Research Development team gains valuable insights on research management systems at InfoEd Global Conference 


UFS strip research

By Leonie Bolleurs | 28 June 2024
 

InfoED UGM2024_2

Maricel van Rooyen and Mpho Mashamba attended the annual InfoEd Global User Group Meeting and Conference: Research Administration Without Boundaries, in Mashantucket, Connecticut, USA. 
Photo: Supplied

The incorporation of artificial intelligence into future research administration domains and its numerous benefits were key takeaways for Maricel van Rooyen at the annual InfoEd Global User Group Meeting (UGM) and Conference: Research Administration Without Boundaries, in Mashantucket, Connecticut, USA. Van Rooyen serves as the RIMS Project Manager and Research Ethics Adviser in the Directorate Research Development at the University of the Free State (UFS).

She attended the conference along with Mpho Mashamba, also from the RIMS Development and Maintenance and Ethics Division.

InfoEd provided functional and technical consulting to help attendees return to their institutions with in-depth knowledge and instructions for implementing recent enhancements, improving usability, and increasing productivity across different system operations. “The UGM was an excellent opportunity to learn new skills and best practices,” comments Van Rooyen.

Hands-on and useful information

She found it difficult to point out the most impactful session, as all sessions provided important hands-on information, useful insights, and new ideas. Van Rooyen also appreciated the networking opportunities, stating, “This event where InfoEd shared the latest innovations and advancements regarding the globally used InfoEd Research Management System (RIMS) offered an opportunity to benchmark and collaborate with institutions worldwide that use the system for research management.”
 

“Different institutions showcase expertise, insight, and best practices, promoting peer collaboration and networking. This helped us as attendees to see how others use the system.”

The university was also invited to present and showcase its accomplishments and development of the system. Van Rooyen delivered two presentations and collaborated with peers from US universities. Her presentations: Tools and Strategies for Efficient ORCiD Management (with Louisiana State University) and Common Reports, Widgets and Workflow Maps – Compliance (with the universities of Colorado and North Carolina) attracted interesting questions and round-table discussions.

She believes that effectively developing the system can promote evidence-based decision-making opportunities for the UFS. “A system is only as good as those who develop, use, and operate it; therefore, the correct system development and effective management are crucial to meet the institution's best practices,” Van Rooyen remarks.

Implementation of a more user-friendly system

“The knowledge and insights can be practically implemented to ensure a more effective and user-friendly system, providing essential information and reports for any requested goal or scenario. We have met other InfoEd users who use the same modules, and with their contact details on hand, we can reach out when we run into challenges. These collaboration opportunities are always a fantastic way to learn from others and improve system processes, getting fresh ideas from other users,” she adds.

Van Rooyen also found the sessions on system integration were very informative, noting that integration has strategic advantages that could achieve operational excellence. “System integration with other UFS systems is a key step forward, but a complicated and time-consuming process to ensure successful integration,” she states.

She also thought the sessions on system security useful for learning more efficient ways to manage operational efficiency and diverse strategies, as well as administrative configurations to handle departmental hierarchies, personnel changes, and security role assignments.
 

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