University Rankings: Proposal for a Future Research Agenda through a Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to develop a proposal for a future research agenda on university rankings, based on a systematic review of the existing literature, ith emphasis on the following criteria: objectives, countries, types, variables, methodologies, and future lines of research. The analysis of university rankings revealed a need to review evaluation methodologies and reflect on their consequences for educational policies and the strategic management of higher education institutions. The PRISMA method was used to map the literature available on the Scopus database. The findings were systematized to promote a broad understanding by the reader: (i) drawing up a table that condenses the results of this review; (ii) categorizing the objectives identified in the articles; (iii) surveying the number of studies by country; (iv) categorizing the methodologies employed; (v) developing a figure of the categories of variables associated with rankings; and (vi) compiling a table that brings together the recommendations for future research suggested by scholars in the field. As a result, this research not only goes into great detail on issues related to university rankings, but also establishes a path for future research, constituting a robust foundation for educational managers, policymakers, and academics interested in the subject.