Research challenges: issues in the management of research projects

Earlier work published in this journal has highlighted problems in the management of nursing research, including tensions between nurse managers and researchers. Building on this earlier work the challenges posed by research in the volatile organizational context of the British National Health Service (NHS) are discussed in relation to two areas: the early stages of establishing a research project, and defining the roles and responsibilities of those involved in the research. It is argued that many of the problems which hinder the successful completion of research can be traced back to the early stages of establishing the project, including a lack of clarity about its aims, purpose and objectives. Such problems are compounded by the lack of attention given to the task of defining the respective roles and responsibilities of manager and researcher, as well as of others in a research team. It is concluded that one of the major tasks for research and development in the current climate of the NHS is to find ways of dealing with such challenges which promote increased understanding between manager and researcher. Ways in which this might be achieved are suggested.