You might take a look at Microsoft SharePoint.  It's limited in some ways, but permits people to post documents on a web based site.  You can grant permissions to users as they need them.  The latest version of a document is posted, with the ability to see who revised it last.  We are using it for the first time with a couple of our internal grants that require the applicant to submit to the site, chairs and deans to review and add their comments/evaluations, and then pass them on to our office (electronically) to forward to the review committee.  We spent the last 4 months designing the system.  So far so good.
kc

Ken W. Clark, Ph.D. C.R.A.
Director of Research & Sponsored Programs
Western Washington University
516 High Street
Bellingham, WA 98225-9038
voice: 360.650.4403
fax: 360.650.6811

-----Original Message-----
From: Research Administration List [mailto:xxxxxx@hrinet.org] On Behalf Of Nadler, Elsa
Sent: Wednesday, October 13, 2010 7:23 AM
To: xxxxxx@hrinet.org
Subject: Re: [RESADM-L] Pre-Award Grants Database and Facebook

Thanks Charlie...

As for Web-based collaborating systems, I have used some and find them awkward. When you have multiple people working on the same document, it becomes very confusing (even trying) to keep versions straight and determine which is the version you should be working on...and then you discover someone else is doing something at the same time. I find it doubles the work. All collaborative proposals need a "traffic cop" and proposal "manager" to orchestrate pieces and coordinate versions and editing.

As for funding announcements, I find that the most reliable, efficient and user-friendly system is the one with a person doing the disseminating. Too many faculty discard automated e-mails or don't pay close attention to them. But when I send directed announcements to a small list, I find I get a number of inquiries and replies (such as "we are going for this one" and "thanks"). I guess I could be considered a technology Luddite, but I find the personal touch and personal contact still is the best way to go.

Elsa

Elsa Nadler
419.530.6230

-----Original Message-----
From: Research Administration List [mailto:xxxxxx@hrinet.org] On Behalf Of Charlie Hathaway
Sent: Wednesday, October 13, 2010 10:07 AM
To: xxxxxx@hrinet.org
Subject: Re: [RESADM-L] Pre-Award Grants Database and Facebook

Can SOMEONE explain to me why Facebook offers some extra advantage in this area.  Could it simply be another way of TRYING to prevent people from ignoring email messages from their sponsored projects office?  And is Facebook use so common/universal that this would get things to everyone?
I think posting on (the) StallDoor.com might work better because virtually all faculty and staff use the restrooms.

CH

> Hi All:
>
> I have two questions that I would appreciate some feedback on:
>
>
> (1)  We are trying to automate our Pre-Award grants management process

> (to track internal approvals, disseminate funding announcements,
> create a shared forum for faculty to collaborate on proposals and to
> share draft documents back and forth, etc).  I am looking for a
> reliable and comprehensive web-based system for these pre-award
> functions.  I would like to demo some of the best programs on the
> market- does anyone have any suggestions?  To date, I have only
> reviewed InfoReady4Grants, a relatively new program that has its pros
and cons.
>
>
>
> (2)  Do any Pre-Award offices have a Facebook page?  If so, I would
> love to be invited to it, as we are considering developing one!
>
>
> THANKS
>
>
> Patrick W. Lynch
> Director, Office of Grant Programs
>
> Barry University
> Institutional Advancement
> 211 LaVoie Hall
> 11300 Northeast Second Avenue
> Miami Shores, FL 33161-6695
> phone: 305.899.3072
> fax: 305.899.3071
> www.barry.edu<http://www.barry.edu/>
> P please don't print this e-mail unless you really need to.
>
>
>
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======================================================================
 Instructions on how to use the RESADM-L Mailing List, including subscription information and a web-searchable archive, are available via our web site at http://www.hrinet.org (click on "Listserv Lists") ======================================================================

======================================================================
 Instructions on how to use the RESADM-L Mailing List, including  subscription information and a web-searchable archive, are available  via our web site at http://www.hrinet.org (click on "Listserv Lists") ======================================================================

======================================================================
 Instructions on how to use the RESADM-L Mailing List, including
 subscription information and a web-searchable archive, are available
 via our web site at http://www.hrinet.org (click on "Listserv Lists")
======================================================================