Research

CUP UNIVERSITY RESEARCH

I. PURPOSE

The framework for the development and implementation of research at CUP, within which suitably qualified academic staff carry out their required research obligations and in which graduate students can engage and be supported in their work.

This policy also establishes a Research Institute to implement the policy and distribute research funding, implement industry relationships, oversee consultancy, seminars, public addresses, academic conferences, publishing and any other matters in relation to research, as defined for a University.

II. DEFINITION

Research is an intellectually controlled investigation which leads to advances in knowledge through the discovery and codification of new information or the development of further understanding about existing information, and practice. It is a creative, cumulative and independent activity conducted by people with knowledge of the theories, methods and information of the principal field of enquiry and its cognate areas. Research typically involves either investigation of an experimental or critical nature, or artistic endeavour of the type exemplified by musical composition. The results of research must be open to scrutiny and formal evaluation by others in the field of enquiry and this may be achieved through publication in peer-reviewed books and journals, or through public presentation. Research is often characterised by the identification of fruitful new topics for investigation and unexpected uses for its findings.

Research may be found in the following non-exclusive contexts: basic or fundamental research; strategic research; applied research; scholarship; creative work; consultancy; and, professional practice.

III. THE RESEARCH INSTITUTE

1. The Research Institute reports to the Research Committee and is responsible for implementing all policies in relation to research.
2. The Research Institute may establish and dis-establish Research Centres, Research Units and adhoc research groups across the University as and when required.
3. The Research Institute is to manage the supervision of all theses.
4. The Research Institute is to manage the allocation of all funding to Projects and the related staff and student expenses.
5. The Research Institute is to maintain quality and performance control of all projects and entities.

Cooperation between researchers, research units, and research methodologies is to be encouraged across the University. This includes multi-disciplinary research projects, public-private partnerships, the effective linking of education, research, extension, and consultancy services; and, the encouragement of mixed methods and other innovative strategies in which to collect and analyse relevant, comprehensive and meaningful data in the research projects.