Infocentre Recherche :

Un système d'information, outil d'aide au pilotage de la recherche d’un établissement de recherche.

Application à l’Université Paul Cézanne Aix-Marseille III

Abstract

In the international context of research assessment, France appears to move, not without critics, towards a quantitative evaluation policy which would, eventually, complement or replace the traditional peer review system.

However, infometrics studies, based on the running of large international scientific databases, are confused by the complex organization of the French research system. Furthermore, these databases prove to be inadequate to study the local research institutions and units.

After a description of the present situation and a needs study, this thesis presents the design and the development of an information system conceived as a tool for monitoring the research carried out by an institution or a research unit.

Based on the use of a CMS (Content Management System) dedicated to collaborative extranet, this information system, called Infocentre Recherche, is fully customizable in "real-time". Its flexibility enables it to dynamically adjust to the specificities of an institution or a research unit.

Several examples are given to demonstrate how this tool is able to continuously develop a "state of the art" or a "dashboard" for these structures.

The emphasis is put on the fact that local research structures, as well as national structures, need less research evaluation than valorization of their research.

Keywords

Information Systems ; Scientometrics ; Research management ; Research development ; Technological watch ; Collaborative extranet.