques for expanding existing business.  It also examines several best practices case studies.