The Effect of Department Size on Quality of Research in Science: Evidence from the UK Research Assessment Exercise
31 Pages Posted: 27 Mar 2013
Date Written: February 1, 2013
Abstract
We examine whether the organisation of individual researchers into departments has an impact on the average research quality, beyond the impact of the individuals themselves. Using data on science disciplines generated from the UK Research Assessment Exercises in 1996, 2001 and 2008, we find that department size has an independent positive effect on research quality.
Keywords: economies of scale, RAE, research quality, department size, sciences
JEL Classification: O31, L88, L52, D83
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
Toivanen, Otto and Waterson, Michael, The Effect of Department Size on Quality of Research in Science: Evidence from the UK Research Assessment Exercise (February 1, 2013). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2239617 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2239617
Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?
Feedback
Feedback to SSRN
If you need immediate assistance, call 877-SSRNHelp (877 777 6435) in the United States, or +1 212 448 2500 outside of the United States, 8:30AM to 6:00PM U.S. Eastern, Monday - Friday.