Opportunities and Constraints in Advancing Research Management: An Account of Ghanaian Tertiary Institutions

Abstract

What is new?

The objective was to assess the opportunities that abound and constraints that militate against the advancement of Research Management (RM) in policy advancement, sufficient resources and investment and highly trained Research Managers and Administrators in Ghanaian Tertiary Institutions (GTIs).

What was the approach?

A mixed methods survey with a concurrent triangular strategy method was employed. Questionnaires and interview guides were used in gathering data and a tree-stage analysis technique was used. Data were analyzed using Stata v16 into descriptive results. Ethical approval was sought from the Committee on Human Research Publication Ethics (CHPRE) of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (CHRPE/AP/453/21).

What is the academic impact?

The study showed that RM in GTIs offers opportunities to researchers and other clients through the services that research administrators and managers render. Among these services are searching funding opportunities, proposal development, interpreting the terms and conditions of grants, monitoring project budget during implementation, etc. RM is bedeviled with challenges despite efforts to navigate the RM pathway. These challenges include professional development plan, mentorship programme, technological infrastructure, and policies.

What is the wider impact?

The study established that there are RM opportunities that could be leveraged and there are factors that militate against the effective delivery of RM services in GTIs. The paper recommends a deeper appreciation and effective use of RM services, and the adoption of effective measures to address the constraints identified to maximize research output and impact in GTIs.