Finland has developed a national computerized database containing information on the performance and costs of universities for use in internal and Ministry of Education decision making. National evaluation of different research fields is also part of the performance evaluation system. (MSE)

In response to criticisms of the study of the Committee on the Status of Black Americans, the study director and committee chairman discuss the following: (1) participant selection process; (2) consultation with scholars; (3) chairman's qualifications; (4) study group organization; (5) theoretical orientation; (6) sponsoring organization's role;…

Describes the development and use of a 7-item survey to evaluate sessions at an annual meeting of the Society of Research Administrators. Based on the 556 responses, the procedure proved an efficient and reliable method of obtaining information on sessions. Items addressed respondents' interest in the session, speaker qualifications and…

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…

New realities mean universities need to be more creative, coordinated, and focused in their quest for research dollars. A critical strategy is careful integration of the institution's strategic plan with its various fund-raising functions. Institutions can assist faculty in seeking funds but must also consider implications of the evolving…

Discussion of knowledge management focuses on a case study of an organizational research department that began implementing information management initiatives. Highlights include the role of the department, including organizing and disseminating different types of information; identifying stakeholders; upgrading skills; communications to all…

Pressure for innovation has brought universities and industry closer together. The nature of the relationship depends on the industry's ability to conduct its own research. In many countries, concern exists about the way in which research involvement may preempt universities' academic time and resources at the expense of basic research. (MSE)

Fundamental changes in the organization of the Netherlands' graduate-level research training are described and analyzed in light of three related policies: the restructuring of the Dutch higher education system into two stages, formulation of an explicit research policy for universities, and the restructuring of academic staff. (MSE)

Results of a recently implemented British rating scale for universities are analyzed to obtain a multidimensional picture of the government funding agency's perceived research rankings of the institutions. The analytical method and results are discussed. (MSE)

Academia and industry both have an interest in the economic aspects of drug development, including the rising cost of new drug discovery, the decrease in the effective patent life of new drugs as the drug improvement process lengthens, and the impact of drug-related litigation. (MLW)

Examines metamethodological issues concerning project organization and maintenance arising in large-scale research. Discusses problems in forming the research team, preparing the proposal, investigator independence, operational decisions, budget allocations, and basic assumptions about the research subject that require solution through…

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)

The debate over whether patents should be granted to the first applicant to file, advocated by some industrialists, or to the applicant who first invented is examined. Relevant patent priority laws are outlined, arguments on both sides are presented, the arguments are related to universities, and ways in which university concerns can be met and…

A discussion of clinical trials in the pharmaceutical industry describes typical processes and administrative issues, then presents a case in which a foreign pharmaceutical company negotiated with a university for sponsorship of a multicenter clinical trial of a new drug therapy. Problems and important considerations in clinical trials are…

Declining federal support for scientific research has led colleges and universities to turn increasingly to business for help. Ralph Nader recently complained that business threatens to take over the university. Closer examination suggests there is a problem but somewhat different and harder to resolve than that suggested by Nader. (Author/MSE)