Determinants of academic research quality: The case at three Ethiopian public universities

Abstract

The study investigated determinants of academic research quality employing a mix of quantitative and qualitative approach. Data were collected from three Ethiopian public universities using a questionnaire and interview guide questions. The results have shown that research results’ quality, research process/researching quality, and research groundedness quality were highly valued as determinants of academic research quality. The results signify that proper interplay of the three guarantees rightfully situating research undertakings, and ascertaining pragmatic soundness of the process to produce quality results relevant to policies and practices. It is, therefore, desirable to put in place systemic installation of ensuring proper research planning, implementation, and reporting by guaranteeing all inclusive quality; going beyond the quantitative-driven research reports, publications, and citations; putting in place epistemic reflexivity, pragmatic soundness, research relevance and effectiveness; and guaranteeing usability and applicability of the study results in a real world setting.