Scientific Research Management Research Articles

Key Factors in Boosting the Efficiency of Scientific Research Administration

The key factors to improve the efficiency of scientific research management include: clear goal setting and strategic planning to ensure the orderly and efficient scientific research work; optimizing resource allocation, material and financial resources to avoid resource waste; strengthening the construction of scientific research team, improving the quality of scientific researchers, team cohesion and innovation ability; establishing scientific evaluation and incentive mechanism to stimulate the enthusiasm of scientific researchers and promote the output of scientific research results; promoting information and digital management, and using modern technology to improve management efficiency and quality. By comprehensively applying these pivotal factors, the standard of scientific research management can undergo a marked enhancement. This comprehensive approach not only ensures the efficient allocation of resources but also fosters a collaborative and innovative research environment. The optimization of management systems and processes leads to increased efficiency and productivity, while the emphasis on team collaboration and communication fosters a stronger sense of unity and purpose among researchers.

Design science research and the co-creation of project management knowledge

The selection of an appropriate research design that provides a balance between rigor and relevance is a critical decision for scholars. The objective of this paper is to discuss the Design Science Research approach in project management research. The paper introduces the theoretical foundations of Design Science Research, its potential for co-creating new knowledge with practitioners, its rigor and relevance, and its challenges. It then provides examples of successful Design Science Research papers in project management research and implications for project management scholars who consider using this approach in their research.

The nexus of project management approaches in sustainable development: innovative behaviors as a mechanism in the Polish financial industry

PurposeBased on the social exchange theory, the aim of the present study is to examine the effects, both direct and indirect (through sustainability-oriented innovative behaviors [SIBs]), of sustainable project leadership (SPL) on sustainable project performance (SPP). Project management approaches (PMAs) (traditional, hybrid and agile) were examined as conditional factors in the “SPL–SIBs” relationship.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs structural equation modeling based on data collected from 197 software engineering project team members working in the financial industry in Poland.FindingsThe study revealed that SPL significantly, positively affected SPP. It also provided evidence for the significant mediating impact of SIBs in the relationship between SPL and SPP and the conditional effect of agile and hybrid PMAs on the “SPL–SIBs” relationship.Originality/valueThe novelty of this work lies in introducing sustainable leadership into project management research, proposing and testing a unique and complex research framework, designing valid scales for measuring SPL and SPP, and suggesting many theoretical and empirical implications.

Understanding the effects of variation orders on construction project success: insights from the Jordanian context

The construction industry is renowned for its complexity, involving multiple variables, stakeholders, and uncertainties. Variation Orders (VOs) have emerged as crucial factors affecting construction projects, yet their implications extend beyond time and cost. This study delves into the significance of VOs impacts on construction project performance and success, particularly within the context of Jordan. 97 construction professionals from different Jordanian organizations participated to determine the prevalent VOs impacts and those severely affecting project performance and success. The results indicated that the most significant effects of VOs are time overrun, cost overrun, extra money paid for contractors, productivity degradation, quality decrease, and stakeholder dissatisfaction. The factor analysis emphasized the interdependencies among the investigated impacts. The current study holds significant importance for practitioners and researchers in construction and project management. It empowers practitioners with tools to manage projects more effectively by defining the critical importance of schedule, cost, productivity, quality, and stakeholder management. It emphasizes their role as foundational elements for project success and supports researchers in advancing knowledge and practical solutions for the challenges faced in the dynamic construction environment. This study recommends investigating other project types and VO attributes to reach a comprehensive understanding, and then develop an integrated solution.

Research on Legal Issues of Management of Foreign-related Marine Scientific Research

Research on Legal Issues of Management of Foreign-related Marine Scientific Research

The Purpose Model for Improving Digital Management in Universities in Guangxi

The objectives of this research were: 1) to study the current situation of digital management in universities in Guangxi, 2) to develop the purpose model for improving digital management in universities in Guangxi, 3) to evaluate the suitability and feasibility of the purpose model for improving digital management in universities in Guangxi. The sample group of this research was 148 administrators in 20 public undergraduate universities in Guangxi. They were selected by systematic random sampling and sample random sampling. The interview group was led by administrators from 12 universities, totaling 12 people. The experts for evaluating the suitability and feasibility of the purpose model for improving digital management consisted of high-level administrators from 7 universities, totaling 7 people. The research instruments were document analysis, questionnaire, structured interview, and evaluation form. The statistics to analyze the data were percentage, average value, and standard deviation. The results found that the current situation of digital management in universities in Guangxi in five aspects was at a high level. Considering the results of this research aspects ranged from the highest to lowest level were as follows: the highest level was the digital campus security management system, followed by the digital student management system, and the digital scientific research management system was the lowest level. The purpose model for improving digital management in universities in Guangxi has five aspects, which contain 40 measures. There are 7 measures to enhance the digital management ability of Guangxi University managers, 10 measures to promote the digital teaching management system in Universities in Guangxi, 8 measures to promote the digital scientific research management system in Universities in Guangxi, 9 measures to promote the digital student management system in Universities in Guangxi, 6 measures to promote the digital campus security management system in Universities in Guangxi. The results of the evaluation of the suitability and feasibility of the purpose model for improving digital management in universities in Guangxi were at the highest level.

Exploration and Research on the Transformation Path of Scientific Research Achievements in Local Universities under the Background of Production, University and Research

Relying on local resources and economic advantages, local universities are gradually becoming the main force of basic research, and have obtained a large number of scientific research and academic achievements in some disciplines. However, no matter the key universities directly under the state or the local universities are faced with the common situation that the scientific research achievements can not be effectively transformed into real productive forces. As the backbone of undergraduate education in China and the main force serving the high-quality development of local economy and society, application-oriented local undergraduate universities should consolidate their disciplinary advantages, improve the scientific research management and operation mechanism, set up high-level scientific research teams, strengthen the high-level achievement consciousness, innovate the achievement evaluation mechanism, and strive to achieve unique and high-level development. Based on the background of production, university and research, this paper discusses the new way of transforming scientific research achievements in applied local universities.

Research hotspots and trends of nanomaterials in stomatology: A bibliometric analysis from 2000 to 2023

BackgroundNanomaterials (NMs) have emerged as highly promising candidates for stomatology due to their excellent quality and remarkable progress in recent years. However, with the rapid expansion of the research scale, challenges arise in the technological decision-making and research management processes, and therefore difficulty for researchers to understand the knowledge structure and research hotspots has increased significantly. This study aims to make a comprehensive summary of authors, institutions, journals, research topics, development trends, and research hotspots of NMs in stomatology through bibliometric analysis for the sake of providing references for scientific decision-making, research management, and academic exploration in this filed. MethodsStudies on research and application of NMs in stomatology were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) from January 1, 2000 to April 27, 2023. Bibliometric analysis and visualization were conducted using CiteSpace and VOSviewer. ResultsA total of 620 articles were included in this study, showing a gradual increase in the number of publications focusing on NMs in stomatology. Globally, China ranked first with 130 publications, and the United States (US) enjoyed the highest citation count (n = 5218) and average citation per paper (ACP) (n = 52.18). The top three institutions with the highest publication output were the University of Sao Paulo (n = 22), the Chinese Academy of Sciences (n = 20), and Shanghai Jiaotong University (n = 13). The journals MATERIALS and NANOMATERIALS emerged as the most popular in this field (n = 20), and BIOMATERIALS had the highest co-citations (n = 1597). The most prolific author was Dos Reis and Andrea Candido (n = 7), while Thomas J. Webster enjoyed the highest co-citations (n = 94). Burstness analysis of the references revealed a prominent research focus on nanoparticle drug delivery systems (specifically lipid nanoparticles). Keyword burstness analysis identified "oxide nanoparticle" as the primary frontier keyword in this field. ConclusionThis is the first study of using bibliometric analysis to summarize the research trends and frontiers of NMs in stomatology. With progressive advancements in the research and application of NMs in oral healthcare, their academic impact is steadily increasing. China and the US maintain a leading position in this field. Future directions could primarily focus on the development and application of nanoparticle drug delivery systems (especially lipid nanoparticles) and metal oxide nanoparticles (especially in antibacterial aspects). We hope that this bibliometric analysis could provide researchers with a panoramic view and useful references for future research, thus promoting the development of NMs in stomatology.

Reasons for the Failure of Most In-House Software Development in Tanzania: A Case Study of Selected Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs)

Since it has evolved into an essential part of today’s world, 90% of Tanzanian businesses have attempted to develop in-house software for their operations. However, a substantial fraction of these projects haven’t quite achieved what they set out to. The bulk of in-house software development projects in Tanzania have been unsuccessful. This article presents ideas for improving the success rate of in-house software development initiatives and explains why this is the case. As part of the qualitative research methodology, software developers, project managers, and other stakeholders took part in focus groups and interviews. The results show that there are several factors, such as a lack of qualified staff, an inadequate budget allocation, poor project management, a lack of precise project requirements, improper communication, an inadequate amount of resources, and a lack of user involvement, that significantly contribute to the failure of in-house software development projects in Tanzania. The study makes numerous recommendations for enhancing the success rate of in-house software development initiatives in Tanzania. Involving end users throughout the project life cycle, implementing strong project management practices, allocating enough time and resources for software testing, hiring experts to establish and gather precise project requirements, allocating adequate budgets, and setting up efficient communication channels are a few examples of these. Additionally, in-house software development must adhere to the SDLC’s standards by enhancing the model of the SDLC that best suits the nature of the development process.

Pengaruh Religiusitas dan Long Term Orientation terhadap Budgetary Slack di Organisasi Perangkat Daerah (OPD) Kota Padang

Budgetary Slack is common in public sector organizations, due to a tight budget system that is difficult to realize. Factors that affect the budget gap are one of personal values. This study aims to look at individual factors of religiosity and long-term orientation. Research on religiosity factors in the context of budgets is still not widely carried out, especially regarding budgetary measures. This research method is descriptive quantitative with survey techniques using questionnaires. This research was conducted on the structural OPD of Padang City. Based on the results of testing and analysis, the religiosity variable has a positive effect on budgetary slack, and long-term orientation positively affects the occurrence of budget shortages in regional apparatus organizations. The findings of this study are expected to contribute research in management science and public sector accounting, especially related to budgets in the public sector.

Exploring the impact of culture media on life history characteristics of the house fly, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae)

Insects, particularly house fly pupae (M. domestica L.), are increasingly promoted as a rich and sustainable protein source, presenting a practical solution for organic waste management. These insects possess the capability to transform animal waste into valuable biomass, underscoring the necessity to evaluate housefly larval growth on diverse waste mixtures. The primary objective was to comprehend how different culture media influence the life history traits of this species. To address this, the research aimed to assess the growth and development performance of housefly larvae reared on various waste mixtures. Adult house flies (M. domestica) were sourced from meat and fish markets in Rajshahi city, Bangladesh, employing systematic sampling from different market sections for a representative selection. Experimental diets were formulated with combinations of cattle blood, cattle manure, rice bran, wheat bran, and kitchen waste, categorized into Diet-A (kitchen waste:cattle manure:wheat bran), Diet-B (cattle blood:rice bran), Diet-C (cattle manure:wheat bran), and Diet-D (cattle blood:kitchen waste:rice bran). Additionally, a control group comprised a mixture of waste materials, including yeast, egg white, milk powder, and wheat bran. The findings revealed that larvae, pupae, and adults reared on Diet-B, incorporating cattle blood and rice bran, demonstrated increased length compared to other diets. This varied diet also produced the heaviest larvae, pupae, and adults, exhibiting the highest morphometric parameters. The moisture content of pupae varied across the different diets, ranging from 53.23±0.17 % to 65.47±1.32 %. The pupae reared on Diet-B had the highest levels of crude protein (53.44±0.05 %, p < 0.05), while those reared on Diet-C had the highest levels of fat (18.56±0.05 %, p < 0.05 except for diet A). The findings demonstrate that housefly larvae can be reared on diets containing rice bran and cattle blood, which have different nutritional profiles and biological capacities. However, the ideal rearing strategy should depend on how M. domestica will be utilized in the future. The study highlights insects, especially housefly pupae, as a sustainable protein source and an organic waste management solution. Therefore, the results of this study contribute to the broader understanding of Musca domestica and offer practical implications for both scientific research and pest management practices.

Projects as a speciation and aggregation mechanism in transitions: Bridging project management and transitions research in the digitalization of UK architecture, engineering, and construction industry.

Sociotechnical transitions are mostly seen in the literature as processes where actors and technologies in small niches peripheral to an organizational field, accumulate momentum, scale up, aggregate, and eventually bring about large-scale regime change. Foundational examples include the British transition from sailing ships to steamships and the American transition from traditional factories to mass production. Herein lies a paradox, transitions concern large scale system change for example transition to electric cars or renewable energy, but large-scale options for technological change driven by incumbents have received less attention in transitions research. This is an important opportunity for transition research to draw on the literature of project management research on large-scale projects. We bridge transitions research and project management research by exploring speciation and aggregation from both perspectives. We illustrate how this bridge may be instantiated drawing on published research and interviews on six megaprojects that have been instrumental in the digital transformation of UK construction: (i) the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, (ii) Heathrow Terminal 5, (iii) London Olympics, (iv) Crossrail, (v) Thames Tideway and (vi) High Speed Two. The speciation of digital technology seeds the process of aggregation and UK industry transition which is driven by incumbents at the organizational field core and ripples outward to its periphery. This is a reverse process to the one mostly considered in transition research where change initiates in small niches peripheral to an organizational field and propagates until it eventually brings about large-scale change to its core.

Navigating the Urgency: An Open Innovation Project of Protective Equipment Development from a Quadruple Helix Perspective

This study empirically explores the Quadruple Helix model’s potential in facilitating an urgent open innovation project. By examining the life cycle of the project, developed during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis in Brazil, it reveals complex interactions among government, academia, industry, and civil society stakeholders, while also shedding light on the various risks arising from their dynamic collaboration. Employing an approach that combines case study analysis, risk assessment, and theoretical framework development, we unravel the project’s evolution, highlighting pivotal elements such as trust, collaboration, communication, agile mindset, stakeholder partnerships, scale, and logistics. Additionally, the study underscores concerns related to finance, time, reputation, and health, which warrant consideration. Risk analysis uncovers internal and external risks and categorizes thirty-two risks, with one deemed unacceptable, thus revealing valuable insights into stakeholders’ partnerships, institutional image, public equipment, manufacturing, project management, human resources, intellectual property, regulation, and sanitation risks. Building on these findings, we develop a new framework illustrating the management of the urgent open innovation project through the fast-paced Quadruple Helix formation. By exploring stakeholder collaboration and risk management, this research provides insights into the adaptability and speed required to successfully execute an emergency project, as well as presenting practical strategies for risk management and mitigation, significantly contributing to the domains of the Quadruple Helix and project management research.

Management of scientific projects financed from the state budget

Relevance. For the state-of-art technologies and achievements to become a reality, it is necessary to carry out fundamental scientific research, which is funded using state funds, since expanding the knowledge base that forms the basis of revolutionary progress requires significant investments. Purpose. In view of the foregoing, the purpose of the article is to study promising areas and methods for improving the efficiency of the management system for scientific projects implemented at the expense of state funds. Applied research issues are considered on the example of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Methodology. The methodological base is a set of methods and principles of scientific knowledge, general and special techniques, as well as special methods for studying phenomena and processes in the project management system. Results. The research result is the improvement of scientific statements concerning the development of coordination and methodological support for project-oriented management of state-funded scientific research, as well as the development of an algorithm, approaches and recommendations for their implementation in a real situation. Special attention is paid to the peculiarities of creating an effective and flexible information loop, which allows tracking data within each stage of a scientific project, control the progress of work, as well as ensures the organization of interaction between participants using web technology. The article also formalizes the task of knowledge management in projects, taking into account the training and competence of the participants. Conclusions. Thus, the study offered an algorithm and a number of recommendations for more effectively managing state-funded scientific projects. The practical significance of the findings lies in the possibility of their use by the state bodies of the Republic of Kazakhstan to improve the quality of management of scientific programs and projects and increase their impact in a wide range of expected effects. Keywords: project management; vector paradigm; target-oriented approach; research; innovation; economy

Project coordination success factors in European Union-funded research, development and innovation projects under the Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe programmes

Success factors for managing European Union-funded research, development and innovation projects is rather uncharted territory and scarce publications exist, even though considering that the H2020 funding was nearly €80 billion, and Horizon Europe is €95,5 billion. Managing these types of projects has been referred to as ‘managing the unmanageable’, which indicates importance of our study. The aim of this study was to gather input via survey from both project coordinators and partners by assessing factors in five categories of good practices, skills, characteristics and tools of project management, and coordination for successful project implementation. A total of 118 persons replied to the survey who have experience from Horizon 2020 or Horizon Europe funded project(s). Over 80 factors were assessed and rated by the participants. Via standard statistical analysis, a top three lists were created for the different categories from both project partners and coordinators perspectives. A combination of 15 top success factors was formed. Furthermore, to emphasise the practicality of the results, an overarching framework was formed where we propose three prioritised key success factors that research, development, and innovation project management of should focus on. The three key success factors are communication, trust, and collaboration. Communication and trust are further traced down to the coordinator and consortium levels. Active communication and good listening skills are key. Mutual trust is built through high motivation, competence, and active approach to dedicated project activities and roles. Efficient collaboration is reached by nourishing inclusivity and culture, creating a productive environment, and good administrative practices.

Factors affecting the successful implementation of telecommunication tower projects in Zambia

The research aimed at identifying factors that affect the successful implementation of telecommunication tower projects at Airtel Networks Zambia Plc and IHS Zambia Limited, in order to ensure adequate measures are put in place to support the successful implementation of telecommunications tower projects by market players. The study took a pragmatic approach to inquiry with a triangulated design where 16 professionals with industry experience and position of influence were purposively recruited. Data was collected using questionnaires and interviews. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square statistics were used to analyse quantitative data, while content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. The study findings revealed at least 5 factors that negatively affect the successful implementation of the telecommunication tower projects and these are Projects Scope Management, Projects Time Management, Projects Cost Management, Projects Communication Management, and Human Related Factors. The study also revealed that these factors had an adverse impact on project scheduling hence resulting into project delays. Subsequently, it was revealed that delayed legal formalities led to excess project expenses in form of warehouse and rental charges for the piece of land. Additionally, the study findings revealed that poor project scope description had a negative effect on the proper and efficient planning of project resources. Finally, the study revealed that poor project procurement management led to inadequate resource availability hence affecting the project schedule due to lack of resources as subcontractors could not proceed with the projects in the absence of necessary materials. The study recommended organizations to invest more resources in ensuring that various factors that impend the successful implementation of the telecommunication tower projects are known, as well as invest in Research and Development and project managers to ensure comprehensive project planning and evaluation before the project is initiated. This would also help ensuring that various challenges that affect the project implementation process at various stages of project’s implementation are mitigated.

Research on the path of digital empowerment for high-quality development of scientific research management in vocational colleges in China

Research on the path of digital empowerment for high-quality development of scientific research management in vocational colleges in China

Employee involvement in a hospital building project

Employee involvement in the planning and execution of building projects vastly affects both project success and functionality in the operating stage. This study is based on interviews with employees to investigate how they experience involvement in change processes related to a hospital building project in Norway. This answers the call for more qualitative approaches in project management research to unveil what actually goes on in projects.The study uses several theoretical lenses. First, we look at employees’ access to different bases of power and empowerment. Second, we analyse how path dependence affects experienced involvement. Third, we analyse the employees’ reactions to organizational changes; exit, voice, loyalty and neglect.The findings show the high involvement of appointed employee representatives in project groups, although they sometimes felt powerless and without necessary support. Ordinary employees lacked information and had little experience of empowerment. The project mostly followed a strict process of path dependence, and informants described behaviours of both exit, voice, loyalty and neglect. Lack of employee involvement might have resulted in impractical solutions and undesired employee behaviour.

Lab-Pharmacy Nexus: Unveiling the convergence of scientific research and medication management

The synergies and vital interdependence between scientific research labs and pharmacies within the healthcare ecosystem have been thoroughly explored in this topic. Scientific research labs were portrayed as centers of creativity, experimentation, and cross-disciplinary cooperation that shaped how we perceive the natural world. Pharmacies were acknowledged as essential to patient care for their ability to dispense prescription drugs, promote health, and guarantee regulatory compliance. The discussion shed light on situations in which miscommunication between pharmacies and labs resulted in avoidable mistakes in medicine administration. The story went on to highlight the growing importance of pharmacists in the monitoring of therapeutic drugs, chronic illness care, and diagnostics. The need for collaboration between lab technicians and pharmacists was emphasized as a means of promoting innovation, managing the challenges associated with medication monitoring, and guaranteeing the best possible outcomes for patients. This comprehensive investigation highlights how important it is to collaborate seamlessly in order to promote patient safety, advance healthcare innovation, and improve the standard of care as a whole.

Protection and Progress of the Marine Environment

The marine environment is an important part of the earth's ecosystem and is of great significance to maintaining the earth's ecological balance and the sustainable development of human beings. However, due to undue interference and pollution from human activities, the marine environment is facing serious threats. The aim is to explore the importance of protecting the marine environment and propose some feasible measures to reduce marine pollution and protect marine biodiversity. In a word, the research on marine environmental protection is of great significance for maintaining ecological balance, protecting endangered species, regulating climate, rationally utilizing resources and reducing environmental pollution. Through scientific research and reasonable management, we can protect and make good use of marine resources and create good conditions for future sustainable development. In recent years, various countries and the United Nations government have formulated many laws and policies on ocean protection, but these laws are still flawed and need to be improved and supplemented.