Project management of life-science research projects: project characteristics, challenges and training needs.
Thirty-four project managers of life-science research projects were interviewed to investigate the characteristics of their projects, the challenges they faced and their training requirements. A set of ten discriminating parameters were identified based on four project categories: contract research, development, discovery and call-based projects--projects set up to address research questions defined in a call for proposals. The major challenges these project managers are faced with relate to project members, leadership without authority and a lack of commitment from the respective organization. Two-thirds of the project managers indicated that they would be interested in receiving additional training, mostly on people-oriented, soft skills. The training programs that are currently on offer, however, do not meet their needs.
Leiden/Amsterdam Center for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC, Leiden, The Netherlands. beukers@chem.leidenuniv.nl
Margot W
MW
Beukers
D000288:Administrative Personnel / Q000193:education* / Q000592:standards; D001690:Biological Science Disciplines / Q000458:organization & administration*; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D005062:European Union; D007318:Inservice Training / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007857:Leadership; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D012107:Research Design / Q000592:standards