Institutional Development Scheme (IDS) Collaborative Research Grant 2022/23 Exercise
- The main objective of the Collaborative Research Grant is to enhance the research output of the institutions in terms of the level of attainment, quality, dimensions and / or speed. The overall quality of proposals improved in this exercise.
- The higher quality proposals were able to identify timely and important research topic with potential benefit to the society. The scope and coverage of the research activities were well justified. Research objectives, questions, hypotheses, methods, outcome and impact were coherent and aligned with each other. The project teams had adequate expertise and track record in relevant research. Capability for building effective synergy across disciplines were demonstrated in the proposals.
- Some proposals were ambitious with board and diverse objectives while others lacked of theoretical foundation in research design and without formulation of a concrete hypothesis. The research design and sampling strategies should be clearly stated. Contingency plans on how to overcome the challenge in sampling should also be provided. Project teams were advised to try all possible means to maximize participation and minimize attrition, and obtain preliminary data for the proposed study.
- Project teams should provide more details on project management, potential risks and alternative plans for their proposals. Measures to safeguard privacy and individual data should be clearly described. Budget for manpower, token of appreciation, teaching relief and purchase of equipment should be reasonable and well justified. The short-term and long-term impact addressing the contextual needs should also be elaborated in details.