This study adopted Jarzabkowski's (2005) qualitative, activity-based strategy as practice method to investigate leadership and management of interdisciplinary work. Interviews were conducted with 10 academics in Australia and the United Kingdom. Challenges raised by leaders of academic work can be grouped at various levels according to which…

The traditional model of research in West German universities, aspects of the ongoing restructuring of research and higher education there, and international trends are examined. Implications for change in Australian research and higher education, especially in light of recent policy changes, are discussed. (MSE)

This manual discusses major differences between academic and commercial educational research (CER) and provides suggestions to help researchers who want to conduct CER. The paper is based on the experiences of the TAFE National Center for Research and Development Ltd in Leabrook (Australia). Focus is on describing how to apply for grants and how…

A procedure for identifying performance indicators of university research attainment are presented, and definitional issues concerning these indicators are examined. The model, developed at the University of Western Australia, is seen as allowing for both diversity and comparability across the institution. It is stressed that an underlying…

It is suggested that approaches to research assessment vary according to national context. In the United States, higher education is dominated by market forces; in Britain and Australia, emphasis is on interinstitutional competitiveness; in northern Europe, focus is overall system efficiency. Performance indicators and peer review of research are…

In recent decades, governments and universities in Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries have relied on six major mechanisms to safeguard quality in university research. More recently, many countries have added new quality-assurance mechanisms, particularly reviews of disciplines and academic audits. Two recent…

Research is at the forefront of knowledge and, hence, wealth generation, so it is timely to consider a neglected category of the research workforce, the research assistant. The research assistant has traditionally been part of the fabric, if not the structure, of university research efforts but despite the extent of the contribution, the breadth…

This paper examines changing research practices in the digital environment and draws out implications for the development of research infrastructure. Reviews of the literature, quantitative indicators of research activities and our own field research in Australia suggest that there is a new mode of knowledge production emerging, changing research…

The trend in Australian university research policy is toward cost effectiveness and centralization, but this is likely to compromise established standards of excellence and diversity in basic research and lead to an overall reduction in the scale of research. Further study is needed before policy changes are implemented. (Author/MSE)

Australian research funding, with increased emphasis on social and community relevance, is criticized inappropriately by both traditional and radical segments of the humanities and social sciences. Higher standards of research planning may promote more equitable and rational funding, and there is still room for humanities research in the new…

The funding for research in Australian universities before recent proposed changes is outlined, focusing on the universities' allocation and management of Special Research Grants. Differences between small and large universities are examined. (MSE)

A discussion of the management of research as a function of central university administration focuses on three topics: development of institutional plans for research management; issues of intellectual property as they concern institution and staff; and the establishment and management of research centers. These issues are addressed in the context…

The level, role, and purposes of research and development (R&D) in colleges of advanced education (CAEs) in Australia in 1986 is reported. Also covered are: sources of funding for R&D, ways in which CAEs collaborate with other institutions, how R&D is managed; and the perceived role of R&D in both the teaching process and growth of…

The impact of collaborative research based in new research centers on the Australian university system is examined, and broad policy implications for academic researchers are outlined. University involvement, required by the research center grants, support from the disciplines, and limiting factors in cooperative research are discussed. (MSE)

Changes in Australia's university research funding, with both indirect and a substantial portion of direct funding administered centrally by the new Ministry of Employment, Education and Training, are discussed. The new arrangement is intended to ensure university research gives greater priority to projects contributing to national social and…