Performance evaluation of university rankings : literature review and guidelines for future research

The evaluations of the quality of universities through rankings emerge as an alternative to guide decision making. Thus, this research aims to analyse the characteristics of international scientific publications that address the literature fragment of evaluating the performance of university rankings, in order to generate knowledge to identify gaps and then point out possibilities for future contributions in this area of expertise. For such purpose, this qualitative study selected the ProKnow-C tool for selection of literature and reflection of the established characteristics. From the formation of the bibliographic portfolio which consists of 27 articles, the following results were identified, scientometrics was the most receptive to this topic; 64 authors; and the metaphysical epistemological basis as the one that most informed the evaluation of the rankings; the development of generic rankings; the use of indicators with easily accessible data; focus on the use past data; comparing institutions size and distinct characteristics.