Performance-Based Research Fund Research Articles

Performance-Based Research Fund (PBRF): Policy and Practice

This article examines the first cycle of the PBRF exercise. It critiques the policy and describes the system used to reach judgements about the respective research performance of tertiary institutions. It includes a description of one institution's response to the system, including the provisions introduced to obtain formative benefit out of what is essentially a summative evaluation process. The article comments on some of the issues that underpin the system, such as the workload and stress for staff in institutions, the potential negative impact on teaching, the harmful effects of classifying new researchers as “research inactive”, and the high compliance costs for institutions in operating the system. It also questions the absence of any real long-term analysis of the benefits of the PBRF. However, despite these criticisms, the conclusion is reached that the PBRF has been carefully designed and includes many features which reflect well on the validity and reliability of the information provided.

Investing In Excellence? The Performance-based Research Fund And Its Implications For Political Science Departments In New Zealand

In future a portion of tertiary education funding in New Zealand will be progressively directed towards rewarding research performance. This will have implications for the management of departments and the reorientation of New Zealand universities. These implications are considered in this article, with special reference to the consequences for political science departments.