Institutional Initiatives for the 1996 RAE

abstract

This article reports the findings of a survey of higher education (HE) institutions encompassing a range of initiatives undertaken with respect to the 1996 research assessment exercise (RAE). Such an analysis is pertinent given the recommendations of the Dearing Report relating to research selectivity in the context of institutional funding. The questionnaire sought to analyse the level at which policies were formulated and the personnel concerned with design and implementation; the reward/motivation and research ‘start‐up’ techniques promoted; strategies concerning submissions and institutional devices to optimise success; and internal funding policies. In addition to examining the response rate, the difference between the 1992‐96 institutional average weighted rating was correlated against each individual question enabling the statistical testing of those strategies that had a tangible influence upon performance. Principal findings include: the formulation of a strategy was crucial, although the personnel assigned to its implementation was inconsequential; the motivation and development techniques of promotion and early retirement proved especially successful; ‘unfocused’ submission of research output and amalgamation of staff into single assessment categories was detrimental; the allocation of resources favoured the option of zero funding, whilst distribution of any monies to previously highly rated departments was injurious.