WOLF - Warwick OnLine FP14a

FP14a PROCESS FOR INTERNAL APPROVAL OF RESEARCH PROPOSALS HAS CHANGED

Research Support Services has introduced a new electronic approval process named 'WOLF' (Warwick OnLine FP14a) for all research proposal applications. The new process is an electronic equivalent to completing the paper FP14a that is no longer in place.

Research Operations has designed a seamless process whereby a proposal is developed using the Proposal Development module within the Warwick eRA Portal followed by electronic FP14a department approval via 'WOLF'.

An outline of the standard electronic process that has replaced the paper FP14a form is as follows:

  1. A record of the proposal is created on the Warwick eRA portal and will include basic project details, a full economic costing and upload of any supporting documentation.

  2. Upon completion of the above the WOLF process is then initiated by RSS. First the PI is emailed to request approval of the proposal for submission to the funder. The email will contain a link to a web interface known as the Reviewer Dashboard where details of the proposal can be viewed and the approval decision can be recorded. Once the PI has provided their approval a similar request is sent to the Department Administrator who will provide approval of the costing. If approved by the Department Administrator, the Head of Department is then emailed. Once the proposal has approval from the Department Administrator and Head of Department, RSS are automatically informed that approval is in place, upon which RSS will then submit the proposal to the funder. Please note that this is a standard route example, most departments will have a unique routing schedule, please see Online FP14a - Routes.

  3. If submission of the proposal is disapproved at any stage the WOLF process stops. RSS and the PI will be informed by email that the submission has been disapproved. If this occurs, the PI should contact RSS to review the proposal and discuss any alterations that may be required. Once any necessary changes to the proposal have been made RSS will initiate the WOLF process again.

NOTE: Emails requesting approval of a research project will in some instances appear in a user's Junk Mail folder. This is due to an issue with Microsoft spam filters and unfortunately IT Services are unable to resolve the problem. If you experience this issue it is possible to prevent future emails going to junk mail by opening the email, select the 'Actions' menu, then 'Junk E-mail' and 'Add Sender to Safe Senders List'.

To facilitate the smooth transition from the current paper-based FP14a all academic departments have been consulted on the new process. Routes have been designed to meet individual department/faculty requirements. Department routing information can be found within Online FP14a - Routes. Academics should contact their department administrator if they are unsure of how the process affects them.

Please note that the following departments are still in the development stages of introducing the new process and therefore completion of the paper FP14a remains in place.

  • Warwick Business School

 

If you still have a question that may not have been covered by the above please visit out FAQ's section.

 

'WOLF' is one element in a number of key developments RSS are implementing as part of its business process improvement programme.

The key benefits of using WOLF:

  • Faster sign off of FP14a
  • Ability to approve off campus
  • Improved management information - Research Dashboard updated faster
  • Reduction in paperwork
  • Electronic record includes all info/docs necessary to support decision process
  • Support for 5 year planning

User Guides - how to approve a proposal online

Questions? e-mail Research Operations

Forum - post your comments or questions

 

Project Team Contacts

Carole Harris - Team Leader - 75733
Simon Jones - Project Officer - 50203