The intent in performing applied research is to further the knowledge base or solve a particular problem that is beneficial to society at large. Specifically in transportation research, project outcomes provide society with a safer, more efficient transportation infrastructure. The NCDOT has produced many successful and high value research projects through the Research & Development Unit (R&D). However, relating these successes to NCDOT research stakeholders can be cumbersome without a means to provide objective, accurate accounts of value added. In this study, a new cost benefit analysis methodology was developed to include both quantitative and qualitative benefits. Through a survey and interview process with key NCDOT Research Stakeholders, research success indicators were found to be: Active NCDOT Research Champion, Proposal Quality, Research Need Priority, Researcher Experience with NCDOT and Regular Communication from the PI. These success indicators were used as independent variables in conjunction with the categorical variables of highly successful, successful and moderately successful in an ordinal regression model to predict the probability of project success. This prediction model will assist in identifying potential high value projects. Additionally, a robust communication plan was developed and presented to communicate the value of the transportation research program.
