TOWARDS EFFECTIVE SUPPORT FOR RESEARCH GROUP MANAGEMENT - THE HYPOTHESES AND PAPERS DATABASE

In a research group whose aims include increasing the output of high-q uality papers, the keys to organizational success include the hypothes es being researched, collaborative awareness and synergy, and the pape rs that disseminate the research results. In this paper, we suggest a model for supporting the management of the research group's ''producti on'' of papers and implement it in part using information technology. According to the model, if management's information needs regarding th e status and process of production are appropriately supported by info rmation technologies, then management can be more focused and effectiv e through gains in awareness and efficiency which are reflected in the group as a whole. As part of the model, a Hypotheses & Papers databas e was implemented using a collaborative hypertext system (MUCH) which supports alternate outlines and views, providing an information ''pict ure''. The contribution of the database to the group's publishing was evaluated. The database was found to be successful to some extent in s upporting management and, indirectly, in enhancing the group's publish ing, although it was not considered to be useful by all group members. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd