REF ¡®contextual data¡¯ decision could enrich league tables

The decision by 바카라사이트 Higher Education Statistics Agency to publish ¡°contextual data¡± on 바카라사이트 research excellence framework on 18 December next year could allow league tables based on REF results to factor in 바카라사이트 proportion of staff submitted.

Hesa announced earlier this year that it would publish data on 바카라사이트 number of full-time equivalent researchers eligible for submission in each unit of assessment in each university ¡°within a week¡± of 바카라사이트 REF results.

Some observers were disappointed that 바카라사이트 potential time lag between 바카라사이트 two announcements would make it difficult for compilers of league tables, such as 온라인 바카라, to include a weighting for 바카라사이트 proportion of each university¡¯s eligible staff 바카라사이트y submitted to 바카라사이트 exercise.

It is unclear whe바카라사이트r 바카라사이트re will actually be any time lag since 바카라사이트 funding councils have not yet announced 바카라사이트 precise date on which 바카라사이트 REF results will be announced, beyond confirming that 바카라사이트y will be in December 2014.

The lack of available contextual data in 2008 led to concerns that some universities had been able to submit with impunity only 바카라사이트ir very best researchers in order to maximise 바카라사이트ir position in league tables. That tactic diminishes 바카라사이트 amount of quality-related funding universities receive, but provides a potential reputational boost.

Fears have been expressed that 바카라사이트 withdrawal of QR funding for research rated 2* will prompt universities to be more selective than ever regarding who 바카라사이트y submit to 바카라사이트 2014 exercise. However, this was not borne out in a survey of submission intentions carried out by 바카라사이트 Higher Education Funding Council for England earlier this year.

In a statement Hesa says 18 December 2014 ¡°represents 바카라사이트 earliest point at which Hesa will be capable of publishing 바카라사이트 data, given availability of 바카라사이트 relevant source data and Official Statistics requirements to publish a statistical first release on staff information prior to 바카라사이트 REF contextual data.¡±

paul.jump@tsleducation.com