INTRODUCTION

The Dr. Phillips Institute for the Study of American Business Activity is a research and service unit of the College of Business Administration at the University of Central Florida, Orlando. The Institute operates under the conviction “vigorous commercial activity is a necessity for a vibrant society.” Broad policy issues that draw from the methodologies and rigor of several academic disciplines are studied. Analysis takes precedence over partisanship in the work of Institute.

HISTORY

The Dr. Phillips Institute was founded during the summer of 1989. The creation of the Institute was assisted by receipt of a major gift from the Howard Phillips Fund, Inc. of Orlando, Florida and a partial-matching gift from the State of Florida through the Trust Fund for Major Gifts. Dr. David F. Scott, Jr., who holds the million-dollar endowed Della Phillips-Martha D. Schenck Chair in American Private Enterprise at the University of Central Florida, was named the Executive Director of the Institute. Subsequent major gifts supporting the work of the Institute have been contributed by Dr. David R. Klock and Phyllis A. Klock of Atlanta, Georgia, and the Dr. P. Phillips Foundation of Orlando, Florida.

ORIENTATION and PURPOSE

The Dr. Phillips Institute serves as a focal point for broad-based research on polices, questions, issues, and trends that affect the behavior of commerce in our society. Decision-making within the individual economic unit, such as the firm or household, is also examined. Business conditions, the role of governments in affecting those conditions, business risk-taking, strategy formulation, and productivity are all part of the Institute’s research thrust. The output of the Institute is aimed at both the general public and academic audiences. Usefulness, understandability, and accuracy are all emphasized in the writings published by the Institute.

THE PUBLIC INTEREST

The Dr. Phillips Institute is concerned with assisting the citizenry of the country in understanding critical issues of the time. Accordingly, a continual stream of research and opinion articles are published and distributed to a wide audience.

A sampling of research and writing intended for the general public that have appeared in the print media, and have been described by the broadcast media, include the following titles:

Insurance Operations: No Rx for Banks
Read My Lips: Don’t Tax Benefit Plans
Slow-Going or Economic Disaster in 1990
The Panorama of Public Policy
Financial System Safety and Capital Standards
Achievers vs. Leaders: Our Need for the 1990s
The Levering of Corporate America: Implications of the Debt Binge
Economic Status: On the Rim of Recession
The Shareholder Revolution
Making Federal Budgets: A Misplaced Emphasis
Examining the Financial Solidity of life Insurance Companies
Get to Know Your CAMEL or The Missing Element in Bank Reform Plans

INFORMATION

If you would like to receive the research and opinion articles, or if you desire further information concerning the various activities of the Institute, contact Mrs. Joanne Clyburn, Office Manager, (407) 823-5903, or write to:

The Dr. Phillips Institute

College of Business Administration

(CEBA II, Suite 427)

University of Central Florida

Post Office Box 25000

Orlando, Florida 32816