The Zonal Research Program For 2004-2006

The ZRP for NCR Group 1 is designed to improve the research capabilities of HEIs within the zone through an immersion process. It has four major components, namely: database building, research expertise building, research through grants-in-aid, and research utilization.

1. DATABASE BUILDING
   The ZRC’s main project along this objective is to establish a research portal. The research portal is an initial attempt at developing a strong research infrastructure by making available relevant information to and about the HEIs in the zone. Among the relevant information provided are research activities and outputs in the zone as well as links with other online databases.
    
2. RESEARCH EXPERTISE BUILDING
   Through a "discipline grouping" approach, HEIs of the same disciplinal strength are brought together to develop a common research program. The objective is to share, transmit and co-create new knowledge and research methodologies with the other members of the discipline group. The training modules steer away from traditional seminars and move towards immersion into actual research activities. Consequently, many of the proposals combine the objectives of research capability building and research output generation.
   
   The projects considered under this component during the past year inlcude 1) the development of a graduate course for research, 2) the establishment of a product development center, 3) data analysis for truth and effectiveness, 4) discussion forums, and 5) research immersion activities.
    
3. RESEARCH THROUGH GRANTS IN AID
   This component of the ZRP seeks to encourage research participation by providing support to undertakings in line with the ZRC’s research agenda. The approved research agenda focuses on four principal areas: State of the Higher Education Institutions, Business and Society, Academic-Industry Linkage, and Urbanization.
    
4. RESEARCH UTILIZATION
   An important component of the research process is to disseminate information so that it may be critiqued and eventually utilized, either to stimulate further research or to make policy recommendations. A conference on the challenges of urbanization to HEIs was organized for this purpose.