In a unique endeavor, Arba Minch University has launched Research Database in a meeting held at Video Conferencing Hall, Main Campus on October 9, 2017, in the presence of University top officials. Click here to see the pictures.

This breakthrough stands to reinvigorate research endeavor at AMU that will convincingly hurtle innovation in all directions thus enriching technical know-how to strengthen economy. It has five core digital components i.e. Research Project Information Management System, Journal System, Research Repository, Dataset Repository and Geographic Information System

Research Directorate Director, Dr Simon Shibru, admitted that his office has initiated the process that consumed seven months. Technical teams worked incessantly, advisory team offered valuable suggestions and Information Communication Technology Directorate has been monitoring entire activities and constantly was supplying required information and feedback.

On conceptualization, he said, we strained entire global universities for software and senior staff had brought precious experiences for such stupendous task. It’s standard that will retrieve, process and protect data. It has been a part of our strategic Plan, he quipped.

On apparent advantages, he said, it will enable compliance, retrieve and know projects are on tracks, those lagging, terminated, suspended; which institute/college has how many projects, budgetary status and we even can see summary by mere clicking of the mouse.

He informed that ICT was the technical source, while updating and feeding information have been executed by campus coordinators. And being a director, I check and monitor day-to-day’s activities. Soon a high-capacity server is likely to be installed to park data and assured that there will be no palpable threat of whatsoever about its sustainability.

Describing all of its digital components, he said, Research Project Management System (AMU-RPMS) will be used in organizing a research call, granting proposals and make information retrieval easy, etc. The Journal System (AMU-JS) will standardize procedures for manuscript handing and processing as we are asking for reputability.

He said the Institutional Repository System (AMU-IRS) will be linked to library system. It will allow access into library to browse through important outputs, articles and research data base. Dataset Repository System (AMU-DRS) will ensure huge digital space wherein myriad published, written and terminal reports will be parked. Youth can take the leaf and produce something worth to benefit AMU and nation as a whole.

Geographic Information System (AMU-GIS) will facilitate capturing, storing, checking, and displaying data related to positions on Earth's surface. By relating seemingly unrelated data, it can help individuals and organizations to have understood spatial patterns and relationships, he added. He attributed the credit of success to entire teams for successful launching of it.

Dr Damtew Darza in his closing remark, said, with the launch of research database, AMU has achieved a milestone. And this unique phenomenon will strengthen know-how that will open up new vistas of progress. It will undoubtedly reinvigorate research initiatives in university and give altogether new perspectives to the students and staff alike.

Information Communication Technology Directorate Director, Mr Daniel Tadesse, gave his perspective on the issues, while his team members explained about their participation; all AMU top officials and others were in attendance.

 

(Corporate Communication Directorate)