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)

One university has attempted to improve the quality of proposals and proposal reviews for internal grant competitions by allowing external peer review of grant proposals, with the option of modifying the proposals or otherwise responding to the critiques, before final review by the internal committees making the grants. (MSE)

The meaning of indirect costs in an industrial environment is discussed. Other factors considered are corporate policies; nature of work being supported; the uniqueness of the work; who is doing the negotiating for industry; and indirect rates. Suggestions are offered for approaches to indirect cost reimbursement. (Author/MLW)

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.…

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 survey of 99 pharmaceutical companies concerning their organization and use of project management techniques for research and development found that the industry is using project management increasingly in a variety of ways for better business planning and operations. (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…

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.…

The variables and management strategies influencing the job satisfaction of research scientists are examined. Emphasis is on defining satisfaction within the job context and the implications for managing the context to enhance satisfaction. (MSE)

The history of the debate over federal efforts to reduce indirect cost recovery in federal research grants to universities is outlined and discussed by a former university administrator involved in the policy's formation. (MSE)

A survey of the research administration community suggests great diversity of organizational arrangements, operational staff size, staff and administrator background, and task assignments. (MSE)

The experience of Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville suggests that encouraging research office staff to apply for grants can be a rewarding learning experience and can improve office visibility and credibility, staff confidence and professionalism, and staff sensitivity to faculty involved in grants development. (MSE)

A study explored the links between success in receiving federal funding and characteristics of research/sponsored programs offices at 46 state-supported higher education institutions. A linear predictive model indicated funding success could be predicted from the level of direct institutional commitment to research and grant-seeking efforts.…

Planning, creation, and current operation of the Transgenic Mouse Research Facility at the New York University Kaplan Cancer Center are discussed. The university considered need, space, funding, supervision, and marketing and followed a logical and structured management process embodying both scientific and administrative input. (Author/MSE)

Effective organization can enhance the willingness, sensitivity, and knowledgeability of the individuals who must comply with federal regulations for research projects. A compliance operations model can be adapted to the needs and structure of different kinds of research organizations. (MSE)