Research information and data management
As one part of a string of initiatives by JISC our work in this area seeks to develop a better understanding of the processes of Research Information Management within organisations. It also explores the business case for justifying the development of such systems, especially those which seek to utilise common standards for data exchange.
Modern academic research also often requires and generates huge volumes of research data. Properly managed, such data allows reliable verification of results and permits new and innovative research built on existing information. This is important if the full value of public investment in research is to be realised.
- Research information management
Recently updated to reflect the latest institutional experience. This resource has a particular focus on the business case underpinning investment in research information management, plus how to make the most of the CERIF data exchange format for improving system integration and streamlining external reporting.
- Managing research data
This mini-guide draws together good practice regarding the effective management of research data in an easy to navigate manner. It provides links to over twenty five different resources developed by institutions and designed to be of direct use to researchers and those who support them.
- Research from a business intelligence perspective
The practical experiences of two institutions, the University of Glasgow and the University of Huddersfield, exploring how the value of research information can be exploited to best advantage to improve the effectiveness of their research activity.
- FOI Guidance wiki
This resource which aggregates all sector related FOI guidance material includes the latest guidance on how FOI affects differing aspects of the process of research and the information it generates.
Creating the right organisational environment for research
Successful research projects require more than just talented individuals and good ideas. They require support from functions and personnel from across the institution and rely on systems and processes which work effectively, often in ways and combinations that lie outside their normal operating procedures. Successfully achieving this level of change is not easy, but thankfully well proven tools and methodologies exist to help steer institutions through these challenges in order for them to create the right organisational environment for research to flourish.
- Process improvement
Research activity and management often exists within a complex interchange of institutional processes and does not necessarily operate within existing organisational boundaries. This infoKit provides a step-by-step guide to identifying, reviewing and improving the business processes which support your research activity.
- Project management
Whether its in relation to your research project itself, or to achieving some of the large scale organisational change which may be required to deliver the effective management of research, what is required is a robust, yet proportionate and lightweight approach to project management. Based on PRINCE2, and yet simplified and adapted for use within institutions, our Project Management infoKit provides just such a guide.
- Embedding business and community engagement
Research activity often forms an essential part of an institution's external engagement agenda. This could include collaborative projects with parties outside the institution; reaching out to people within your local community who could participate in, or benefit from, your research; or entering into commercial relationships with third parties to licence your research outputs. This resource will help you to review the degree to which your policies, procedures and systems are aligned to help make the above an effective and efficient part of institutional activity.
Collaborating and communicating
Research is no longer an ivory towers exercise, of interest only to a small, elite band of fellow academics and funding bodies. Nor is it confined to subject, or even institution, specific silos. Research activity today is likely to require collaboration with colleagues from different disciplines, and possibly from different institutions, sectors or even time zones. Researchers now have the opportunity to build mutually beneficial relationships with those who can inspire, inform, market and consume the outputs of their research activity. The resources listed here explore how new technology and new business models are dramatically influencing the shape of modern research.
- Online promotion of research expertise
This tool aims is to help institutions identify whether their use of online channels in communicating information about the expertise of researchers within their organisation meets the needs of business and wider communities, as well as the researchers themselves.
- Knowledge transfer
Knowledge Transfer, and specifically the transfer of innovation and intellectual property from colleges and universities to businesses and other communities is a changed game. This resource integrates current innovation theory, modern social media tools and current thinking on market behaviour or motivation, to provide a more effective model of Knowledge Transfer, a model that is capable of delivering more with less.
- Collaborative online tools
Research is increasingly a collaborative exercise, often including geographically dispersed partners. Thankfully online tools now enable us to work effectively together, regardless of location. Our infoKit draw on the experience of a range of institutions to guide you through some of the things to consider when selecting the right online collaborative tool for your research project.
Personal productivity tools for researchers
Being a researcher encompasses far more than just the pursuit of academic enquiry. The effective management of time, information and people are all likely to feature highly on the list of duties for most, and yet straightforward practical guidance on helping to achieve each of these can often be hard to find. The resources listed below may not be specific to the research domain, but they donít have to be. The important thing is that they are proven and they work and can easily be adapted for use within a research environment.
- Managing information to make life easier
A simple and straightforward guide aimed specifically at those whose role requires them to manage significant volumes of information. The focus is on simple steps and quick wins to enable you to work more effectively.
- Managing your email
Despite the plethora of communication technologies now available, email continues to dominate most peopleís working lives. The guidance contained within this infoKit is designed to help put you back in control of your inbox and make the most constructive use of this essential tool.
- Planning a participatory workshop
Do your collaborative workshops lack clout? Are your breakout sessions boring? This resources is teeming with creative and fun (yes fun!) exercises specifically designed to get groups of people working together to solve problems, generate new ideas and plan ways forward. Whether you are just looking for ways to liven up your team meetings, or are planning a whole workshop you will find all the ideas and advice you need.
- Influencing others
Influencing another person, especially influencing them to change their behaviour, doesn't happen overnight. You need to lay the groundwork and create the right conditions for them to be influenced by your proposal. This resources guides you through the basics.
- Time management
Our time management infoKit is full of practical tips to help you manage that most precious of commodities: time, as effectively as possible.