While measuring performance and quality of research administration remains an imprecise science, the demands are growing for reporting on unit goals, outcomes, quality/service levels and efficiencies. This workshop-style session will engage participants to brainstorm the challenges, solutions and best approaches to measurement.

1. 25/11/2014
1
Measuring Performance and
Quality of Research
Administration
CASRAI ReConnect14
November 21, 2014
• Introductions
• Workshop format

2. 25/11/2014
2
Why measure anyway?
• Internal requests from senior
management
• Government requirements
• Trends in accountability, transparency
• Scarcity of resources
• Needs for interoperability
• Improved communications
University of Guelph
• Program Prioritization Process (internal)
• Strategic Mandate Agreement (external)
• Office of Research Services Performance
Report (internal)
• CAURA Ontario 2013 workshop

3. 25/11/2014
3
CASRAI Admin‐KPI WG
• Specify a common standard for
capturing and analyzing KPI for
administrative processes within and
between universities
• Draft profile based on 8 FICP
indicators
• Interest Group ~2015
But, we don’t want to measure…
• Misinterpretation of data
• Benchmarking
• “We can’t let that get out…”
• Fear of bad press
• Institutional reputation
• Impact on our “prestige”
• It’s too difficult
• I don’t have time… or any data

4. 25/11/2014
4
Why discuss this now?
• Need for research admin KPI will become
more pressing
• Internal and external interests and
demands will only increase
• We have an opportunity to influence or
create the measures ourselves…
• Collaboration
Workshop #1
• Consider questions – next slide
• Record key points using flip charts
• Nominate a speaker
• 20‐30 minutes for discussion
• Present to group

5. 25/11/2014
5
Workshop #1
• What measures are you currently asked
to provide?
• What measures would you like to
provide to assess performance/quality of
research administration?
• Why?
Workshop #2
• Each table has a scenario
• Consider questions – next slide
• Record key points using Post‐its
• Nominate a speaker
• 20 minutes for discussion
• Present to group

6. 25/11/2014
6
Workshop #2
• Put yourself in the role of the research
administrator in your scenario
• What measures do you currently provide
to assess quality?
• What measures would you like to, or
think you should, provide?
• Why?
Wrap‐Up