2010-2012 programme

In late 2010, the ACU established a benchmarking programme through which universities came together to compare their research management provision with each other confidentially. Results were used to compare overall performance, to highlight relative areas of strength and weakness within the institution and, where appropriate, to highlight the case for further funding at institutional or national level. The programme also provided an opportunity to share good practice.

The programme used well-established benchmarking techniques, developed by the ACU for specific use in universities, and built on the successful 2004-2005 Research Management Benchmarking Programme.

Both quantitative and qualitative data on all aspects of research management was gathered through questionnaires and at one annual face to face seminar. The data was analysed by the ACU and regular reports were produced and distributed to members on a confidential basis. The programme also, for the first time, added a quantitative dimension by attempting to develop measures for comparing research management processes and performance.

Timetable of activities