Research development at a South African university of technology: A case study

Abstract

This article portrays the research development strategies followed by a University of Technology in an attempt to increase and sustain a research culture. It discusses the approach of research development through building structural and intellectual capacity amongst the existing population of researchers which includes, predominantly, lecturing staff and postgraduate students. The article is based on a case study of the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT). Results have shown that through various innovative strategies such as the establishment of an Office for Research and Development, the University has seen notable improvement in research participation. However, it is apparent that the CUT is still faced with challenges in sustaining accredited research outputs.

South African Journal of Higher Education Vol. 20 (3) 2006: 472-485