The Status of Research Undertaking in Mekelle University
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Date
2009-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Teaching, research and consultancy are the main missions of higher education
institutions. However there are research evidences that indicate the status of research
in these institutions is not as expected. The concern of this study is therefore to
examine the status of research undertaking in Mekelle University. To achieve this
objective, a descriptive survey method was employed. Accordingly the data were
collected jimn 285 instructors and 8 university officials through questionnaire and
interview re;p ectively. Important documents (articles. seminar paper. proceedingl of
a workshop, profile of research projects, etc) were also used as secondwy data
sources. The data secured through the close-ended items of the questionnaire were
analyzed mainly using percentages and lI1ean values because afthe descriptive nature
of the study. The data secured through the open-ended items of the questionnaire,
interview guides and document analysis were analyzed qualitatively. The finding of
the study disclosed that, there are efforts so far made by the university in developing
and maintaining capacity of research undertaking. 61 sinstructors have got research
training opportunity. Efforts are made to .find research .(ill1d ji-om diffe rent sources.
The efforts made in publishing and disseminating research results on the part of the
university seems encouraging. However, the finding of the study revealed that with
few exceptions, instructors are not actively involved in doing research. Problems
related to lack of incentives, lack/inadequacy of budget, lack of conducive research
environment, lack of recent reference materials in the library, under-utilization of
research outcomes and insufficient internet access have been the major constraints
for instructors 'fltilure to conduct research. Based onthe /indinf!,s. it is recommended
thaI in order 10 improve the research activities in Nle kelle U ni ,'el'sil)" the uc;w./elilic
stalf and the university must exert(itrther effort by making a link with industries and
networking with other universities.
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