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An Integrative Approach to Research Administration and Practice: Transforming Research Enterprise

Howard Powell

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Published in Evidence Based Practice: An Integrative Approach To Research Administration And Practice

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Research administration and practice are two sides of the same coin, yet they have often been treated as separate entities. Research administration is responsible for the management and support of research activities, while research practice is the actual conduct of research. Traditionally, there has been a divide between these two functions, with research administrators seen as bureaucrats and researchers seen as academics. However, this divide is increasingly becoming outdated, as the growing complexity of research requires a more integrated approach.

In this article, we will explore the concept of an integrative approach to research administration and practice. We will discuss the benefits of such an approach, as well as the challenges that need to be overcome. We will also provide some examples of how an integrative approach is being implemented in practice.

There are many benefits to adopting an integrative approach to research administration and practice. Some of the most important benefits include:

Evidence-Based Practice: An Integrative Approach to Research, Administration, and Practice

by Linda A. Roussel

4.7 out of 5

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Improved efficiency: An integrative approach can help to improve the efficiency of research operations. By breaking down the silos between research administration and practice, it can streamline processes and reduce duplication of effort.
Increased collaboration: An integrative approach can also help to increase collaboration between research administrators and researchers. By working together, these two groups can develop a better understanding of each other's needs and priorities. This can lead to more effective decision-making and improved research outcomes.
Greater impact: An integrative approach can help to increase the impact of research. By working together, research administrators and researchers can develop strategies to disseminate research findings more effectively and to engage with stakeholders. This can help to ensure that research is having a positive impact on society.

While there are many benefits to adopting an integrative approach to research administration and practice, there are also some challenges that need to be overcome. Some of the most common challenges include:

Cultural differences: Research administrators and researchers often come from different cultures, with different values and priorities. This can make it difficult to find common ground and to develop an effective working relationship.
Power dynamics: There is often a power dynamic between research administrators and researchers, with researchers being seen as the more important group. This can make it difficult for research administrators to assert their authority and to influence decision-making.
Lack of resources: Research administration is often underfunded and understaffed. This can make it difficult to provide the level of support that researchers need.

Despite the challenges, there are a number of institutions that are successfully implementing an integrative approach to research administration and practice. Some examples include:

The University of California, Berkeley: Berkeley has developed a number of initiatives to promote collaboration between research administrators and researchers. These initiatives include the Research Administration and Management Certificate Program, which provides training for research administrators, and the Research Catalyst Program, which provides funding for interdisciplinary research projects.
The University of Michigan: Michigan has created a new position called the Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship. This position is responsible for overseeing both research administration and research practice, and it has helped to break down the silos between these two functions.
The University of Texas at Austin: Texas has developed a number of tools and resources to support research administrators and researchers. These tools and resources include the Research Administration Handbook, which provides guidance on research administration policies and procedures, and the Research Hub, which provides access to a variety of resources and services.

An integrative approach to research administration and practice is essential for the success of the research enterprise. By breaking down the silos between these two functions, we can improve efficiency, increase collaboration, and achieve greater impact. The examples above provide just a few examples of how an integrative approach is being implemented in practice. As more institutions adopt this approach, we can expect to see even greater benefits for the research community.

Image 1: A group of people working together in a laboratory.
Image 2: A research administrator and a researcher working together on a project.
Image 3: A graph showing the benefits of an integrative approach to research administration and practice.

Integrative approach to research administration and practice
Benefits of an integrative approach to research administration and practice
Challenges to an integrative approach to research administration and practice
Examples of an integrative approach to research administration and practice in practice

Evidence-Based Practice: An Integrative Approach to Research, Administration, and Practice

by Linda A. Roussel

4.7 out of 5