CUT Annual Report 2009

esearch, and to allow established researchers to publish
work in pro gress. These articles are all peer-reviewed to
expose researchers to this process. An in-house peer review
approach is followed, with the main emphasis on improving
the quality of the article, building self-confidence in the art
of publication writing, and mastering the necessary skills
and techniques in that regard. The table below shows the
progress made thus far with publications in Interim, up until
the second edition of 2009 (Vol. 8, No. 2):
Progress with scientific writing
in Interim
Category
Numbers
Number of editions 15
Number of authors 293
Number of papers 170
Number of student contributions 35
Number of external research partners
co-authoring articles
37
Number of published papers in
accredited journals
31
Closer analysis of this data reveals that fifteen editions
of Interim in eight years are sufficient evidence that this
model is in high demand and that staff, students and
external research partners are eager to participate in this
initiative. It should also be noted that of the total number
of 293 authors, about 12 % were students and 13 %
were external research partners. Approximately 12 % of
the papers were co-authored by students. The participation
of students must be understood within the context that
many of the senior students are members of the CUT staff
establishment. Although this is a journal directed at the CUT
community, a number of these papers are co-authored by
external partners (as supervisors, research associates, etc.)
as part of the joint research venture. This is interpreted as a
positive association with the University’s research and the
capacity development driven by this journal.
Another objective of the journal, namely preparation for
accredited articles, is also on course. Almost 11 % of
Interim articles have already been published in accredited
journals. It should be noted that in such cases, the article
is often not in the exact same form as that published in
Interim, but rather a revised, combined or multi-authored
article.
External research funding
External research funding is not only supportive of
institutional research activities, but also serve as benchmark
and quality for research. Postgraduate student completion
rates and published research articles based on the completed
studies will grow the research outputs to the desired norm
within the next three to five years.
31