October 16, 2008

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In this issue:
• Grants 2.0 Status Update
• Research Revenues and Indirect Costs
• Ethics Orientation for Researchers

Grants 2.0 Status Update

The Research Services Office and Administrative Information Systems were striving for an implementation date of July 2008 for the Grants 2.0 project; however, by mid-May, it became apparent this could not be achieved due to timing and budgetary issues. It was further apparent in June that project risks were much greater than anticipated and the best course of action was to re-plan the Grants 2.0 project. These increased risks were primarily in three areas:

• size and complexity of data conversion;
• project resources, particularly business analysts; and,
• the best timeframe to implement during the year given work volumes and reporting requirements.

The Grants 2.0 project was temporarily placed on hold during summer to allow its leadership team to focus on re-planning. That re-planning is now complete. The Administrative Information Systems Steering Committee Executive gave its approval to continue the Grants 2.0 project to completion. The additional timeline required to deliver the project was based on recognition of a number of challenges, particularly conversion.

As a result of re-planning, the go live date for Grants 2.0 is now expected to occur in the spring of 2009. The extra time now built into the project schedule will ensure due diligence on all aspects of design, testing, conversion, training and production transition. While the extended project timeline means resources will be required on the project longer than originally envisioned, we believe the quality in the end result will justify this additional commitment on behalf of the University.

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Research Revenues and Indirect Costs

The planned system conversion for Grants 2.0 required that the University not post any research revenue in its accounting records. As well, RSO was not able to charge indirect costs against research awards. However, with the delay of Grants 2.0 implementation, RSO has reinstituted existing revenue recognition procedures retroactive to April 1, 2008 and will continue using those procedures for the remainder of Fiscal 2009. We have also processed all indirect cost charges retroactive to April 1, 2008. We anticipate that we will have all retroactive revenue and indirect cost charges entered into PeopleSoft by the end of October.

Ethics Orientation for Researchers

This information session is for current and potential researchers using humans or animals. Presented by Toni Bayans, University Veterinarian, and Lynn Penrod, Director, Human Research Protections, the session will provide practical, basic reference points and guidance - a "how to" in obtaining ethics certification. The session takes place on October 22, 2008 at 3 p.m. in Education 165.

Contacting RSO

Research FUNDamentals is RSO's research administration eNewsletter.
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Volume 4 Issue 4

Editor

Cindy Lieu
Communications Coordinator

Contributors

RSO Management Team

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www.rso.ualberta.ca
Research Services Office
Research Services Office | University of Alberta | 222 Campus Tower | Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1

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