With the increasing use of information and communications technology (ICT), researchers are able to use
computer software tools to find, organise, manipulate, analyse, and share relevant information. However,
there are hundreds of such tools to select from, for various research-related uses. I have collected over
700 tools that can help researchers do their work efficiently. It is assembled as an interactive Web-based
mind map, titled Research Tools, which is updated periodically. Created using the MindMeister software
platform, Research Tools provides a convenient interface with zoom in/out, screen drag, and other userfriendly
features. Being a mind map, Research Tools consists of a hierarchical set of nodes. It has four main nodes: (1)
Searching the literature, (2) Writing a paper, (3) Targeting suitable journals, and (4) Enhancing visibility
and impact, and six auxiliary nodes. In the mind map, each parent node has several child nodes
associated with it, which can be accessed by clicking on the plus (+) sign. Several free tools can be found
in the child nodes. Some paid tools are also included. The four main nodes are described below, listing some tools as examples. In the mind map, a green tick
sign indicates my preference for some tools. Users can access the tools by clicking on the arrow sign that
appears next to the tool title.
Nader
Ale Ebrahim holds a PhD degree in Technology Management from the Department of
Engineering Design and Manufacture, Faculty of Engineering, University of
Malaya. He holds a Master of Science in the Mechanical Engineering from the
University of Tehran with distinguished honors. He also has over 19 years of
experience in the establishment of the R&D departments in different
companies, heading projects as the project director and project coordinator and
implementing knowledge based system in the R&D department. His current
research interest focuses on E-skills, Research Tools, Bibliometrics and
managing virtual NPD teams in SMEs’ R&D centers. His papers/articles have
published and presented in the several journals and conferences.
Writing a Paper
Searching the Literature
Targeting Suitable Journals
Enhancing Visibility and Impact
Auxiliary Nodes
6
m
Patents
6.6
k
Conferences
1.9
k
Events
3.3
k
Jobs
6.7
k
Notes
3.4
k
Authors
253
Publishers
2.7
k
Users
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