Research management in water for development research projects

This paper presents findings of a study into the role of management in the conduct of water for development research. It provides a definition of research management and describes the attributes of a good research manager. It further explores the ways in which research managers are selected and the shortcomings that flow from the present criteria for selection. The paper argues that given the current changes in the makeup of research groups and the tendency towards multidisciplinary research, there is an urgent need for research managers to undergo continuing professional development in traditional management skills to complement their scientific and academic disciplinary knowledge.