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Optimal research team composition: data envelopment analysis of Fermilab experiments

Author

Listed:
  • Slobodan Perović

    (University of Belgrade)

  • Sandro Radovanović

    (University of Belgrade)

  • Vlasta Sikimić

    (Technische Universität Wien)

  • Andrea Berber

    (University of Belgrade)

Abstract

We employ data envelopment analysis on a series of experiments performed in Fermilab, one of the major high-energy physics laboratories in the world, in order to test their efficiency (as measured by publication and citation rates) in terms of variations of team size, number of teams per experiment, and completion time. We present the results and analyze them, focusing in particular on inherent connections between quantitative team composition and diversity, and discuss them in relation to other factors contributing to scientific production in a wider sense. Our results concur with the results of other studies across the sciences showing that smaller research teams are more productive, and with the conjecture on curvilinear dependence of team size and efficiency.

Suggested Citation

  • Slobodan Perović & Sandro Radovanović & Vlasta Sikimić & Andrea Berber, 2016. "Optimal research team composition: data envelopment analysis of Fermilab experiments," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 108(1), pages 83-111, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:scient:v:108:y:2016:i:1:d:10.1007_s11192-016-1947-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s11192-016-1947-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Xiangyu Guo & Canhui Deng & Dan Wang & Xu Du & Jiali Li & Bowen Wan, 2021. "International Comparison of the Efficiency of Agricultural Science, Technology, and Innovation: A Case Study of G20 Countries," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-16, March.

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