A Web-Based Approach for Monitoring Scientific Research Projects: The Experience of OSTIM Technical University

This study introduces the OSTIM Project Tracking System (OPTIS), developed within the scope of the OSTIM Technical University Scientific Research Projects (BAP) program, and evaluates data related to its design, implementation, and pilot application processes. The system is built on a Full-Stack architecture using Microsoft SQL Server, ASP.NET Core Web API, and Angular technologies, and is structured according to SOLID principles and the Onion Architecture model. OPTIS is designed to digitize and centralize the management of both internal university BAP projects and national/international competition-oriented R&D project applications conducted through the Technology Transfer Office (TTO). The pilot application demonstrated significant efficiency gains for academics, students, reviewers, and committee members in project application, reviewer assignment, meeting management, material/budget tracking, and reporting processes. Key results include a 25% reduction in administrative time, prevention of duplicate material purchases through inventory integration, and digital archiving of project outputs. This study contributes to the literature by presenting a context-specific, institution-specific web-based project management solution and discussing its potential as a model for other higher education institutions in Türkiye. Keywords: Project Tracking System, BAP, University, Software Development, R&D Management, Web Application, Full-Stack Architecture REFERENCES Baykal, E., Bayraktar, O., Divrik, B., Aşçı, MS., Öz, S., (2023). Boosting life satisfaction through psychological Capital in the Presence of job security: A case study of Türkiye, Sustainability, MDPI, 15(18), 13627. Bellah, J., Chen, L., & Zimmer, C. (2018). Design and implementation of web-based project tracking system. International Journal of Computer Applications, 158–170. Börner, K., Conlon, M., Corson-Rikert, J., & Ding, Y. (2012). VIVO: A semantic approach to scholarly networking and discovery (Synthesis Lectures on the Semantic Web: Theory and Technology). Bradshaw, S. (2018). Electronic research administration (ERA): An institutional procurement study Yüksek lisans tezi, Johns Hopkins University. Johns Hopkins University Repository. Carr-Wiggin, M., Rothfus, M., Barrett, A., & Bourne-Tyson, D. (2019). Implementing a Current Research Information System (CRIS) in Canada. Proceedings of the IATUL Conferences. https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/iatul/2019/value/3 Clements, A. (2015). Is a Current Research Information System (CRIS) a critical corporate system for HEIs? A case study from the University of St Andrews. The International Organisation for Research Information, 1–3. Corson-Rikert, J., Conlon, M., Ding, Y., & Börner, K. (2012). VIVO: A semantic approach to scholarly networking and discovery. Synthesis Lectures on the Semantic Web: Theory and Technology, 1–117. Jeffery, K., & Asserson, A. (2010). CERIF–CRIS for the European e-infrastructure. Data Science Journal, 1–6. Kerridge, S. (2012). Reflections on research management and administration (RMA) in UK universities and in particular on electronic research administration (ERA) and its perceived effect on the quality and quantity of research. University of Sunderland. Kuali Research. (2021). Kuali research proposal budget user & training guide, case study: Enhancing transparency in subaward management. Colorado State University. Öz, S., Dindarik, N., Duman, F., (2019). Schumpeteryan Girişimcilik ve 21. Yüzyıl Girişimcilik Yaklaşımları: Y Kuşağı Girişimcileri Üzerine Nitel Bir Araştırma, OPUS, 13, pp. 1056-1091 Öz, S., (2020). Genel Teknoloji ve Dijital Dönüşüm Teorisine Giriş, A Chapte in the book, “Teknolojik ve Dijital Dönüşüm”, Ankara, Nobel, pp. 269-292. Özkan Alakaş, E., Kagitci Candan, S., Topal, B., & Atabey Bölük, A. (2025). The mediating role of organizational culture in the effect of businesses' Industry 4.0 awareness on innovation: An application on OSTİM OIZ clusters. Strategic Change, 69–88. Palavesm, K., & Joorel, J. (2022). IRINS: Implementing a research information management system in Indian higher education institutions. Procedia Computer Science, 238–245. Pinto, C., Simoes, C., & Amaral, L. (2014). CERIF – Is the standard helping to improve CRIS?. Procedia Computer Science, 1–6. Schöpfel, J., Prost, H., & Rebouillat, V. (2017). Research data in current research information systems. Procedia Computer Science, 305–320. Suriya Kumari, J., & Rajeswari, R. (2019). Project tracking and management system. International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer Science, 120–126. Topal, B., Alakaş Özkan, E., & Atabey, A. (2023). Dijitalleşmenin stratejik yönetim perspektifinde değerlendirilmesi. PressAcademia Procedia, 245–246. Topal, B., & Maksüdünov, A. (2025). Teknoloji transfer ofislerinde olgunluk düzeyi analizi: OSTİMTech TTO deneyiminin Kırgızistan’a aktarılabilirliği. Pamukkale İşletme Araştırmaları Exchange