The universities' research assessment exercise 1992: a second opinion

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Higher Education Administration

Background:

• University departments of general practice undergo regular assessments.
• The UK University Funding Council (UK UFC) is a key body for evaluating academic departments.
• Assessing academic departments is crucial for resource allocation and quality assurance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the assessments of general practice departments conducted by departmental heads versus the UK UFC.
• To evaluate the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of departmental heads' assessments.
• To inform potential revisions of current academic department assessment methodologies.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of assessment outcomes.
• Evaluation of assessment timelines and costs.
• Review of existing academic assessment frameworks.

Main Results:

• Little significant difference was found between departmental heads' assessments and UK UFC assessments.
• Departmental heads' assessments were demonstrably quicker.
• Departmental heads' assessments were more economical.

Conclusions:

• Departmental heads' self-assessments offer a viable alternative to external evaluations.
• Current methods for assessing academic departments may require reconsideration in light of more efficient alternatives.
• Implementing departmental head assessments could streamline the evaluation process for general practice departments.