The academic research enterprise is highly complex, involving multiple sectors of society and a vast array of approaches. In "Demystifying the Academic Research Enterprise," Kelvin K. Droegemeier shows next-generation scholars across all disciplines how to become more productive earlier in their career, as well as how to help shape the…

This article addresses strategies for research infrastructure development in social work by building on the profession's work of the past two decades and by drawing on the experiences of the larger university environment. The article provides a set of recommendations for the next generation of social work research, which is likely to be highly…

In this article, the author makes a case for a greater understanding of Native research and how the academy can learn from it to become more sensitive to the concerns of the research constituencies. How academics handle the intellectual property that results from their research is also critical. What they make public and what they decide is better…

The tradition of negotiating indirect costs in grants should be abandoned, and research administrators should instead offer different levels of service depending on what the sponsor wants to spend. Three levels of overhead rate are suggested (super, regular, and economy) and their corresponding levels of service are defined. (MSE)

The advancement of academic resarch productivity should be accomplished systematically using the following five steps: (1) determine the research fit within the institutional mission; (2) identify the extent of research involvement; (3) identify necessary staff and associated costs; (4) allocate institutional funds; and (5) monitor and evaluate…

This article promotes the utilization of Sign Language of the Deaf as a primary and secondary research language. The article discusses English as the traditional research language, the role of sign language in bilingualism, possible uses for American Sign Language (ASL) as a research language, and the availability of ASL-based literature for…

This reprinted 1970 article examines the role of the university research administrator and finds that the role involves paradoxes between controller and entrepreneur, master and slave, censor and publicist, and traditionalist and innovator. (DB)

The inventory system designed for six storerooms in three buildings at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's School of Chemical Sciences replaced an issue-slip and transactions record system with barcode technology. Data collection error reductions have been significant, making it easier to determine stock levels and plan purchases.…

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…

Although composition specialists embrace a variety of theoretical frameworks and research methodologies, they share a commitment to protecting the rights, privacy, dignity, and well-being of the students who are involved in their studies. These guidelines from the Conference on College Composition and Communication are intended to assist…

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)