University rankings: a review of methodological flaws

Fauzi, Muhammad Ashraf and Nya-Ling Tan, Christine and Daud, Mahyuddin and Noor Awalludin, Muhammad Mukhtar (2020) University rankings: a review of methodological flaws. Issues in Educational Research, 30 (1). pp. 79-96. ISSN 0313-7155

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Abstract

University rankings have gradually become an issue for concern in the academic community worldwide. Several mechanisms with different methodologies have been developed to rank the universities appropriately. However, some ranking tools have notable issues, especially with the indicators adopted. Some are based merely on research performance, whilst others have focused solely on specific fields, such as science and technology – which could have deprived those in the arts and social sciences. This paper uses a narrative review to highlight a number of inconsistencies in the methodologies applied to rank universities. Five main ranking tools commonly applied to the world's universities are reviewed, namely Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), Times Higher Education (THE), Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), Leiden University ranking and Webometrics ranking. We found that several flaws in the rankings caused inconsistencies in university placings in different rankings. Suggestions for integrating multiple criteria and indicators for better ranking exercises are proposed. © , Western Australian Institute for Educational Research Inc.. All rights reserved.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	6395/79138
Uncontrolled Keywords:	University rankings ; methodological flaws
Subjects:	L Education > L Education (General)
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Ahmad Ibrahim Kulliyyah of Laws > Department of Civil Law
Depositing User:	Dr. Mahyuddin Daud
Date Deposited:	03 Mar 2020 15:57
Last Modified:	24 Nov 2020 14:11
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/79138

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