Study identifies additional hurdle to widespread planting of bioenergy crops

Posted on November 2, 2017 by rcschnei

Jerome Dumortier, switchgrass — SPEA researcher Jerome Dumortier says bioenergy crops like switchgrass are less likely to be produced in the Midwest.

A study examining how certain decisions impact what farmers plant and harvest identified one crucial factor that researchers believe needs to be added to the list of decision variables when considering bioenergy crops: the option value.

Most studies have not examined the role of the option value, which has to do with farmers waiting to see how bioenergy crop prices will change in the future, said Jerome Dumortier, an associate professor in the IU School of Public and Environmental Affairs at IUPUI and a co-author of the study.

The study, “Production and spatial distribution of switchgrass and miscanthus in the United States under uncertainty and sunk cost,” was published in the journal Energy Economics and is one of the first to consider adding the option value to the list of barriers to widespread planting of bioenergy crops. It also shows the spatial distribution of potential bioenergy crops in the U.S. when considering the option value. (more…)

PPI to celebrate 25 years of serving Hoosiers with special daylong symposium and celebration

Posted on October 25, 2017 by Michael L. Jackson

Retired Indiana Chief Justice Randall Shepard

The Indiana University Public Policy Institute is holding a special symposium and reception to celebrate 25 years of helping decisionmakers across the state effect change and a better quality of life for Hoosiers.

Since 1992, PPI has served as a non-ideological research organization and neutral voice that helps political and community leaders understand the long-term effects of policy decisions. Providing services to nearly 200 organizations and agencies in government, and the nonprofit and private sectors, PPI and its centers have demonstrated that academic research can significantly improve state and local policy, and become a crucial statewide resource for community service, research, and analysis.

The one-day workshop and celebration will take place in Hine Hall on the IUPUI campus on Nov. 14. (more…)

IUPUI researchers are developing and testing a system to predict crime and other social harms

Posted on October 12, 2017 by rcschnei

An IUPUI graduate student and three IUPUI researchers discuss the project. From left: Saurabh Pandey, Jeremy Carter, George Mohler and Rajeev Raje. Photo by Liz Kaye, IU Communications

Police forces and city governments around the world — burdened by competing demands and limited resources — must make hard, critical decisions every day about how best to deal with crime, drug use, traffic crashes, medical emergencies and more.

IUPUI researchers have received a grant to provide help. Through a three-year, $791,513 grant from the Smart and Connected Communities program of the National Science Foundation, the researchers are developing a system that can predict where and when these and other social harm events are likely to occur.

George Mohler and Rajeev Raje of the School of Science at IUPUI, collaborating with Jeremy Carter, director of criminal justice in the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at IUPUI, will devise algorithms and a software system to collect and analyze data, enabling stakeholders to make dynamic predictions of social harm incidents. Such analyses will empower stakeholders to make informed decisions about how to allocate limited resources to maintain and improve the quality of life in the communities they serve. (more…)

MPA student Andrew Bean awarded Indy Chamber HobNob Policy Internship

Posted on August 31, 2017 by Michael L. Jackson

SPEA MPA candidate Andrew Bean was officially recognized as the 2018 Indy Chamber HobNob Policy Intern at a reception following the organization’s “Political Bootcamp” on Thursday.

The internship, which includes a $5,000 stipend from Cripe Architects + Engineers, is awarded annually to a SPEA IUPUI graduate student who is interested public policy and political action and advocacy. The internship was first offered in 2004.

“I was elated and relieved,” Bean said of hearing the news that he had been awarded this year’s internship. “SPEA does a fantastic job of getting these types of opportunities in front of their students.”

(more…)

Leaders: Do you know what is on your organization’s horizon?

Posted on August 22, 2017 by Sara M Johnson

While relaxing on a recent cruise to Cuba, I started thinking about leadership (I know … I can’t help it). Ever an observer and student of leadership and organizational culture I was struck by lessons that can be learned on both land and sea.

As we left the port on the cruise ship, I positioned myself on the top deck to watch our departure. As we worked our way to the Skyway Bridge at the edge of Tampa Bay, I noticed the ship turning subtly left and right within a path of lighted buoys. Slowly, the ship would veer left, then right, threading its way through the Bay as we headed out to sea. There was great attention to direction and the required turns that led us safely out to the Gulf. The narrow passage under the bridge also required a precise positioning by the captain in order to prevent the cruise ship from hitting the bridge supports. This seemed a strategic process to ensure the safety of the ship and its passengers. Though it may have been something the captain did all the time, it was strategic, subtle and purposeful. I doubt I would have known it was happening had I not been on the deck observing his path. (more…)