Streamlining Research and Statistical Practices

Minton and Fruend's 1977 article on organizing statistical activities on campuses of higher education institutions still has relevance more than 35 years later.  The authors describe the wide variety of disciples available to study on college campuses, and they note that almost all of these disciples use statistics in their research.  Statisticial research is important for all functions of the university, including teaching, research, and service (Minton & Fruend, 1977),

Minton & Fruend (1977) suggest several modes for streamlining research and statistical practices are presented.  The suggested mode is to create a "Statistics Center, Department, or Institute" (p. 116), which involves the creation of a centralized department to conduct all statistical activities across disciplines.  This department would have responsibility for teaching, research, and consulting to departments.  Minton & Fruend (1977) state this would streamline the statistical processes and save resources and funding.

The University of Memphis has an Office of Institutional Research that provides data on many functions of the University (University of Memphis, 2011).  However, the do not have the primary responsibility for teaching across disciplines.  Perhaps if more colleges and universities could consider Minton and Fruend's (1977) model, they could save funding and streamline processes in this area.  This model of streamlining should could also be applied to other areas of colleges and universities when efficiency and effectiveness are desired.



References
Minton, P. D. & Freund, R. J. (1977).  Organization for the conduct of statistical activities in colleges and universities.  The American Statistician, 31(3), 113-117.  Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/pdfplus/2682956.pdf?acceptTC=true

The University of Memphis (2011).  Office of Institutional Research: Turning Data into Information.  Retrieved from http://oir.memphis.edu/