Conceptual Framework for Measurement of Research Productivity in Communication Sciences and Its Disorders in Indian Context

Abstract

A meta-analysis of frameworks and articles on research productivity was done to design a conceptual framework for measurement of research productivity in communication sciences and disorders by obtaining feedback from professionals in the field. The meta-analysis covered 12 existing frameworks for assessment of higher education and research institutions, 37 studies in the field of health research for a period covering 1993 to 2013 with respect to performance indicators (metrics) relating to research products and research efforts. A questionnaire was designed and administered to faculty in speech and hearing institutions in India. Based on the feedback to the questionnaire, the contextual relevance, feasibility of measurement and after exclusion of duplicate indicators, a model on research productivity with nine proxies containing 90 performance indicators was evolved. The results of the study highlight the role of speech and hearing institutions in the nation building by being a part of a nations‟ mission and vision in the higher education and health sector as well as contributing to the Millennium Development Goals of the WHO. The results of this study are intended to benefit the various stakeholders: the professionals (practitioners), the project funding agencies, the policymakers, the persons involved in governance and leadership of public funded/private funded institutions, and the public community/society on how best to measure and capture the research outcomes, outputs and impact in this discipline.