A fuzzy-enhanced multicriteria decision analysis model for evaluating university Academics' research output

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Uzoka, Faith-Michael E.

Affiliations: Information Systems Group, Department of Accounting and Finance, University of Botswana, Botswana. E-mail: uzokaf@mopipi.ub.bw, uzokafm@yahoo.com

Abstract: Research is crucial in universities' contribution to national and global development. A few models have been developed for the evaluation of research contributions of university academic staff, especially at inter-institutional levels. Most of the models have focused on number and quality of output as key determinants of research productivity. In this study, a fuzzy-enhanced multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) model is developed for the evaluation of research at the individual level. The model takes into consideration a number of structured and unstructured criteria, which were weighted by decision experts with a measure of confidence. The results show that the highest premiums are placed on type of publication (25.8%) and quality of publication (25.0%). Others are: specialization/research focus (14.6%), reputation of publisher (13.3%), authorship (11.4%), and place of publication (9.9%). The study also provides a multi-dimensional basis of analysis of peer research output for selection purposes.

Keywords: Research, evaluation, multi criteria, fuzzy, analytic hierarchy process, research productivity

Journal: Information Knowledge Systems Management, vol. 7, no. 3, pp. 273-299, 2008