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Constructing a multi-objective measure of research performance

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  • P. S. Nagpaul
  • Santanu Roy

    (National Institute of Science Technology and Development Studies Pusa)

Abstract

This paper focuses on the dichotomy between the multifaceted and multidimensional nature of contemporary R&D activity and unidimensional approaches to the measurement of its performance. While publications in refereed journals and citations are the most preferred indicators of research performance, there are also other indicators such as chapters in edited books, research reports, patents, algorithms, prototypes and designs, etc., which cannot be overlooked. Even when multiple indicators are used, they are used in isolation with the result that one gets only partial views of a multidimensional manifold. Here, a major problem is how to construct a composite measure of research performance, without assigning arbitrary weights to different measures of research output. This problem is particularly important for cross-institutional and cross-national comparisons of research performance. In this paper we have demonstrated the feasibility of constructing a multi-objective measure of research performance using Partial Order Scoring (POSCOR) algorithm developed by Hunya (1976). The algorithm is briefly described and applied to the empirical data on research outputs of 1460 research units in different socio-cultural, institutional and disciplinary settings. The potentialities and limitations of using POSCOR algorithm in scientometric analysis are briefly discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • P. S. Nagpaul & Santanu Roy, 2003. "Constructing a multi-objective measure of research performance," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 56(3), pages 383-402, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:scient:v:56:y:2003:i:3:d:10.1023_a:1022382904996
    DOI: 10.1023/A:1022382904996
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Johnes, Geraint & Johnes, Jill, 1993. "Measuring the Research Performance of UK Economics Departments: An Application of Data Envelopment Analysis," Oxford Economic Papers, Oxford University Press, vol. 45(2), pages 332-347, April.
    2. Keeney,Ralph L. & Raiffa,Howard, 1993. "Decisions with Multiple Objectives," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521438834.
    3. Bhargava, Mukesh & Dubelaar, Chris & Ramaswami, Sridhar, 1994. "Reconciling diverse measures of performance : A conceptual framework and test of a methodology," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 31(2-3), pages 235-246.
    4. Roy, Bernard, 1990. "Decision-aid and decision-making," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 45(2-3), pages 324-331, April.
    5. Weber, Martin & Borcherding, Katrin, 1993. "Behavioral influences on weight judgments in multiattribute decision making," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 67(1), pages 1-12, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Schubert, Torben, 2009. "Empirical observations on New Public Management to increase efficiency in public research--Boon or bane?," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 38(8), pages 1225-1234, October.
    2. Fiorenzo Franceschini & Domenico Maisano, 2012. "Publication and patent analysis of European researchers in the field of production technology and manufacturing systems," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 93(1), pages 89-100, October.

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