Degree Name

Master of Science

Department or Program

Agribusiness Economics

Advisor

Rendleman, Charles M.

Abstract

AN ABSTRACT OF THE RESEARCH PAPER OF

DAKOTA JONES, for the Master of Science degree in AGRIBUSINESS ECONOMICS, presented on JULY 5, 2017 at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

TITLE: AN ANALYSIS OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND ENTREPRENEURIAL ACTIVITY IN ILLINOIS

MAJOR PROFESSOR: Dr. C. Matthew Rendleman

Entrepreneurial activity and environmental quality are two of the biggest topics today when it comes to starting a business and meetings government regulations. Environmental quality is important for entrepreneurs to consider as they look for opportunities to make a profit. Entrepreneurship can have a negative impact on environmental quality if it is not taken into consideration and properly handled. However, there has been minimal research that describes the relationship between entrepreneurial activity and environmental quality. This study explores the relationship that entrepreneurial activity has on environmental quality. Personal income, total employment, population, number of establishments, number of employees, and annual payroll are used to reflect entrepreneurial activity in this study. We use an environmental quality index created by the Environmental Protection Agency as a measure of environmental quality. With the results from this study, farmers and entrepreneurs may make better management decisions on where to locate, how to operate, and how to reduce their environment footprint. Government agencies and the general public may also have more information available for future research to be conducted.

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