Expenditure by Source of Funds: Analyzing Research Funding Sources and Institutional Performance
The Expenditure by Source of Funds page on the NSF HERD Dashboard offers a detailed look at UTRGV’s research funding, breaking it down by various funding sources such as institutional funds, federal and state government contributions, and other external sources. This page provides an in-depth analysis of UTRGV’s research expenditures and compares them to the average spending within its quintile group, helping UTRGV identify areas of strength and opportunities for growth.
Key Variables and Comparison Metrics
- Institution Expenditure (Purple Bar):
- Represents the actual expenditure by UTRGV (or the selected institution) across different sources of funds. This data shows how much funding UTRGV received from each funding source for each fiscal year.
- Quintile Group Average (Green Bar):
- Shows the average expenditure for institutions within the same quintile as UTRGV for each funding source. Quintiles are groupings of institutions into five equal parts, each representing 20% of data based on research expenditure levels.
- Comparing UTRGV’s funding levels to the quintile average provides insights into how UTRGV’s funding stacks up against similar institutions, revealing if UTRGV is above or below average in specific funding categories.
Visualizations on the Dashboard
- Comparison Tornado Chart:
- This unique chart compares UTRGV’s expenditure (purple bars) to the quintile group average (green bars) for each funding source. By looking at the difference between these bars, users can identify where UTRGV is performing above or below its peer average for each type of funding.
- This visualization highlights areas where UTRGV excels, such as possibly receiving more funds from federal or institutional sources than its peers, as well as areas that may need improvement to reach or exceed the quintile average.
- Yearly Expenditure Trend by Source of Funds (Line Chart):
- This line chart displays UTRGV’s funding patterns over multiple years for each source of funds, such as federal government, state and local government, nonprofit organizations, business, and institutional funds.
- Each line represents a funding source, allowing users to see how funding levels have fluctuated over time. For example, if federal funding shows a steady increase while nonprofit funding remains flat, it indicates where UTRGV’s research funding is growing and where it might seek additional resources.
- This historical view helps UTRGV understand long-term trends, evaluate the success of past funding efforts, and guide strategic decisions to strengthen or diversify funding sources.
How to Use the Expenditure by Source of Funds Page for Strategic Insights
The Expenditure by Source of Funds page is designed to help UTRGV analyze its funding profile in comparison to similar institutions, offering insights into funding strengths and potential gaps:
- Benchmark Funding Levels: By comparing each funding source to the quintile group average, UTRGV can identify areas where it is leading or lagging behind similar institutions, helping to inform future funding strategies.
- Identify Growth Opportunities: The tornado chart highlights specific sources where UTRGV may be able to increase funding, such as attracting more federal or nonprofit support if these areas are below the quintile average.
- Analyze Funding Trends Over Time: The line chart shows how each funding source has evolved over the years, helping UTRGV recognize which funding areas are stable, growing, or declining. This view is valuable for setting future goals and ensuring sustainable research growth.
Purpose of the Expenditure by Source of Funds for UTRGV’s Research Goals
This page is a powerful tool for understanding UTRGV’s funding landscape, enabling the institution to make data-driven decisions regarding its research funding strategy. By benchmarking against peer institutions and analyzing long-term funding trends, UTRGV can:
- Strengthen Competitive Positioning: Identifying areas where it exceeds the quintile average can help UTRGV build on its strengths and highlight successful funding strategies.
- Address Funding Gaps: Areas where UTRGV is below the average provide opportunities to seek additional funding or develop targeted initiatives to increase support in underfunded areas.
- Inform Strategic Planning: By understanding how funding sources impact its research activities, UTRGV can better align its research priorities with available funding, ensuring it is well-positioned for growth and progress toward higher Carnegie classifications.
The Expenditure by Source of Funds page offers UTRGV a clear, comparative view of its research funding, enabling it to enhance its funding strategy and achieve its long-term research and institutional goals.