The Capstone project is the opportunity to synthesize what you have learned in AGM and apply it to a real-world example. You will select one of six potential case studies to respond to using the skills and knowledge gained in the program. Projects are submitted as recorded presentations. A panel of your fellow AGM participants, Duke Research Administration community members, and OERAF instructors will evaluate your presentation. The panel will assess your ability to identify the problems outlined in your case study and how well you devised a response to said issues. You will also be evaluated based on presentation organization, ability to clearly engage and communicate your message, and quality of your response.
The first step in completing the Capstone project is to select and submit your case study topic via the learning plan in the LMS. The following are the current case study topics:
Case Study 1:
Summary
A major federal sponsor is auditing Duke. The auditor's sample includes several projects in your department. You will have to navigate the process of researching transactions, identify relevant individuals who may have information, and provide documentation to support the audit response. You will be required to counsel faculty, research staff, and others on the significance of the audit, proper communication strategies, and ensure adherence to Duke's management plan for the audit.
Review the complete case study 1 description.
Case Study 2
Summary
Researchers are experts in their field; however, their education often needs to include how research administration intersects with the research itself. You're put in charge of an orientation program for junior faculty unfamiliar with research administration, the role of research administrators in the research process, administrative responsibilities they will have as a PI on a project, and the importance of institutional consistency to research administration. You will work to identify important topics, possible misunderstandings, and institutional processes that will benefit this group while navigating the relationships and power dynamics between faculty and research administrators.
Case Study 3
Summary
Duke has assigned you to lead a new team created to manage a portfolio of industry-sponsored clinical research. Team members vary from new to research administration and others with significant experience. Some are new to the university, new to your unit, and experienced Duke employees. Duke created the team in response to needed improvements in managing patient-care charges and accounts receivable. The new group also focuses on improving relationships and establishing procedural connections with the clinical staff working on these projects. You must navigate these complexities to ensure the team achieves these goals.
Review the complete case study 3 description.
Case Study 4
Summary
A departmental post-award administrator unexpectedly inherits a new group of NIH (National Institutes of Health) sponsored projects. There are questions about project costing related to allowability, allocability, and reasonableness, as well as the overall categorization of costs. In addition to compliance concerns, there are interpersonal challenges regarding the supervisor's behavior and a lack of communication.
Review the complete case study 4 description.
Case Study 5
Summary
This is a post-award management scenario from the perspective of a central office involving a well-respected grant manager and a high-profile PI. Issues include how to approach the costing concerns, timelines around closeout, and the interpersonal dynamics between the department, the grant manager, and the PI. Compliance concerns around routine purchases and the allocation of costs across a portfolio of projects only become apparent at closeout.
Review the complete case study 5 description.
Case Study 6
Summary
A sponsor has invited the PI you support to submit a multi-million-dollar project on a time-sensitive program announcement related to a significant federal-wide initiative supporting a recent virus outbreak in several locations worldwide. The announcement and instructions are late, limiting the preparation time. It requires Duke to work with multiple collaborating institutions, and several units are involved across Duke. The announcement stipulates funds for four or more independent projects plus a sizable budget for managing the interdisciplinary grant. Duke research development will be assisting.
Additionally, a freak snowstorm shuts down the eastern seaboard resulting in all staff working remotely. Everyone has unstable internet connectivity that impacts the ability to stay connected to the Duke VPN and the proposal submission system. The complexities of the weather are proving to be a challenge.
Review the complete case study 6 description.
A rubric is available to assist participants as they create the capstone submission.
Additional guidance and technical support is provided during the program.
Also, OERAF offers optional open Office Hours sessions for people to ask questions or seek technical assistance with their capstone. The current dates are incorporated into the AGM schedule for each cohort.