ROLE OF MANAGEMENT SUPPORT FOR RESEARCH

Managers of transportation agencies should recognize that research and progress are inseparable, as reflected in the achievements of research programs in such fields as design, materials, construction techniques, safety, and the environment. On its record alone, research is entitled to full partnership as an integral part of the transportation organization, to adequate physical facilities, and to sufficient manpower and funding. It is well to avoid budgeting all research funds for specific projects. Some funds should be left flexible to accommodate unforseen, short-term projects and to encourage the research staff to initiate studies for which it perceives a need. Management needs to foster a progressive, organizationwide acceptance of the desirable changes made possible by research activities. Management should ensure that appropriate research results are used. A simple listing of results that have been implemented, together with a listing of research costs, is helpful. However, reliable evaluation also must take into account the public service benefits derived from research programs, that is, the extent to which public safety, convenience, and mobility is enhanced and the extent to which economies are realized in the expenditure of public tax funds. In sum, management must demonstrate by its attitude that it understands the importance of the research program and assist in setting objectives and in integrating the research function into the total organization. (Author)

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• Supplemental Notes:
  • Publication of this paper sponsored by Committee on Conduct of Research.
• Authors:
  • King, Harold C
• Conference:
  • 58th Annual Meeting of the Transportation Research Board
  • Location: Washington District of Columbia, United States
  • Date: 1979-1-15 to 1979-1-19
• Publication Date: 1979

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Pagination: pp 40-42
• Monograph Title: Technology transfer, the research process, and creating a productive environment
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Record
  • Issue Number: 738
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0361-1981

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Benefit cost analysis; Budgeting; Data collection; Research; Surveys; Transportation; Transportation operations
• Old TRIS Terms: Transportation administration; Transportation research
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Research; Transportation (General);

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00315345
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 0309029937
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: Sep 16 1980 12:00AM