1. Current and Completed Research Projects Database (CCRPD) Advanced Search

2. 2 Current and Completed Research Project Database Introduction Nexus home-page Scope of databases Benefits of the Current and Completed Research Project Database (CCRPD) Search interfaces Navigation Basic search interface

3. 3 Nexus home-page

4. 4 Scope of databases Current and Completed Research Projects –This database includes South African dissertations and theses. It provides information on all fields of science since 1919. English titles are given for projects not in English. It also includes abstracts. A limited number of records contains links to the full-text. NRF Funded Projects –It contains NRF Funded Projects since 2000. This database contributes to knowledge generation for the support and promotion of research development. Forthcoming Conferences – databases Forthcoming Conferences – databases –It facilitates access to 10 international databases that announce forthcoming conferences. Professional Associations in South Africa –This database facilitates access to South African Professional Associations.

5. 5 Benefits of the CCRPD Facilitate access to bibliographic information on grey literature e.g. dissertations, theses and research projects Assist students with the –Identification of gaps in a research field –Consultation of similar studies to assist with research methodology –Identification of recommended research included in the theses or dissertations that provides opportunities for further investigations –Evaluation and analysis of completed studies in order to arrive at new solutions, policies, etc. (Literature reviews) Provide information to identify experts in a specific field of study Stimulate research in neglected areas Encourage networking and collaboration between researchers Facilitate research capacity development Facilitate informed decision making and strategic management

6. 6 Search interfaces Basic –It facilitates a quick method of searching with the use of indexes. Click on the HELP Button of the search screen to obtain detailed assistance on how to use the basic search screen. Advanced –The Advanced Search facilitates searching according to various fields including the defining of relationships between terms and phrases using Boolean and/or Proximity operators. The list box in front of each entry box allows you to select the search field in to which you would like to execute the search you have entered in the entry box. You are given three entry boxes in which to enter your search terms which you may combine with appropriate Boolean and/or Proximity operators. Click on the HELP Button of the Advanced search screen for assistance on how to use the interface. Professional –It is a command driven search interface. You can build your search line by line. Once you have built up your search, you can combine search lines with Boolean operators as illustrated in the saved search "NEXUS example 1". Click on the Recall Search Button and select NEXUS example 1 and click on the OK button.

7. 7 Navigation 1 2 3 1. Nexus databases 2. Navigation options within a specific database 3. Actions Click on Search and Display to execute your search and display the records retrieved Click on Update Hit Count to execute your search and review the results at the bottom of the screen By clicking on the New Search Button the system’s memory will be cleared of previous search results.

8. 8 Advanced Search Interface How to enter a search Search fields Boolean and Proximity operators Examples Hit Count Maximum number of records to display Display search results Report formats Limit your search Custom search Use of indexes

9. 9 Advanced Search Screen

10. 10 Search fields Boolean operator ADJ Field names

11. 11 Boolean operators Two search lines combined with OR operator Boolean operators list box

12. 12 Boolean operators

13. 13 Proximity operators

14. 14 Example 1

15. 15 Example 2

16. 16 Example 3

17. 17 Hit Count Your search results are displayed at this point by clicking on Update Hit Count in the action navigation line after you have entered your terms It will facilitate the refinement of your search strategy before displaying the search results You may also directly click on Search and Display action after you have entered your search topic.

18. 18 Display search results Display

19. 19 Display search results

20. 20 Display search results View specific record Click on title

21. 21 E-mail search results

22. 22 Report formats The system provides the following reports: Short report format Full report format More report – click on title (hyperlinks) Print friendly report E-mail report in plain text (ascii format) or html or pdf format It is important to select the records before you use the e- mail facility

23. 23 Limit your search Status of projects –All –Current –Completed Current projects: Year from Completed projects: Year from Subject codes –To limit a topic to a specific broad field, e.g. psychology, legal aspects, medical aspects Research categories –All –Masters studies –Doctoral studies –Non-degree research projects

24. 24 Example 4 Doctoral studies on “Transformation” at UNISA during 1994 until 2007 in the field of management.

25. 25 Example 5 Energy studies completed from 2000 until 2005

26. 26 Example 6 Masters study completed by “Sithole”

27. 27 Custom search This search line allows “command driven searching” by field names. Click on HELP next to search line to access the names of the fields and an example The INDEX next to the entry box facilitates browsing, selection and display of records within a particular index.

28. 28 Custom search – Example Field names Boolean operator Limited by Years

29. 29 List of Institution Codes

30. 30 Example 7 All projects from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology

31. 31 List of Subject Codes Click on “Agriculture” for sub-categories

32. 32 List of Subject Codes

33. 33 Searching by Subject Codes All “agriculture” research NB! *

34. 34 Searching by Subject Codes All “agricultural engineering” projects

35. 35 Help facilities General Help on each screen Context sensitive Help in front of search lines General HELP Context sensitive HELP

36. 36 Use of indexes

37. 37 Thank you http://www.nrf.ac.za/nexus nexus@nrf.ac.za