Interdisciplinary Thematic Research at Addis Ababa University: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the prevailing challenges and opportunities in conducting interdisciplinary thematic research at Addis Ababa University. To this end, qualitative research design was employed. The case study method was used since it helps to generate in-depth information from highly appropriate and relatively small number of respondents. The primary sources of data were two research experts from the Office of the Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer, two directors, five college deans selected by using purposeful sampling technique, two senior professors selected by using snow-ball sampling technique, and 30 instructors and ten graduate students selected by using availability sampling technique. The secondary sources of data were relevant policy documents, AAU Senate Legislation, AAU Research Manual and guidelines. Semi-structured interview guide was used to generate in-depth information from the research experts, directors, college deans and professors whereas open-ended questionnaire was employed to elicit the required information from instructors and graduate students. In addition, a document review was used to critically analyze relevant documents. Biases and validity threats were controlled by using triangulation and member checks. The data were qualitatively analyzed, and tick descriptions were used to illuminate the findings. The results indicated that the major challenges faced in conducting interdisciplinary research at Addis Ababa University included: lack of adequate time management skills and tight financial regulations and inadequate incentives. In addition, participants believed that doing interdisciplinary thematic research had the following opportunities: it enhanced research skills of the researchers, promoted the development of team spirit among research team members, and contributed to the development of problem-solving skills of the researchers. From the findings, it could be safely concluded that despite the prevailing challenges, interdisciplinary thematic research was effective at Addis Ababa University because a number of academic staff and graduate students are increasingly engaged in thematic research projects. Finally, based on the findings and the conclusion, certain implications are suggested