The Management of Pure and Applied Science Research in Academia

Abstract

Management is concerned with optimal deployment of resources in order to attain some defined goal. I believe that many research scientists would argue that the goals of research are so diffuse that it is a subjective judgement as to whether or not one has reached them; that the whole concept of management can be applied to the research process only in a metaphorical sense. They might argue that, in a society which has seen a growing emphasis on efficiency, there are limits to be drawn. Should we attempt to manage the production of music, of poetry?