Limitations of the market-economy model for organizing research in certain areas of knowledge, particularly the humanities, are discussed. A perspective in which knowledge is treated as a gift to society rather than a free-market commodity is outlined, and it is concluded that humanities and other research should be organized accordingly. (MSE)

Because higher education institutions have become dependent on federal funding for academic and research activities, compliance with federal regulations is mandatory. Keeping up with these regulations, implementing them, and providing necessary certifications requires careful planning and management. Accomplishing this efficiently will both help…

A recent mechanical engineering research contract between the Georgia Institute of Technology and an international industrial manufacturer contains a clause providing an incentive for cost containment. The measure helps bridge the gap between the expectations of an industrial sponsor and the needs of the university. (Author/MSE)

A review of major grantsmanship and research proposal guides identified common themes for the preparation and writing of the literature review: completeness, currentness, discussion of results and methodology, critical nature, organization, and uniqueness. It is suggested that much of the advice given is anecdotal and should be tested for…

A discussion of resource allocation for scientific research identifies the ethical principles underlying the present debate and begins to construct a framework for evaluating various resource allocation proposals. The intent is to promote greater consideration of the link between ethics and science resource allocations. (Author/MSE)

A discussion of informed consent by human subjects in experimentation presents background on the consent issue, including federal requirements; lists factors that may affect a subject's ability to understand the consent document; and offers suggestions for preparing consent forms to ensure the subject's better comprehension. (Author/MSE)

The origins and early years of the Society of Research Administrators are chronicled from 1966, focusing on the basic premise of the organization, its purpose as stated in the bylaws, its activities into the early 1970s, and the evolution of the national meetings and journal. (MSE)

A structure to foster creativity in a research and development environment is described. Features of the system include an emphasis on selection of the right mix of employees, collaboration within and between groups, encouragement for risk-taking, viewing problems from new angles, and an understanding by management of many different aspects of…

A survey of 162 academic and research administrators investigated administrators' publication practices, reasons for not publishing, and perceptions of how publishing affects career and salary. Results indicate this population is not publishing due to lack of time, encouragement, and knowledge. Implications for the continued growth and recognition…

Medical Research conducted in the patient care setting is facing a new financial barrier, the prospective payment system. Both university and hospitals must rethink clinical research resource use. This may result in better accountability for research costs and affect the hospitals' willingness to conduct experimental or innovative treatments. (MSE)

Guidelines are offered for institutions seeking funds for applied research intended to lead to the commercialization of a product or process. Developed by the National Association of Home Builders' National Research Center, the guidelines suggest consideration of appropriate research performers, beneficiaries, risks, adoption of results, and…

Behavioral and environmental factors influencing the relationship between research administrators and research scientists are explored, and myths that may shape the roles and interactions of the two groups are examined. Patterns that emerge point to opportunities to exploit the productive interactions and reduce potential for less productive ones.…

In response to increasing costs and growing reliance on external funding for college faculty research, a plan for promoting faculty success in gaining financial support for research is proposed. The plan is based on information in the literature concerning prerequisites for success in getting external support. (Author/MSE)

Research administrators must understand who they are and what they do. A metaphor for the research administrator's identity and service mission is proposed: "custodian of the corporate conscience and culture." The role of this administrator is viewed as part of the entire process of learning for the development of generalizable knowledge…

In a panel discussion, four leaders of the Society of Research Administrators discuss how the organization and the issues it addresses have evolved since publication of an article about it in 1988. Topics include whether the organization has lived up to its founders' ideals, the nature of the membership, comparisons with another research…