A study of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology suggests (1) an abrupt change in an institution's financial pattern need not mean loss of excellence; (2) in crisis, the institution must build on its strengths; (3) strong central planning is essential; (4) an excellent faculty is the first responsibility. (MSE)

Federal regulations concerning recovery of indirect costs of university research projects are changing. Institutions should explore possible alternatives for managing reporting of indirect costs for individual projects. One system, reporting indirect cost categories in the same format as direct costs, may give insight into expenditures and help…

Presents an overview of the centralized research model employed at Rancho Santiago College, demonstrating that, although research is coordinated in a single office, the goal of broad-based staff involvement in research is enhanced through flexible staffing of the research office and integration of the research function into college governance.…

Academicians can determine by their own acts whether outsiders can, by subpoena, compel disclosure of their research. Institutional employment policies limiting the amount and nature of outside consultation and information policies establishing the confidentiality of data acquired in research will limit the extent to which disclosure can be…

The average rate for research overhead charges at major universities has declined nearly a point to 51% in the last three years, in the wake of stricter federal rules and intense political pressure. Largest reductions are at private institutions with the highest rates. (MSE)

To demystify the grant-seeking and proposal-writing process, two administrators at Kutztown University (Pennsylvania) began a standing committee to train, encourage, and help faculty members assist each other. The committee has offered collaboration, social support, and technical expertise; the result has been an increase in grant proposals and…

To understand causes of stress in the workplace, research administrators can use the theory of "personality priorities" to understand researcher behavior. The theory suggests each individual adopts rules to help make decisions and maintain a sense of belonging. Each of these personality priorities (control, comfort, pleasing,…

The evolution of research misconduct policies in universities is traced since the late 1970s. It is argued that research universities have been slow to accept responsibility for research misconduct, and they are urged to examine their research environments and place more emphasis on research ethics education. (MSE)

This study examined the influence of survey validity screening on the results from three group-administered school surveys administered to samples totaling approximately 5500 students in 19 schools. The estimated levels of risk behaviors, antisocial behaviors, and victim experiences were substantially reduced when respondents who gave multiple…

This article reports the results of a quantitative and thematic content analysis of the organization of information literature in the "Library Quarterly" ("LQ") between its inception in 1931 and 2004. The majority of articles in this category were published in the first half of "LQ's" run. Prominent themes have included cataloging codes and the…

In 1980, Congress passed the Bayh-Dole Act (BDA) to allow universities, not-for-profit corporations, and small businesses to retain title to and market federally funded inventions, and to allow federal agencies to grant exclusive licenses for federally owned technology. This report to congressional committees addresses the manner in which the BDA…

The report begins with a statement from the National Science Foundation (NSF) director, followed by a series of research notes summarizing research findings and results during the year 1989. Chapter 1, "Research Collaborations," describes some examples of the collaborations between universities, industry, and government in astronomy,…

The principles of research administration emerged during the 1960s and 1970s, a time when research in institutions of higher education generally was unencumbered by external factors. Over the past three decades, however, regulatory, economic, and political forces have altered dramatically the boundaries of sponsored research, calling into question…

This sixth annual report contains information on student assessment programs at each of Oklahoma's 27 state colleges and universities, including community colleges. An introductory section offers background on state policy and requirements concerning student assessment at five levels: college entry, mid-program, program exit, student satisfaction,…

Explores factors affecting the relationship between research and higher education, particularly in the rapidly changing European context where the rise in mass education and institutional differentiation has created a crisis for the traditional university. Argues that these changes will lead to a fundamental restructuring of research and its…