Study on university research performance based on systems theory: systematic literature review

Abstract

This paper reports on the systematic literature (SLR) to synthesise research on university research performance using a systematic methodology. We carried out a rigorous screening process to obtain a final sample of 59 quality papers published in 33 journals. These studies have been reviewed with a systems theory-based perspective in organisations, without neglecting to review several matters relating to significant journal publications, active researchers, the most widely used methods, and the countries where they are located. Finally, we provide suggestions for further research on research performance, especially those related to the influencing input-process-output-productivity-outcome variables. This perspective provides an effective fit with the context of research performance measurement models in universities and helps to capture the full spectrum of research institutes in universities. Thus, a new challenge arises to develop a national performance evaluation model in higher education research institutions that is adapted to the policies and strategies of each country.