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Reframing Research Administration

By

Sharon Stewart Cole, PhD

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Purpose of Research

To compare views of research faculty and research administrators (RA).

To obtain consensus for improving

communication and working relationships.

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Study Methodology

Delphi Inquiry Research Model Not used to determine statistical significanceObtains expert opinionsSimilar to focus group discussionsDelphi participants do not meet physicallyParticipants respond to online survey

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Survey Questions

What support should be offered to Faculty? What future organizational goals and

objectives for RA? What change in faculty’s attitude towards

working with RA? What change in RA’s attitude towards

working with faculty?

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Participants

Thirty-two (32) faculty experts participated. And 187 were contacted.

Nine (9) RA’s experts participated. And 110 were contacted. Three (3) attempts were made to obtain a greater number of participants.

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Highlight of Themes for Change

Faculty = RA’s focused on regulations too much. Faculty and RA’s = communication and collaboration

could be improved. Faculty = RA’s should understand what motivates

research faculty Faculty =RA’s should know faculty’s capabilities and

limitations.

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Framework for Change

View organization from different frames:CulturalStructuralPoliticalSymbolicHuman resources

Use the Co-operative Inquiry Approach

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Conclusion Faculty and RA’s = improvement in

communication. Faculty = more administrative support and

less paper work. RA’s= Faculty need more awareness of

regulations and electronic proposals. Faculty =improved financial reporting. RA’s and Faculty= need collaboration and

partnerships.