The Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) appointed Whisman Scholar at the time, Dr. Mark Weinberg, along with Voinovich School faculty, staff and students, conducted an applied research project to assist ARC in improving Local Development District (LDD) functions. The researchers assisted ARC as it developed its performance measurement system and the research informed LDDs on valuable practices.
To gain a better understanding of LDD directors’ roles, the value of their organizations and how they conceptualize strategy and performance measurement, Weinburg and School faculty and staff used telephone interviews and questionnaires administered to LDD directors.
The research held two purposes: to create a profile of the strategic management and performance measurement thinking and practices of LDD directors and their organizations and to redesign and update the LDD directory.
This multi-faceted research approach aimed to capture information about LDDs, such as organizational structure, programs and funding, and to provide insight on how LDD directors conceptualize and execute their ideas about strategy and performance measurement.
The School also provided executive leadership training, Leading with Vision, Value, and Strategy, to 25 LDD managers. The School also hosted the Development District Association of Appalachia executive board for a work session on LDD performance measures.
LDD managers are now fitting into expanding roles as both public and private sector managers. This research can assist them in thinking of their positions in terms of political relationships, setting public strategy and coordinating resources. The study also contributes to the growing body of literature on the public manager’s role in organizational performance.
Andrew Goodhart and Casey Westlake, Voinovich School undergraduate Research Scholars, worked on a project to examine the Local Development Districts of Appalachia and how they measure effectiveness and form public value. Through data mapping and field studies, mostly through interviews with the development district representatives, the project identified the development strategies that are most effective.
Andrew and Casey conducted interviews and examined data in order to assess which LDDs are most effective. The research was part of the work conducted for the Appalachian Regional Commission’s Whisman Scholar program.
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