Enhance Research Productivity Research Articles

Development of human capital in Kazakhstan’s higher education institutions: financial investments, faculty qualifications, and research output (2018–2022)

This study examines the development of human capital in higher education institutions (HEIs) in Kazakhstan from 2018 to 2022, focusing on financial investments, infrastructure support, faculty qualifications, research output, and student outcomes. Utilizing comprehensive data from official sources, the analysis reveals significant growth in financial commitment to higher education, with substantial increases in expenditures, revenues, and investments in educational infrastructure. The data indicate a diverse and increasingly qualified faculty, though gender imbalances persist at senior academic levels. Research output, as measured by publications indexed in Scopus, has shown consistent growth, reflecting enhanced research productivity. Student performance metrics, including graduation rates and employment outcomes, highlight the effective preparation of graduates for the job market, with rising average salaries and employment rates. Innovation activities within HEIs, such as patent applications and trademark registrations, demonstrate a dynamic but variable landscape. The study identifies key areas for improvement, including the need for sustained investment, policies promoting gender equality in academia, and support for innovation activities. The findings underscore the importance of aligning educational programs with market needs to further improve graduate employability. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers and educational leaders to enhance the quality and competitiveness of higher education in Kazakhstan, contributing to the country’s socio-economic development.

Educational research on medical residency programs in Chile: a scoping review and analysis of the impact of the new accreditation policy

BackgroundAccrediting medical specialties programs are expected to influence and standardize training program quality, align curriculum with population needs, and improve learning environments. Despite global agreement on its necessity, methods vary widely. In the Chilean context, a recent new accreditation criteria includes research productivity in relation to educational research on resident programs, so we aimed to define it. What is the profile of publications in educational research produced by Chilean medical specialty residency programs in the last five years? Based on these results, we intend to analyze the potential impact of the new accreditation policy on medical specialty programs in Chile.MethodsWe performed a preliminary bibliometric search to identify the use of the term “resident” in literature. After that, we conducted a literature search, using a six-step approach to scoping reviews, including the appraisal of the methodological quality of the articles.ResultsBetween 2019 and 2023, an average of 6.2 articles were published yearly (19%). The bibliometric analysis revealed that the dominant thematic area of the journals was clinical, accounting for 78.1%. Most articles focused on residents (84.38%), with only two articles including graduates as participants. One university was responsible for 62.50% of the articles and participated in all multicenter studies (9.38%). Surgical specialties produced 15 research articles focused on procedural training using simulation. Psychiatry was the second most productive specialty, with 5 articles (15.63%) covering standardized patients, well-being, and mental health assessment. The most frequent research focus within residency programs over the five-year period was teaching and learning methodologies, with 19 articles representing almost 60% of the total analyzed.ConclusionsResearch on medical education in Chile’s postgraduate residency programs is limited, with most studies concentrated in a few universities. The new accreditation criteria emphasize educational research, posing challenges for many institutions to meet higher standards. Understanding unexplored areas in educational research and learning from successful programs can enhance research productivity and align efforts with accreditation expectations. Continuous evaluation and new research on residents’ satisfaction, skills acquisition, and well-being are needed to ensure training quality and accountability.

Integrating data analytics in academic institutions: enhancing research productivity and institutional efficiency

This review paper explores the strategic integration of data analytics within academic institutions, focusing on its potential to enhance research productivity and institutional efficiency. As higher education faces growing demands for improved outcomes and accountability, data analytics emerges as a critical tool for informed decision-making, resource optimization, and academic excellence. The paper begins by examining the role of data analytics in driving research insights, predictive planning, and collaboration, ultimately improving publication metrics and research impact. It then delves into how data analytics can streamline administrative processes, enhance student outcomes, and optimize resource management. The paper also addresses the significant challenges and barriers to integration, including concerns over data privacy, technical and organizational hurdles, and financial constraints. Finally, the paper offers recommendations for future directions, emphasizing strategic integration, capacity building, fostering a data-driven culture, and leveraging emerging technologies like AI and real-time data processing. These insights provide a comprehensive framework for academic institutions aiming to harness the power of data analytics to advance their research and operational goals.

A theory of change evaluation of doctoral admission methods: A case study of a Chinese university

In response to China's incentive for "connotative development" in doctoral education, universities are actively fostering creative and innovative PhD candidates with enhanced research productivity and superior educational quality. A Chinese university, aligning with this objective, has initiated significant reforms in its doctoral admission methods, introducing a new type of student and altering the proportion of existing ones. Recognizing the complexity and uncertainty inherent in the doctoral admission process, this theory-based study employs a Theory of Change framework to systematically evaluate the immediate, intermediate, and long-term outcomes of this university's interventions. It assesses the transformative impact of these changes by integrating secondary data with qualitative insights, including focus group discussions with twelve students and semi-structured interviews with three supervisors. The study reveals that while this university has made substantial progress in achieving short-term goals, these reforms have not uniformly benefited all student categories, presenting distinct challenges and opportunities for stakeholders. Consequently, it advocates for diversifying the student composition and emphasizes inclusive pedagogical strategies to facilitate high-quality doctoral education. Importantly, this research extends beyond this university, promoting a balanced mix of student profiles and a holistic approach to shaping effective policies and practices within doctoral admission, essential for navigating global competition.

Abstract 926: Adaptive universal platform for real-world observational studies (AUPROS): An emerging model for clinical, epidemiologic, and precision oncology research

Abstract Background: Adaptive Universal Platform for Real-world Observational Studies (AUPROS) is an emerging study design and platform for the generation of real-world evidence (RWE) particularly in malignancies with rare molecular aberrations. Here, we evaluate the efficiency of AUPROS as an innovative model for real-world observational studies in oncology. Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods study to evaluate three AUPROS studies at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre either locally or as a part of national and international collaborations: 1) METAL (Molecular Epidemiology of ThorAcic Lesions; n=11,378), 2) THANKS (Translational Head And NecK Study; n=3,506), and 3) CARMA (Canadian Cancers with Rare Molecular Alterations; NCT04151342; n=3,879). Specifically, we reviewed data collected, study elements, protocol language, coordination, institutional review boards (IRBs), and contracts. We also performed stakeholder-directed survey and discussions, analysis of funding, research output, and collaborations, as well as a Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats (SWOT) analysis. Results: AUPROS is an innovative study design that borrows design elements from master protocol trials, adaptive trials, and master observational trials as well as retrospective and ambispective designs, enabling comprehensive data collection. The universality of AUPROS allowed for multi-purpose analyses of various real-world data (RWD) including epidemiological, clinical, patient-reported outcomes, biospecimens, and imaging data. The adaptive nature created opportunities for multi-source funding (e.g., academic, pharmaceutical, philanthropic, among others), as well as national/international collaborations and involvement in consortia (e.g., ILCCO, TCGA, BEACON, and INHANCE). Additionally, AUPROS has allowed the development of an expanding national RWE platform that involves collaborations among medical and radiation oncologists and surgeons across different tumor sites. As assessed by research output analyses, AUPROS provided a platform for enhanced research productivity in different areas and utilizing various data sources (METAL=130; THANKS=31; CARMA=5 publications). Our survey and SWOT analysis identified several cost and operational benefits of AUPROS over conventional observational studies, as well as several challenges pertinent to ethics approvals, sustainability, complex coordination, and data quality. Conclusions: AUPROS is an innovative model for real-world observational studies with significant logistical and methodological benefits over conventional RWD study designs. Our findings may help broaden the use of AUPROS to address emerging needs in the scope of precision oncology and clinico-epidemiological research. Citation Format: Samir H. Barghout, Stavroula Raptis, Luna Jia Zhan, Faisal Al-Agha, M Catherine Brown, Devalben Patel, Geoffrey Liu. Adaptive universal platform for real-world observational studies (AUPROS): An emerging model for clinical, epidemiologic, and precision oncology research [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 926.

Congenital heart disease research landscape in the Arab world: a 25-year bibliometric review.

While research on congenital heart disease has been extensively conducted worldwide, comprehensive studies from developing countries and the Arab world remain scarce. This study aims to perform a bibliometric review of research on congenital heart disease in the Arab world from 1997 to 2022. We analyzed data from the Web of Science, encompassing various aspects such as topics, countries, research output, citations, authors, collaborations, and affiliations. This comprehensive science mapping analysis was done using the R statistical software's Bibliometrix Package. The research output from Arab countries over the 25 years showed an average annual growth rate of 11.5%. However, Arab countries exhibited lower research productivity than the United States and Europe, with a 24-fold difference. There was substantial variation in research output among 22 Arab countries, with five countries contributing to 78% of the total publications. Most of the published research was clinical, with limited innovative contributions and a preference for regional journals. High-income Arab countries displayed higher research productivity and citation rates than their low-income developing counterparts. Despite being categorized as upper-middle-income, post-conflict countries exhibited low research productivity. About one-quarter of the published articles (26%) resulted from collaborative efforts among multiple countries, with the United States being the most frequent collaborator. Enhanced research productivity and impact output were strongly associated with increased international cooperation. Research productivity in the Arab region closely correlates with a country's GDP. Success hinges on governmental support, funding, international collaboration, and a clear research vision. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, educational institutions, and governments to strengthen research programs and nurture a research culture.

Organisational Factors as Predictors of Research Productivity: Evidence from Selected Universities in Uganda

The pivotal role that research play in knowledge generation within higher education institutions has attracted the attention of many scholars. These have mainly looked at ways of improving research productivity in such institutions. In this study, the aim was to examine whether organisational variables in Bean’s model jointly predict research productivity of a PhD-holding academic staff member in a university in Uganda. The organisational variables were university research emphasis, university reputation, university size, university affluence, and university autonomy. Employing a positivist approach and using a predictive, cross-sectional survey design, 217 PhD-holding academic staff members from three universities in Uganda, namely, Bishop Stuart University, Makerere University, and Uganda Christian University provided data by completing SAQs. We tested the study hypotheses using both Pearson’s linear correlation and standard multiple linear regression. Both bivariate and multivariate results indicated that there was no significant prediction between research productivity and the organisational variables. We concluded that the organisational variables in Bean’s model do not jointly significantly positively predict research productivity of a PhD-holding academic staff. Because the prediction of research productivity by most of the organisational variables individually were not statistically significant, we recommend that university administrators address these factors in unison to enhance research productivity of their PhD-holding academic staff

Design and Implementation of Research Incentive Mechanisms in Private Universities based on Performance Assessment

This study explores the design, implementation, and evaluation of a research incentive mechanism in private universities. Private higher education institutions often face unique challenges in promoting research and innovation due to resource constraints and competition with public counterparts. The research incentive mechanism is designed to enhance research productivity, motivate faculty members, and cultivate a vibrant research culture. The implementation phase includes a pilot program, continuous monitoring, and feedback mechanisms, while assessment methods encompass quantitative and qualitative measures. Challenges are addressed through flexibility and fairness, and lessons learned inform future recommendations. A well-structured incentive mechanism has the potential to transform private universities into centers of research excellence, contributing to academic advancement and innovation.

Study on the Relationship between Research Incentive Mechanisms and Research Outcome Commercialization in Private Higher Education Institutions

This research delves into the intricate relationship between research incentive mechanisms and the commercialization of research outcomes in private higher education institutions (PHEIs). Private higher education institutions have emerged as key players in the global academic landscape, and understanding their strategies for motivating research activities and translating them into real-world applications is paramount. Our study investigates the impact of various research incentive mechanisms, including financial incentives and academic recognition, on research productivity within PHEIs. Through a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys, interviews, and document analysis, we uncover the nuances of these mechanisms and their influence on faculty members, researchers, and administrators. Furthermore, we assess the effectiveness of technology transfer offices (TTOs) in facilitating the commercialization of research outcomes. TTOs serve as critical intermediaries, bridging the gap between academia and industry. We analyze their performance, challenges, and potential strategies for improvement. Case studies from private colleges offer valuable insights into the practical aspects of research outcomes commercialization. These real-world examples highlight the strategies employed and the impact on regional economic development and societal progress. Our research contributes to a comprehensive understanding of how PHEIs harness research incentives to enhance research productivity and drive successful commercialization outcomes. This knowledge is pivotal for policymakers, institutional leaders, and researchers aiming to maximize the impact of research conducted within private higher education institutions.

Research promotion strategies to enhance research productivity in Tanzanian higher educational institutions

AbstractThere are low levels of research productivity among higher education institutions (HEIs) in Africa, which will likely compromise the continent's development agenda if not addressed. This study intends to develop a research framework to create a strategic roadmap that leverages leadership perspectives to foster a thriving research culture and contribute meaningfully to Tanzania's growth and development. We conducted a qualitative study involving higher education policy makers, senior university officials and academic staff from four sampled universities and two non‐university institutions that regulate Tanzania's higher education sector. The secondary data sources supported us in assessing the current state of research in Tanzanian HEI and the way forward. A thematic analysis revealed seven themes: research governance; capacity development strategy; reinforcement strategy; collaboration, networking and teamwork; establishment of research centres; dissemination strategy; and institutionalisation of research activities that can increase research productivity in the Tanzanian HEI context. This research adds to the literature on HEIs by identifying contextual strategy that can enhance research promotion in Tanzania and guide other African countries. In today's global information economy, research production is critical to the viability of HEIs and national development. This research aims to equip HEI leaders with a customised framework to help them direct their institutions towards research excellence and innovation.Context and implicationsRationale for this studyTanzania recognises the pivotal role of research in achieving socioeconomic objectives. The research productivity of higher education institutions (HEIs) is crucial in addressing local issues and fulfilling national agenda.Why the new findings matterThe findings reveal novel strategies for promoting research and how institutionalising them will enhance research engagement and productivity.ImplicationsThe research framework acts as a strategic guide for HEI policy makers that informs on how to encourage faculty and scholars and generate a better research output. The study shows how HEIs can institutionalise research, making it a part of its culture and mindset. The study has implications for the authorities and government bodies also, as the research productivity has a socio‐economic impact on national development.

Promoting diversity in neurosurgery through a virtual symposium.

The rates of women and underrepresented racial and ethnic minority (UREM) students successfully matching into neurosurgical residency are extremely low and do not reflect the makeup of the general population. As of 2019, only 17.5% of neurosurgical residents in the United States were women, 4.95% were Black or African American, and 7.2% were Hispanic or Latinx. Earlier recruitment of UREM students will help to diversify the neurosurgical workforce. Therefore, the authors developed a virtual educational event for undergraduate students entitled "Future Leaders in Neurosurgery Symposium for Underrepresented Students'' (FLNSUS). The primary objectives of the FLNSUS were to expose attendees to 1) neurosurgeons from diverse gender, racial, and ethnic backgrounds; 2) neurosurgical research; 3) opportunities for neurosurgical mentorship; and 4) information about life as a neurosurgeon. The authors hypothesized that the FLNSUS would increase student self-confidence, provide exposure to the specialty, and reduce perceived barriers to a neurosurgical career. To measure the change in participant perceptions of neurosurgery, pre- and postsymposium surveys were administered to attendees. Of the 269 participants who completed the presymposium survey, 250 participated in the virtual event and 124 completed the postsymposium survey. Paired pre- and postsurvey responses were used for analysis, yielding a response rate of 46%. To assess the impact of participant perceptions of neurosurgery as a field, pre- and postsurvey responses to questions were compared. The change in response was analyzed, and a nonparametric sign test was performed to check for significant differences. According to the sign test, applicants showed increased familiarity with the field (p < 0.001), increased confidence in their abilities to become neurosurgeons (p = 0.014), and increased exposure to neurosurgeons from diverse gender, racial, and ethnic backgrounds (p < 0.001 for all categories). These results reflect a significant improvement in student perceptions of neurosurgery and suggest that symposiums like the FLNSUS may promote further diversification of the field. The authors anticipate that events promoting diversity in neurosurgery will lead to a more equitable workforce that will ultimately translate to enhanced research productivity, cultural humility, and patient-centered care in neurosurgery.

Barriers to Conducting and Publishing Scientific Research Among Nursing Faculty Members in Saudi Arabia.

Publication in highly indexed journals is a complicated process that requires research skills, including writing, conceptualizing, and communication skills, to appropriately verbalize the findings. The current study assessed the barriers faced by nursing faculty at Saudi universities in conducting scientific research and publishing in highly indexed journals. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study. Data were collected through convenience sampling by sending an online questionnaire to faculty members at Saudi universities. The questionnaire consisted of two parts: the first part for the demographic characteristics of staff and another part for the barriers associated with conducting scientific research and the publication process in highly indexed journals. The data was analyzed by SPSS using descriptive statistics as frequencies and percentages and inferential statistics using Chi Square test. The study included 152 participants, mainly female (70.4%) aged 30-40 years (73.7%). Most were non-Saudi (90.1%), attended government universities (82.9%), and specialized in Medical & Surgical Nursing (29.6%). Only 3.9% received publishing training, whereas 55.9% had been published in indexed journals. Barriers included difficulties following guidelines, lack of research-writing knowledge, language challenges, and financial constraints. Gender, age, university, qualifications, and training courses influenced these barriers. The identified barriers included lack of training, language-related challenges, and work pressures. This study emphasizes the importance of providing support, resources, and training opportunities to overcome these barriers and enhance research productivity in the nursing field.

Key Performance Indicators (KPI) for Researchers at Different Levels &amp; Strategies to Achieve it

Purpose: Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) serve as essential tools for academic researchers across various stages of their careers, from PhD research level to the post-doctorate research level, and even for research supervisors. These quantitative and qualitative metrics play a pivotal role in guiding and evaluating research endeavours, fostering accountability, and enhancing the overall quality and impact of academic work. KPIs play a critical role in shaping the trajectory of academic researchers' careers. They provide a structured way to measure and enhance research productivity, impact, and collaboration, thereby contributing to the advancement of knowledge and the overall enrichment of the academic community. It is academically interesting to know KPTs for PhD scholars’ level, post-doctorate scholars level, and research supervisors level. Methodology/Approach: The exploratory research method is adopted to analyze, compare, evaluate, interpret, and create KPIs at different academic research levels. The information is collected from scholarly articles using listed keywords with the help of search engines like Google.com, Google scholar, Organizational websites, and AI machines like ChatGPT and Bard. Using this relevant information, KPIs at different research levels are obtained. These KPIs at different academic research levels are further analysed using ABCD analysis framework. Findings/Result: Many KPIs are identified and listed at PhD scholars’ level, post-doctorate scholars level, and research supervisors level. Using ABCD analysis framework, these KPIs are analysed and evaluated. It is believed that the identified KPIs systematically in this research are going to be guiding policies for academic researchers at PhD scholars level, post-doctorate scholars level, and research supervisors level. Originality/Value: For the first time, the key performance indicators (KPIs) are identified systematically and presented using exploratory research method. It is believed that like in business organizations of other industries, these key indicators are expected to be guiding principles to enhance the academic research productivity of higher education and research institutions at PhD scholars level, post-doctorate scholars level, and research supervisors level. Type of Paper: Explorative Policy Research.

"Paper in a day": A model to encourage psychology collaboration and participation in research/program evaluation.

Although psychologists are trained to conduct research as well as clinical work, it can be challenging for psychologists outside of traditional academia to find the time or capacity to engage in research. Providing opportunities for practicing psychologists to conduct research may enhance the generalizability of psychological research, as well as provide benefits to psychologists in terms of collaboration, promotion, and engagement. Yet, several barriers exist, including competing demands on time, lack of institutional support, and limited research confidence. This article describes "Paper in a Day" (PiaD), a novel approach to research engagement that is well-suited for busy practitioners. PiaD considers many of the aforementioned factors and provides a method to navigate the often-daunting prospect of research involvement for the practicing clinician. Through PiaD, two Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Centers engaged clinicians and trainees in collaborating in a time-limited way to write and publish peer-reviewed articles. The current article outlines the process by which clinicians at these two sites structured research engagement utilizing PiaD, and it was also written utilizing the PiaD model. The authors have now led or participated in the PiaD process five times, with 13 teams of clinicians producing nine peer-reviewed articles and five conference presentations. A brief survey indicated that participants felt engaged in the process and would participate again if given the opportunity. This article outlines barriers and facilitators of the PiaD process, with the hope of encouraging other settings to consider using such a method to enhance research productivity and engagement for psychologists. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Peer-Led Team Learning: A Strategy to Enhance Research Productivity and Competence

Research productivity and competence of teachers play a critical role in promoting evidence-based teaching practices and enhancing the quality of education. Hence, this study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Peer-Led Team Learning (PLTL) in enhancing teachers’ research productivity and competence. A purposive sampling technique was used to select the 110 teacher participants and the pre-experimental research design was utilized. Statistical treatment such as frequencies, percentages, and weighted mean were used to determine research productivity and teachers' competence. Results revealed that more than 98% (108) out of 110 teacher participants had completed their studies, and teachers possess a high level of competence in action research (AR). Competence about context and rationale (60.91%), proposed innovation, intervention, strategy (67.27%), action research questions (56.36%), action research methods (60.00%), results and discussion (54.55%), and work plan (64.55%) are all in a high level of competence. About 44.54% (49) out of 110 teacher participants were in a moderate level of competence, and almost 2% still in a low level of AR competence. The research output is the best indicator and the most concrete manifestation that the teachers are capable and competent in writing and conducting AR. Completed AR output is a positive determinant of the teachers' knowledge and skills in action research. Likewise, PLTL is an effective strategy for enhancing teachers' competence in AR. Recommended that (1) AR competency-enhancement training through Action Research Kumustahan, Assessment, and Technical Assistance (AR-KATA) program be conducted in schools; (2) District-organized and school-based research activities utilizing PLTL strategy be implemented and sustained; and (3) Seminars, training, and development research work-related experience and accomplishments of the teachers be included as one of the criteria in selecting and hiring of teachers.

Symmetrical and Asymmetrical Modeling: Applying Vitae Researchers’ Development Framework through the Lens of Web 2.0 Technologies for Vocational-Health Education Researchers

Background and Purpose: The development of research knowledge, skills, and attitudes among postgraduate vocational-health education students is a crucial outcome of their degree program. This study focuses on the research competences of vocational-health education students and their use of web 2.0 technologies to enhance research productivity. The study employs the Vitae Researcher Development Framework (RDF) and examines the use of web 2.0 technologies. Method: The study surveyed 390 postgraduate vocational-health education students enrolled in universities in Pakistan. Of the participants, 50.5% were male, 49.5% were female, 45.1% were from private universities, and 54.9% were from public sector universities. Moreover, 68.2% were Master’s students, while 31.8% were doctoral students. The data were analyzed through both symmetrical and asymmetrical modeling techniques, including Partial least square equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA), to measure the direct and indirect specific relationships among the constructs. Results: The results confirmed that research competences and web 2.0 technologies have a direct effect on research productivity. Furthermore, the results revealed that web 2.0 technologies mediate in the relationship between research competences and research productivity. Conclusions: The study concludes that research competences and web 2.0 technologies predict research productivity. Additionally, web 2.0 technologies have an intervening role in the relationship between research competences and research productivity during the COVID-19 pandemic emergency. Implications: This study highlights the broader implications for health education policymakers and institutions to include web 2.0 technologies in their development plans. Future studies can develop web 2.0-based instructional strategies for the professional development of advanced vocational-health education researchers. Originality: This study contributes to the knowledge of research competences, web 2.0 technologies, and research productivity for vocational-health education researchers.

The Role of Virtual Libraries in Enhancing Research Efficiency in the Post-COVID-19 Era

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruptions in the way research is conducted, with many researchers experiencing difficulties accessing physical libraries due to lockdowns and social distancing measures. Virtual libraries have emerged as an innovative solution to address this challenge, providing researchers with access to vast digital resources remotely. This study explores the role of virtual libraries in enhancing research efficiency in the post-COVID-19 era. The study adopts a qualitative approach, using interviews and surveys to collect data from researchers and librarians. The findings suggest that virtual libraries have significantly enhanced research efficiency by providing easy and convenient access to resources, facilitating collaboration, and supporting data management. The study recommends that institutions invest in virtual library infrastructure to enhance research productivity and efficiency.

Psychological capital as predictor of research productivity of librarians in public university libraries in North-East, Nigeria

Research productivity is one of the most important yardsticks for career progression of librarians in Nigerian university libraries. Despite its importance as a major requirement, literature have established a low level of research productivity among librarians in Nigerian university libraries. Psychological capital is crucial to enhancing research productivity of academics. However, there is a dearth of literature in relation to research productivity of librarians. Hence, this study examined psychological capital as predictor of research productivity of librarians in public university libraries in North-East, Nigeria. The study adopted survey research design. The population of this study comprised 361 librarians in public university libraries in North-East, Nigeria. A sample size of 190 respondents was determined using Taro Yamane’s formula. Stratified sampling technique was used the select respondents. A structured and validated questionnaire was used to collect data. A response rate of 79% was achieved. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that, psychological capital (R2 = 0.004, β = 0.061, t = 0.777, p &gt; 0.05) had no significant influence on research productivity of librarians in public university libraries in North-East, Nigeria, even though the level of psychological capital was high. The study concluded that, the level of research productivity and psychological capital of librarians were higher. Psychological capital did not predict their research productivity in this study. The study recommended that, Management of public university libraries in the North-East, Nigeria should encourage librarians to engage in writing and publishing journal articles, textbooks and other publications in order to further sustain and enhance their research productivity, Knowledge and relevance of psychological capital should be inculcated into research activities of librarians at all levels of training in order to enhance research productivity of librarians in Nigeria. Finally, university managements should provide adequate funds for librarians to attend conferences and workshops, especially in the area of research skills and research collaboration. This would enhance their research productivity and enable them to attract grants from funding agencies.

An Enhanced Research Productivity Monitoring System for Higher Education Institutions (HEI's) with Natural Language Processing (NLP)

The HEI in the Philippines is entrusted with three mandates by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED): teaching, research, and extension service. Among these mandates, research productivity plays a crucial role in fostering knowledge generation, production, and transfer within the community. However, monitoring research productivity has been a persistent challenge due to the diverse evaluation criteria set by local and international accrediting organizations, which directly impact an HEI's educational quality. This study has selected an academic institution and aims to 1) Design a system model as research data collection; 2) employ Natural Language Processing (NLP)-based techniques to facilitate the monitoring and retrieval of information on research productivity and 3) generate visualizations and analytics based on research data. The extensive review of relevant literature, visualization and analysis of the institution's research data were carried out in this study. NLP techniques was employed to enable mapping of the institution's research output to the government and organizations research agenda, facilitating the identification of emerging topics through clustering techniques and modeling. Systems evaluation through Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was gained 4.56 mean results from the respondent corresponding to “Strongly Agree” which indicates that system is able to assist in monitoring the institution's research productivity.

Exploring Consistency and Diversity in Research Designs: A Case of One University in Tanzania

The need for quality research outputs is clearly undeniable in any context that values quality knowledge production. This study examined consistency among epistemologies, theoretical perspectives, methodologies, and methods in students’ dissertations. It also aimed to assess the extent to which the dissertations employ a variety of research designs. The study used a sample of 154 students’ dissertations, which were thoroughly analysed. In addition, five supervisors and five graduate students from one university in Tanzania were interviewed to supplement data from documents. With regard to consistency, overall, findings indicate that students’ dissertations observed consistency in only two levels of methodology and methods, leaving epistemology and theoretical perspective unexploited. We also found an overreliance on qualitative (65.6 per cent) and mixed methods (24.7 per cent) research, with 59 per cent of dissertations using case study design. We argue that such an overreliance on one research design (case study) is a limiting factor for the production of a variety of forms of knowledge. Furthermore, it can also act as a barrier to enhancing research productivity as emphasised in policy documents. We recommend capacity-building programmes in the area of research methods (particularly on specific research designs) for academic staff and students.