Research quality framework for universities and research institutions

The objective of this study was to develop a framework to perform research quality assessment of universities and research institutions operating in Mauritius. The methodology involved the use of both exploratory and descriptive research designs. The assessment of the national research status and review of literature on research quality frameworks (RQF) led to the identification of four main research quality dimensions and 16 new indicators relevant for Mauritius. The main contribution of the study is the development of a standard RQF with 42 indicators to assess research quality for Mauritian universities and research institutions. In addition to the RQF, a software for institutional research quality assessment and for associated policy decision making was developed. The use of the RQF was found to be a vital tool of national importance, for use by research institutions and higher education institutions (HEIs) in making strategic choices while pursuing their research agenda.