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An evaluation of metrics used by the Performance-based Research Fund process in New Zealand

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  • Robert A. Buckle
  • John Creedy

Abstract

The New Zealand Performance-based Research Fund applies a set of metrics to assess researchers and rank disciplines and universities. The process involves giving a total weighted score (based on three components) to individuals and then assigning them to one of four Quality Categories (QCs), used to derive Average Quality Scores (AQS). This paper evaluates the properties of these metrics and argues that QC thresholds influence the final distribution of scores. The paper also demonstrates that the derivation of AQSs depends on the weights assigned to each QC and the distribution of portfolios. The method used to determine raw scores also has an independent effect on the distribution of scores. The paper compares how research rankings of New Zealand universities would vary if alternative summary measures, based on the total weighted scores rather than QCs, were used to evaluate performance.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert A. Buckle & John Creedy, 2019. "An evaluation of metrics used by the Performance-based Research Fund process in New Zealand," New Zealand Economic Papers, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 53(3), pages 270-287, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:nzecpp:v:53:y:2019:i:3:p:270-287
    DOI: 10.1080/00779954.2018.1480054
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Robert A. Buckle & John Creedy, 2019. "The evolution of research quality in New Zealand universities as measured by the performance-based research fund process," New Zealand Economic Papers, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 53(2), pages 144-165, May.
    2. Perc, Matjaž, 2010. "Zipf’s law and log-normal distributions in measures of scientific output across fields and institutions: 40 years of Slovenia’s research as an example," Journal of Informetrics, Elsevier, vol. 4(3), pages 358-364.
    3. James J. Heckman & Michael Sattinger, 2015. "Introduction to The Distribution of Earnings and of Individual Output, by A.D. Roy," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 0(583), pages 378-402, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Robert A. Buckle & John Creedy & Ashley Ball, 2021. "Fifteen Years of a PBRFS in New Zealand: Incentives and Outcomes," Australian Economic Review, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, vol. 54(2), pages 208-230, June.
    2. Robert A. Buckle & John Creedy & Norman Gemmell, 2022. "Sources of convergence and divergence in university research quality: evidence from the performance-based research funding system in New Zealand," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 127(6), pages 3021-3047, June.
    3. Buckle, Robert A. & Creedy, John & Ball, Ashley, 2020. "A Schumpeterian Gale: Using Longitudinal Data to Evaluate Responses to Performance-Based Research Funding Systems," Working Paper Series 9447, Victoria University of Wellington, Chair in Public Finance.
    4. Robert A. Buckle & John Creedy & Norman Gemmell, 2020. "Is external research assessment associated with convergence or divergence of research quality across universities and disciplines? Evidence from the PBRF process in New Zealand," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 52(36), pages 3919-3932, July.
    5. Robert A. Buckle & John Creedy, 2022. "Methods to evaluate institutional responses to performance‐based research funding systems," Australian Economic Papers, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 61(3), pages 615-634, September.
    6. Robert A. Buckle and John Creedy, 2018. "The Impact on Research Quality of Performance-Based Funding: The Case of New Zealand’s PBRF Scheme," Agenda - A Journal of Policy Analysis and Reform, Australian National University, College of Business and Economics, School of Economics, vol. 24(1), pages 25-48.
    7. Robert A. Buckle and John Creedy, 2018. "The Impact on Research Quality of Performance-Based Funding: The Case of New Zealand’s PBRF Scheme," Agenda - A Journal of Policy Analysis and Reform, Australian National University, College of Business and Economics, School of Economics, vol. 24(1), pages 25-48.
    8. Buckle, Robert A & Creedy, John, 2022. "The Performance Based Research Fund in NZ: Taking Stock and Looking Forward," Working Paper Series 21354, Victoria University of Wellington, Chair in Public Finance.
    9. Robert A. Buckle & John Creedy & Norman Gemmell, 2022. "Sources of convergence and divergence in university research quality: evidence from the performance-based research funding system in New Zealand," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 127(6), pages 3021-3047, June.
    10. Robert A. Buckle & John Creedy & Ashley Ball, 2021. "Fifteen Years of a PBRFS in New Zealand: Incentives and Outcomes," Australian Economic Review, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, vol. 54(2), pages 208-230, June.

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