Challenges with measures used for assessing research impact in higher education institutions

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dc.contributor.authorMfengu, Andiswa
dc.contributor.authorRaju, Jaya
dc.date.accessioned2024-10-01T13:40:42Z
dc.date.available2024-10-01T13:40:42Z
dc.date.issued2024
dc.description.abstractInternationally, there has been a push for the prioritisation of research impact beyond its scholarly contribution. Traditionally, research impact assessments have focused on academic impact and quantitative measures, at the expense of researchers for whom research impact cannot be quantified. Bibliometric indicators and other quantitative measures are still the most widely used method for evaluating research impact because these measures are easy to use and provide a quick solution for evaluators. Conversely, metric indicators fail to capture important dimensions of high-quality research. Hence, in this study, we explored challenges with metric indicators. We adopted a case study of the University of Cape Town and used document analysis, a questionnaire survey to collect data from academics and researchers, as well as semi-structured interviews with a sample of academic and research staff. The findings highlight common challenges with quantitative measures, such as bias and discipline coverage, and the ability of measures to drive researchers’ behaviour in another direction. We propose the adoption of responsible research metrics and assessment in South African higher education institutions for more inclusive and equitable research impact assessments. Significance: • The study highlights the importance of understanding the challenges and influence of current measures used for assessing research impact in higher education institutions. • There is a need for higher education leaders, policymakers and funders to advocate and support responsible metrics. • Higher education leaders, funders and policymakers need to collaborate at the national level to initiate and support research assessment reform.
dc.identifier.apacitationMfengu, A., & Raju, J. (2024). Challenges with measures used for assessing research impact in higher education institutions. <i>South African Journal of Science</i>, 120(7/8), 1-6. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/40556en_ZA
dc.identifier.chicagocitationMfengu, Andiswa, and Jaya Raju "Challenges with measures used for assessing research impact in higher education institutions." <i>South African Journal of Science</i> 120, 7/8. (2024): 1-6. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/40556en_ZA
dc.identifier.citationMfengu, A. & Raju, J. 2024. Challenges with measures used for assessing research impact in higher education institutions. <i>South African Journal of Science.</i> 120(7/8):1-6. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/40556en_ZA
dc.identifier.issn1996-7489
dc.identifier.ris TY - Journal Article AU - Mfengu, Andiswa AU - Raju, Jaya AB - Internationally, there has been a push for the prioritisation of research impact beyond its scholarly contribution. Traditionally, research impact assessments have focused on academic impact and quantitative measures, at the expense of researchers for whom research impact cannot be quantified. Bibliometric indicators and other quantitative measures are still the most widely used method for evaluating research impact because these measures are easy to use and provide a quick solution for evaluators. Conversely, metric indicators fail to capture important dimensions of high-quality research. Hence, in this study, we explored challenges with metric indicators. We adopted a case study of the University of Cape Town and used document analysis, a questionnaire survey to collect data from academics and researchers, as well as semi-structured interviews with a sample of academic and research staff. The findings highlight common challenges with quantitative measures, such as bias and discipline coverage, and the ability of measures to drive researchers’ behaviour in another direction. We propose the adoption of responsible research metrics and assessment in South African higher education institutions for more inclusive and equitable research impact assessments. Significance: • The study highlights the importance of understanding the challenges and influence of current measures used for assessing research impact in higher education institutions. • There is a need for higher education leaders, policymakers and funders to advocate and support responsible metrics. • Higher education leaders, funders and policymakers need to collaborate at the national level to initiate and support research assessment reform. DA - 2024 DB - OpenUCT DP - University of Cape Town IS - 7/8 J1 - South African Journal of Science KW - research impact KW - research assessment KW - higher education KW - impact LK - https://open.uct.ac.za PY - 2024 SM - 1996-7489 T1 - Challenges with measures used for assessing research impact in higher education institutions TI - Challenges with measures used for assessing research impact in higher education institutions UR - http://hdl.handle.net/11427/40556 ER - en_ZA
dc.identifier.urihttps://dx.doi.org/10.17159/sajs.2024/14934
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/11427/40556
dc.identifier.vancouvercitationMfengu A, Raju J. Challenges with measures used for assessing research impact in higher education institutions. South African Journal of Science. 2024;120(7/8):1-6. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/40556.en_ZA
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisher.departmentLibrary and Information Studies Centre (LISC)
dc.publisher.facultyFaculty of Humanities
dc.sourceSouth African Journal of Science
dc.source.journalissue7/8
dc.source.journalvolume120
dc.source.pagination1-6
dc.subjectresearch impact
dc.subjectresearch assessment
dc.subjecthigher education
dc.subjectimpact
dc.titleChallenges with measures used for assessing research impact in higher education institutions
dc.typeJournal Article
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