The process and criteria by which the Humanities and Social Sciences panel of the Australian Research Council evaluates research proposals are described and discussed. Peer review is the primary method of evaluation, and the primary criteria are the potential of a given proposal for significant conceptual advance and research/researcher quality.…

Reviews noteworthy preliminary results from four current IEA research projects on science and mathematics education and achievement, classroom environment, and written composition. Summarizes the achievements of the IEA with regard to research instruments, research findings, policy impact, and the infrastructure of educational research. (SV)

A study examined factors motivating and hindering college faculty (n=248) in pursuit of grants, focusing on differences between tenured and non-tenured faculty. Results suggest non-tenured faculty perceive motivational factors and barriers differently than tenured faculty. Concluding that adequate training in grant writing is essential, it is…

Presnets the questionnaire used to survey college and university chief research officers in a July 1996 study, with response data summarized. The survey gathered information on the administrator's characteristics, research-funding levels and sources, costs, office functions (grant administration, research administration, ethical/legal oversight),…

A study identified the issues that influence tenured and tenure-track faculty members' involvement in sponsored projects at Bradley University (Illinois), a predominantly undergraduate institution. Faculty attitudes toward grant-related activities, and incentives and barriers to faculty participation, are discussed. Results show faculty see a…

Examines features of the alternative "new management" and some of the management practices that facilitate a high commitment to basic research in the private sector. Contends that most university research suffers from the use of discredited and inappropriate management practices. Concludes that managed research is essential in the new mode of…

Key elements of public relations that may apply to the university research environment and lead to greater financial support for research activities are outlined, and examples from the private sector are used to explore the relationships between public relations, organizational growth, and financial stability. Practical suggestions are offered for…

A survey of 100 college and university preaward research administration offices investigated the status of evaluation of these programs. Results suggest formal program evaluation is not a high priority among research administrators. Only 16% used formal evaluation, 53% used ad hoc evaluation, and only 20% initiated or requested evaluation.…

A discussion of the drafting of contracts for international sponsored research projects focuses on the terms of award that relate either to sensitive topics for international sponsors or to significant legal or financial risk to an institution. Issues specific to newly industrializing and developing countries are highlighted. (MSE)

This chapter summarizes the most recent literature on the best practices of Web survey implementation and offers practical advice for researchers. (Contains 1 table.)

There exist two types of reviews the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is conducting, country reviews and thematic reviews. Although all country reviews are also thematic by nature, the focus lies more on one country and the analysis serves the specific needs of the country under review and the other member states as a…

This paper explores the implications of government funding for postgraduate research in English universities. Specifically, it focuses upon the funding model introduced recently by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE). The suggestion in the paper is that the operation of this model will seriously disadvantage certain parts of…

This paper addresses issues important to maintaining a volunteer effort in research and evaluation studies. The Research Department of Child and Family Services, a private agency in Connecticut, conducted a statewide study of children and youth in long-term foster care. Eighty-seven volunteers, mainly from the Junior League, were recruited to…

Certain representations of basic scientific knowledge can be coupled with traditional micro-economic analysis to provide an analysis of rational research planning or agenda setting in basic science. Research planning is conceived of as a resource allocation decision in which resources are being allocated to activities directed toward the solution…

The current funding of research in Australia's universities is examined, including the recent forces that have changed the research system and resource allocation, allocations by field, expenditures per researcher by field, and measures of and emphasis on productivity. Prospects for research in the late 1980s are discussed. (MSE)