Towards effective support for research group management: The hypotheses & papers database

摘要

In a research group whose aims include increasing the output of high-quality papers, the keys to organizational success include the hypotheses being researched, collaborative awareness and synergy, and the papers that disseminate the research results. In this paper, we suggest a model for supporting the management of the research group's “production” of papers and implement it in part using information technology. According to the model, if management's information needs regarding the status and process of production are appropriately supported by information technologies, then management can be more focused and effective through gains in awareness and efficiency which are reflected in the group as a whole. As part of the model, a Hypotheses & Papers database was implemented using a collaborative hypertext system (MUCH) which supports alternate outlines and views, providing an information “picture”. The contribution of the database to the group's publishing was evaluated. The database was found to be successful to some extent in supporting management and, indirectly, in enhancing the group's publishing, although it was not considered to be useful by all group members.