MBA students study Vancouver Island University’s economic impact

What is Vancouver Island University’s direct and indirect economic impact on the communities it serves and on the island as a whole?

VIU Master of Business Administration students will answer these questions in a major study led by faculty researcher Dr. Rosmy Jean Louis.

As part of their MBA internship program, the students have surveyed 2,000 students and 250 staff and faculty to assess spending habits in VIU’s four campus communities. They are

analyzing the data and looking at other economic information from VIU’s Educational Planning office, Human Resources and Financial Services.

Moving from a college to a university-college, and now a regional university, Vancouver Island University has contributed a great deal to the changing landscape of Vancouver Island politically, economically, socially and environmentally, said President Ralph Nilson.

“The university is adding value to our communities through our work in economic development, Aboriginal engagement, cultural enrichment, environmental responsibility, labour market stability, research excellence and social development,” Nilson said.

“The direct beneficiaries are communities such as Nanaimo, Duncan, Parksville/Qualicum and Powell River where VIU’s four campuses are located and the majority of students and employees live. This study will help us better understand and quantify the direct and indirect economic impact of VIU on these communities.”

According to Dr. Jean Louis, other communities on the Island also benefit from VIU’s presence either because a portion of their residents work and/or study at VIU, or a number of their local businesses supply goods and services to VIU, or research funding at VIU provides for using resources in these communities. 

The study is sponsored by a consortium of businesses, and industry associations that are located within, or serve, the communities affected by the presence and growth of VIU. 

The results will provide an important tool for businesses and groups to use in their planning processes, development and decision making in terms of growth, efficiency and sustainability, as well as provide them with a better understanding of the economic issues and challenges they face.

“As such this study is a vital business tool for each and every participating business,” said Dr. Jean Louis.

Later this month, the research team will meet with Chambers of Commerce in each of VIU’s four campus communities – Nanaimo, Duncan, Parksville/Qualicum and Powell River to discuss the study and VIU’s economic impact in their communities.

The four MBA students assisting with the study are Osagie Omere of Nigeria, Widad Sherman of Kenya and Toronto, Zoe Wan of China and Ahmet Tozman of Turkey.

“The MBA program is intensive but the networking opportunities have been incredible,” said Sherman. “The world is truly a global market place so it’s very fitting that as MBA students at Vancouver Island University we have these amazing opportunities to work with fellow students from many different cultures.”