With the arrival of online survey tools that are low-cost, readily available and easy to administer, all organizations have access to one of the most effective mechanisms for determining quality improvement priorities and measuring progress towards achieving those priorities over time. This case study outlines the use made of this simple tool by a…

This study investigated the correlations between science research group members' perceptions of power bases used by their group (lab, team) leader (coercive, reward, legitimate, expert and referent) and the effect of those perceptions on group members' attitudinal compliance, behavioral compliance, and satisfaction with supervision.…

The Certified Research Administrator (CRA) certification has enjoyed success and recognition among research administration professionals. However, this recognition is parochial and does not extend much past the walls of research administration. Results of a recent research study showed that Principal Investigators value and expect certain aspects…

By providing training from the Central Sponsored Programs Office (SPO), departments, and colleges at Predominantly Undergraduate Institutions (PUIs) can increase compliance with grant requirements. PUIs usually do not focus on department- or college-level grants administration and lack monetary resources to support this function. However, at the…

On occasion, colleges and universities are confronted with natural or technological disasters that affect their communities or their constituents throughout the state. While these situations demand a coordinated institutional research response, administration and management of these endeavors are extremely complex. In this paper we discuss the…

This paper expands upon the seminal work of Roberts and House, which described the first empirical study of the demographic profile of a research administrator. The original work was based upon data from the 2005 Research Administrator Survey (RAS), a regional study of research administrators in the southeastern United States. In this paper,…

Conventional wisdom may support the presumed notion that higher expectations increase efficiency and improve quality. However, this claim may only be validated when workers are equipped with appropriate tools, training, and a conducive work environment. This study implements various interventions, observes outcomes, and analyzes data collected in…

While medical research may often be regarded by academics and the general population in terms of the remarkable science being conducted or the study participants willing to volunteer their time for the advancement of medical innovation, many in the research administration field recognize the tremendous amount of effort that goes on behind the…

Both publicly and privately funded research projects managed by universities are growing in size and scope. Complex, large-scale projects (over $50 million) pose new management challenges and risks for universities. This paper explores the relationship between project success and a variety of factors in large-scale university projects. First, we…

A national survey of college and university chief research officers conducted in July 1996 provided comparative data concerning the characteristics of research administration in a modern institution, including funding levels and sources, facilities and staff resources, and other program information. Data are grouped by institution type and sector.…

A study investigated how sustained faculty participation in research fund raising produced substantial increases in external funding while faculty morale eroded. Seven mechanisms based on principles of work motivation had been developed and implemented to help faculty increase external funding. It is suggested this situation resulted from…

A survey to determine the role, structure, and function of the research and sponsored programs office at predominantly undergraduate institutions that have a small volume of awards from external funding sources is reviewed. The methods these institutions employ to encourage research and sponsored activity are examined. (Author/MLW)

The various long-term factors and strategies used to promote sponsored research program development at the University of Missouri-Kansas City during a five-year phase are analyzed. Implementation of a set of specific initiatives is cited as a major factor in establishing an institutional climate for change. (Author/MSE)

A survey of 344 colleges and universities investigated current practices concerning the dissemination of information, within the institution, about research funding opportunities. Results indicate that paper dominates electronic communication for such information dissemination, and selective, targeted distribution to faculty correlates positively…

A survey of tenure-track faculty in the Texas A & M University college of education investigated attitudes concerning the environment for grantsmanship. Results indicate the need for a system providing faculty with assigned time for proposal development, provision of start-up money for competitive grant-writing, equal emphasis on grant writing and…