Research programs are directed and funded by large organizations and vary in structure and objectives. Program managers oversee projects, which can interact with each other or work independently. Different organizations develop research programs for various goals, including market research, social goals, and academic research.
A research program coordinates several projects that share a common research goal. Such programs are usually directed and funded by large organizations such as universities, corporations, NGOs and governments. Depending on an organization’s needs and interests, research programs vary widely in terms of structures and objectives.
Research program managers work primarily to coordinate and oversee all projects involved and ensure that they stay on task. Sponsored projects will typically also have their own immediate managers. This person is usually responsible for designing and executing the particular project.
In many cases, the relationship between a research program and a research project can be compared to the relationship between a franchisor and a franchisee. The franchisor provides an established set of guidelines and a support system, while the franchisee works hands-on to develop its own business. As with a franchise system, the overall success of a research program depends on that of its smaller constituents. Project leaders can interact with one another when the successful operation of one project depends on another, or they can conduct their activities more independently. In both cases, all projects are responsible for the oversight program and its objectives.
Different types of organizations have different goals when developing new research programs. A for-profit company might launch a research program to learn more about its market, its competition, and product or service development opportunities. These research programs are designed to discover market demands, find ways to better serve them, and generally become more competitive. Corporate research programs are also often created to examine expenditures and costs, incorporate new technologies and organizational tools, and prepare for a major operation such as an engineering project. A company can also develop research programs designed to support social goals – these can focus on helping the surrounding community or the company’s own employees.
Socially oriented research programs are also commonly initiated by NGOs and governments. They may aim at economic or political development, improving services such as education or health care, promoting citizen entrepreneurship, protecting the environment, integrating newcomers into society, or any number of goals the organization has set for itself. Governments also often fund research programs that promote growth in certain sectors. Sometimes a university may focus on research for its own sake – that is, for the development of human knowledge. Funding between organizations and cooperation on research projects can also occur where interests overlap.
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