What metrics improve your research team's productivity?

1 Align metrics with objectives

The first step is to define the objectives of your research project and align them with the metrics that can capture your progress and outcomes. For example, if your objective is to produce novel and impactful publications, you may use metrics such as citation counts, h-index, or altmetrics. If your objective is to develop innovative solutions or products, you may use metrics such as patents, prototypes, or customer feedback. If your objective is to generate social or environmental benefits, you may use metrics such as policy influence, stakeholder engagement, or sustainability indicators.

2 Balance quantity and quality

The second step is to balance the quantity and quality of your research outputs and outcomes. While quantity metrics can reflect the volume and efficiency of your research activities, they may not capture the relevance, rigor, or originality of your research contributions. Quality metrics can address these aspects, but they may also be subjective, time-consuming, or difficult to compare. Therefore, you should use a combination of quantitative and qualitative metrics that can provide a comprehensive and balanced assessment of your research team's productivity.

3 Use SMART criteria

The third step is to use SMART criteria to select and apply your research metrics. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This means that your metrics should be clear, precise, realistic, aligned with your objectives, and have a defined timeframe. Using SMART criteria can help you avoid vague, unrealistic, or irrelevant metrics that may not reflect your research team's productivity or performance.

4 Monitor and communicate metrics

The fourth step is to monitor and communicate your research metrics regularly and effectively. Monitoring your metrics can help you track your progress, identify strengths and weaknesses, and adjust your strategies accordingly. Communicating your metrics can help you showcase your achievements, demonstrate your impact, and attract funding, collaboration, or recognition. You can use various tools and platforms to collect, analyze, and visualize your research metrics, such as bibliometric databases, dashboards, or infographics.

5 Solicit and incorporate feedback

The fifth step is to solicit and incorporate feedback from your research team members and other stakeholders on your research metrics. Feedback can help you validate, improve, or refine your metrics, as well as address any issues or concerns that may arise. You can collect feedback through surveys, interviews, focus groups, or peer reviews. You can also use feedback to motivate, recognize, or reward your research team members for their productivity and performance.

6 Review and update metrics

The sixth step is to review and update your research metrics periodically and according to the changing needs and expectations of your research project and environment. Research is a dynamic and evolving process that may require new or different metrics to capture its outputs and outcomes. Reviewing and updating your metrics can help you ensure that they are still relevant, accurate, and useful for your research team's productivity and improvement.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?