Aksum University (AKU) faculties’ needs for support in training and academic research: a basis for improvement in productivity of publication

Abstract

The objective of this study is to identify and describe Aksum University (AKU) faculties’ training and support needs for academic research as a basis of improvement in the productivity of academic research publications. The stratified random sample was 51 faculties from five of the six colleges in Aksum University representing 16.3% of the oncampus teaching faculties. The hypotheses of the study were: (a) training in data analysis and research writing is needed; (b) faculties know how to do research design and methodology; (c) faculties need internet access; (d) research training does not impact teaching; and (e) there are no qualified faculties at AKU for research training. Two Principle Component Analysis factors related to these hypotheses were described as a training factor TFAC1(I need training in data analysis and research report writing ) and a support factor TFAC2 (Internet access is essential and research class would not interfere with teaching).

Keywords: Training, Support, Research, Publications, University