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Complex networks for benchmarking in global universities rankings

Author

Listed:
  • Esteban Fernández Tuesta

    (University of São Paulo: EACH-USP)

  • Máxima Bolaños-Pizarro

    (University of Valencia)

  • Daniel Pimentel Neves

    (University of São Paulo: EACH-USP)

  • Geziel Fernández

    (Federal University of Santa Catarina: PPGEco-UFSC)

  • Justin Axel-Berg

    (University of São Paulo, FEA-USP)

Abstract

Finding a set of units that can serve as a reference for growth or improvement in positions within a ranking is not a simple task, since each ranking method can place the same unit in different positions and may even differ in relative position within the ranking. This study proposes a method that applies a combination of network analysis and efficiency methods to global university rankings. Complex networks allow the creation of a graph structure that selects a set of units that change positions in consecutive rankings and also the selection of the set of nodes that are linked with a selected node. For this new set, it is possible to calculate the efficiency level using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), from which the benchmarks of the indicators for each of the selected universities can be computed. The purpose of this paper is to develop a methodology to find a set of universities that compete with any university selected from those in the global university rankings, in particular ARWU, THE and QS. Moreover, this work also proposes to estimate the efficiency level of each university that competes with the selected university using the Data Envelopment Analysis methodology in order to establish benchmarks for each of the target Universities. This methodology is replicable for any university in any ranking or set of rankings. Given the high volatility of rankings, this process can serve university policy makers in selecting indicators to focus on for improved results in the short term.

Suggested Citation

  • Esteban Fernández Tuesta & Máxima Bolaños-Pizarro & Daniel Pimentel Neves & Geziel Fernández & Justin Axel-Berg, 2020. "Complex networks for benchmarking in global universities rankings," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 125(1), pages 405-425, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:scient:v:125:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1007_s11192-020-03637-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s11192-020-03637-9
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Global universities rankings; Research evaluation; Benchmarking; ARWU; THE; QS;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions
    • C67 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling - - - Input-Output Models
    • C50 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - General

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