Purpose

This paper aims to assess whether the current eResearch Knowledge Centre’s (eRKC) research support practices align with researchers’ requirements for achieving their research objectives. The study’s objectives were to assess the current eRKC research support services and to determine which are adequate and which are not in supporting the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) researchers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses interviews as part of the qualitative approach. The researcher chose to use interviews, as some aspects warranted further explanation during the interview. The interviews were scheduled using Zoom’s scheduling assistant. The interviews were semi-structured, guided by a flexible interview procedure and supplemented by follow-up questions, probes and comments. The research life cycle questions guided the interviews. The data obtained were coded and transcribed using MS Excel. The interview data were analysed, using NVivo, according to the themes identified in the research questions and aligned with the theory behind the study. Pre-determined codes were created in line with the six stages of the research life cycle and applied to group the data and extract meaning from each category. Interviewee responses were assigned to groups in line with the stages of the research life cycle.

Findings

The current eRKC research support services are aligned with the needs of HSRC researchers and highlight services that could be expanded or promoted more effectively to HSRC researchers. It proposes a new service, data analysis, and suggests that the eRKC could play a more prominent role in research impact, research data management and fostering collaboration with HSRC research divisions.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to assessing the eRKC’s support practices at the HSRC in Pretoria, South Africa. A more comprehensive study is needed for HSRC research services, capabilities and capacity.

Practical implications

Assessment of eRKC followed a comprehensive interviewee schedule that followed Raju and Schoombee’s research life cycle model.

Social implications

Zoom’s scheduling assistant may have generated Zoom fatigue and reduced productivity. Technical issues, losing time, communication gaps and distant time zones may have affected face-to-face interaction.

Originality/value

eRKC research support practices are rare in South Africa and most parts of the world. This study bridges the gap between theory and practice in assessing eRKC research support practices.

中文翻译：

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对南非比勒陀利亚人类科学研究理事会电子研究知识中心支持实践的定性评估

目的

本文旨在评估当前电子研究知识中心（eRKC）的研究支持实践是否符合研究人员实现其研究目标的要求。该研究的目的是评估当前的 eRKC 研究支持服务，并确定哪些服务足够，哪些不支持人类科学研究委员会 (HSRC) 研究人员。

设计/方法论/途径

本研究使用访谈作为定性方法的一部分。研究者选择采用访谈的方式，因为有些方面需要在访谈中进一步解释。采访是通过 Zoom 的日程安排助手安排的。访谈是半结构化的，以灵活的访谈程序为指导，并辅以后续问题、调查和评论。研究生命周期问题引导了访谈。使用 MS Excel 对获得的数据进行编码和转录。根据研究问题中确定的主题并与研究背后的理论保持一致，使用 NVivo 对访谈数据进行了分析。根据研究生命周期的六个阶段创建预先确定的代码，并应用于对数据进行分组并从每个类别中提取含义。受访者的回答根据研究生命周期的阶段分配到不同的组。

发现

目前的 eRKC 研究支持服务符合 HSRC 研究人员的需求，并强调可以更有效地向 HSRC 研究人员扩展或推广的服务。它提出了一项新服务——数据分析，并建议 eRKC 可以在研究影响、研究数据管理和促进与 HSRC 研究部门的合作方面发挥更突出的作用。

研究局限性/影响

本研究仅限于评估 eRKC 在南非比勒陀利亚 HSRC 的支持实践。需要对 HSRC 的研究服务、能力和能力进行更全面的研究。

实际影响

eRKC 的评估遵循全面的受访者时间表，该时间表遵循 Raju 和 Schoombee 的研究生命周期模型。

社会影响

Zoom 的日程安排助理可能会导致 Zoom 疲劳并降低工作效率。技术问题、时间损失、沟通差距和遥远的时区可能会影响面对面的互动。

原创性/价值

eRKC 研究支持实践在南非和世界大部分地区都很罕见。这项研究弥合了评估 eRKC 研究支持实践的理论与实践之间的差距。