Electronic research administration: managing a valuable resource.

Millions of dollars are spent each year to support research activities in academic health centers (AHCs). Managed care and the Balanced Budget Act have made it even more critical that these dollars be carefully managed. Information technology provides the essential tool for overseeing the grant administration and procurement process. To achieve greater fiscal responsibility and better management of research funds. AHCs must use this technology to develop comprehensive electronic research administration (ERA) systems. The author describes the essential steps involved in creating an ERA system. She also discusses systems already in place at AHCs and the various approaches their developers have taken to design and implement them.