Navigating bibliometric indicators in university rankings: a conceptual framework for strategic research management

The increasing prominence of global university rankings has fundamentally transformed the strategic landscape of higher education institutions worldwide. This review examines the strategic application of bibliometric indicators, with particular emphasis on Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI), in the context of university ranking systems. We propose a framework for institutions to develop metric-informed strategies while maintaining research integrity and avoiding the pitfalls of metric manipulation. The review concludes with actionable recommendations for universities seeking to enhance their global standing through evidence-based research management practices.