Benchmarking in sponsored programs administration: using the web to analyze nationwide data collection results

The Society of Research Administrators International (SRA), the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO), and the Higher Education Practice of KPMG Consulting Inc. have jointly undertaken the development of a national benchmarking program. Two rounds (FY 1998 and FY 2000) of complete data collection focus on institutional sponsored research competitiveness, administrative efficiency, productivity, and organizational practices. The resulting database includes a nationwide sample of academic and non-profit institutions, representing over 40% of total US academic research expenditures. Data are available to participating institutions using a Web-based reporting and analysis tool.