JISC

The project will focus on the areas of computing that support and interact with research processes & practices. This includes research information systems, systems for producing and managing research outputs (e.g. digital repositories), and virtual research environments (VREs). We will also address the interactions of these with other academic systems, e.g. library systems, CMSs, portals, and VLEs. We aim to identify common services for sharing within the e-Research domain, and to demonstrate where flexibility can be demonstrated and exploited.

Aims and objectives

The project has the following objectives: 

• Improve support for research management (via research information systems). 
• Improve research practice (via VREs). 
• Improve data management (digital repositories). 
• Improve integration with other academic systems (library systems, CMS, Portals, VLEs, SRS…).

Project methodology

The main activities in the project are: 

• Business process modelling and information modelling of research practice across a wide range of research disciplines. 
• Enterprise-level modelling in Archimate. 
• Cost models and costings: the team will identify appropriate cost models and use them to quantify the costs of running production systems and services to support research. 
• Cross-institutional consortia and collaboration: the team will continue to develop collaborations and partnerships with other institutions interested in e-research services. 
• Technical development and supplier engagement: we will report on technical development, both in collaboration with suppliers and partner institutions, as well piloting and evaluation of solutions in production environments.

Anticipated outputs and outcomes

Specific deliverables are as follows: 

• Process models and data models, produced on a phased basis throughout the project. 
• Enterprise Architecture models in Archimate, produced on a phased basis throughout the project. 
• A report on costing for running production systems and services in the e-Research domain. 
• Details of any cross institutional agreements reached on partnerships and collaborations to enable e-Research services. 
• A report on technical development, both in collaboration with suppliers and partner institutions, as well as details of piloting and evaluation of solutions in production environments.

The project produces the following measurable outcomes: 

• It provides an understanding of the very complex and diverse business processes involved in research activities. 
• It provides an understanding of how research processes can be supported and enhanced by appropriate services and systems 
• It facilitates the identification of common (and thus sharable) research processes and services, resulting in increased efficiency and flexibility, as well as reduced costs. 
• It improves engagement with suppliers (including open source) to ensure that products are a better fit to our (and our partners’) requirements.

Technology / Standards used

• Archimate