Transport-Links is intended to act as a 'shop window' for the KaR transport research programme. Exhibiting the projects in this way has three purposes:

• The web site forms a public demonstration of the scope and aims of research being undertaken by DFID in the transport field.
• Transport professionals, as well as other professionals working in development, can follow the progress of research and see at a glance how the KaR programme is organised and run.
• Facilities provided by the web site enable collaborators around the world, working together on a project, to be in contact with each other. The web site acts as a focal point for correspondence between collaborators.

The organisational structure of the Research area of this web site in meeting the above requirements is as follows.

1. A general description of the KaR project, including its overall budget and a current progress report, is placed in the public domain on an open web page. (Confidential information can be withheld at the discretion of the Project Manager).

2. The Project Manager has control over information placed on the web site in the name of his project (subject to technical or policy limitations or similar that may be imposed by the web master). It is his responsibility to see that his project area is kept up to date and, if possible, made lively and interesting. Additionally the project manager is responsible for vetting the information in his project area, to ensure that the content is correct and does not contain material which is contrary to DFID policy or offensive in any manner. If there is any doubt over the suitability of material then DFID should be consulted.

3. Each project contains a private area accessible only by password. This area is intended for use by the research team and its associated Research Partners as a discussion forum and post box for material relating to the project. Thus, the core team can keep in close contact with its collaborators and the collaborators, no matter where they are, are made to feel part of the team. Documents or ideas for discussion arising out of private correspondence can be placed on the public area by the Project Manager as he sees fit. Issuing of passwords is under the control of the web master, though the Project Manager will also know the passwords used by his team.

4. Each project also has its own public email service where comments from outsiders can be submitted to the project. Messages are forwarded to the Project Manager for processing.

Procedure to be followed by Project Managers in acquiring a project area

1. Notify the web master that you wish to open a new research project area by contacting webmaster@transport-links.org. He will provide you with a Project Manager's password that gives access to a blank project page, and instructions for running and editing the project area.

2. Notify the web master of the names and email addresses of team members and any Research Partners who are to be given access to the Partners' area. You will be given a password for each of these individuals, for you to pass on to them.

3. Place the project information on the web site.

4. Send username and password to each member of the research team.

5. Inform DFID and all members of the team that the area is live and ready for use interactively.