The changing scope of data quality and fit for purpose: evolution and adaption of a CRIS solution

Abstract

The effectiveness of a Current Research Information System (CRIS) is based on satisfying essential institutional needs, or purposes, regarding the capture, processing and reporting of research-related activities and outcomes. These needs, or purposes, exemplified in the Code of Good Practice and introduced in 1998, have remained relatively constant over time. However, the scope and nature of the underlying data supporting these needs have grown in complexity, thus necessitating a concurrent increase in sophistication for how data quality is addressed and improved. This publication aims to introduce and analyse the implications and solutions required to improve data quality within the scope offit for purposein a CRIS context. Drawing from, and building on, data and information quality foundations and descriptions, a data quality framework is introduced, and detailed product functionality is described. A discussion on the combination of framework and functionality highlights how data quality can be improved in CRIS products.